What are the best sources to follow for sales trends and insights?

Podcasts are the best source to follow for sales trends and insights. They're perfect for on-the-go professionals. Resources include Audible, Scribd, Hoopla, Spotify, and your local library app. All offer free trials, and low subscription costs. Before going into a sales presentation, I enjoy listening to other sales professionals. This allows me to get in the right mindset and learn something new. Additionally, there are podcast who specialize in certain topics. For example, I learned and use Sandler selling methods, thanks to its dedicated podcast!

Podcasts present a very convenient way of passive learning. You could learn from experts even while traveling, working out or even taking a shower😜. There are lot of youtube channels like SBI TV or Sales hood which are cover niche topics related to sales field.

As a sales leader with decades of experience, staying ahead means engaging with a mix of hands-on and knowledge-based sources. First, immerse yourself in industry events and seminars where emerging trends surface. These settings are invaluable for spotting shifts and connecting with other thought leaders. Second, keep your ear to the ground by actively listening to clients—their evolving needs will keep your approach agile and relevant. Third, analyze your lost deals; they reveal insights that can be transformational. Finally, implement a strong sales enablement strategy to keep teams informed, equipped, and ready to adapt to trends. Sales success is about learning continuously from both wins and setbacks.

I love podcasts. Podcasts are such a great resource for BOTH personal and professional development. The podcasts offer insights, industry updates, and expert perspectives that help you stay informed in your field. It's like having a learning tool at your fingertips, tailored to your professional interests and accessible whenever you need it.

For staying abreast of sales trends and insights, I rely on a mix of reputable sources. Industry publications such as Harvard Business Review and Sales Hacker provide in-depth articles on evolving sales strategies. I actively engage in relevant LinkedIn groups and forums, where professionals share real-world experiences and discuss emerging trends. Podcasts like "The Salesman Podcast" and "The Advanced Selling Podcast" offer valuable insights from seasoned practitioners. Following thought leaders on social media, such as Jill Konrath and Anthony Iannarino, keeps me updated on the latest sales methodologies and best practices.

I have several ways to update, apart from subscribing to podcasts, I also really like joining communities that discuss things I want to learn more about. being involved in it is also a good part of direct learning, I also don't hesitate to take the best courses at reasonable prices, as well as attending various good seminars on YouTube. subscribing to the best magazines and radio is also important in my opinion. If there is an opportunity to teach in class, use it as best as possible because then we are forced to update with the latest knowledge. My suggestion is to increase curiosity in learning and feel the benefits

Books offer a holistic solution for understanding sales frameworks. If you have to understand a sales domain end to end, there is no better tool than a book. For example I recently read a book " The Sell" by Subroto Bagchi which covers the complete fundamentals of B2B selling giving stories on the complete sales cycle. This complete journey from Cold calling to prospecting to negotiation to closing the deals is hard to cover in any blog or podcast.

One of my favorite sales books is “Gap Selling” by Keenan. When I do group training, I always encourage my teams to read it. It’s a book for sales professionals that emphasizes a problem-focused approach over traditional methods. Keenan's emphasis on understanding the buyer's problems, rather than just pushing a product, helps build meaningful connections and drives more successful sales outcomes. The book provides actionable strategies, insightful anecdotes, and a practical framework that aligns well with the evolving dynamics of modern sales. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good sales book.

The books that I recommend reading are not only aspects of specific topics but also topics that are currently being discussed. for example about AI. I feel that building sales relationships is no longer just about knowing specific aspects but general aspects are also important. Being a generalist in knowledge can build bridges of conversation easily. Oh yes, apart from reading books, it's better to read the summaries first or articles in existing magazines.

I recommend continuing to research the sales sector through various channels. HBR is a good channel, but also newsletters from various professionals who have retired or who currently still have practical or strategic positions in their companies. but remember not to overload of information. try to find a specific new topic after you feel the need to explore it, please buy the book or take the course.

If you want to learn - use LinkedIn! LinkedIn is a powerful tool for learning and increasing your sales skills. By reading other people’s articles, posts and AI articles on the platform, you can access a wealth of industry insights, ask questions, and stay informed about market trends. Additionally, leveraging LinkedIn's advanced search features allows you to identify key topics and enables you to learn about specific topics or find experts in those areas to learn from.

In my experience, the best way to follow trends and stay current is a mix of utilizing social media platforms, peers/mentors along with customers/suppliers. When following trends, historical data and planning is important, but also consumer trends and behaviors both in the past and current will be what impacts sales in the now. We have to remember that customer experience can make or break a company and that providing meaningful customer interaction can create new positive trends.

To be honest, when it comes to mastering the art of sales, YouTube and Google are your secret weapons. Whether you're looking to polish your pitch, understand the latest sales strategies, or tackle objections like a pro, there's a treasure trove of videos and articles waiting for you. It's like having a personal mentor available whenever you need advice on closing deals or navigating the intricacies of the sales game.

every network that connected with you, is the fastest way to learn. sometimes theories vs market, will not the same. so learn for all practitioners are benefited to you too.