Scenario 3

The Sales Manager approached you, asking you for guidance. The sales team is relatively new and inexperienced. He feels that they would benefit from networking. Sam and Alex, two team members of the Sales team, need to build relationships with customers, suppliers and fellow salespeople to achieve personal development and organisational goals.

Sam: Has issues with internal and external suppliers who consistently miss delivery dates and won't cooperate in keeping costs down for customers. Consequently, he has problems with his own customers; he feels suppliers don't understand his needs as a client. Sam finds conflict hard and avoids getting angry, hoping the problem will resolve itself. Sam feels he would benefit from hearing how others negotiate terms with suppliers. Right now, however, he has very little respect for them as they've let him down.

Alex: Has issues with customers who don't understand a good deal when they see it. He's also tired of chasing 'deadbeats' for settling accounts on credit. Alex would like to know how others deal with such 'fools' and still maintain a sense of self-respect.

How would you suggest the Sales Manager leads Sam and Alex to realise their professional goals and related organisational goals over the next three months?

Develop a brief networking plan to support Sam and Alex

Record your answer in the space below.