Manchester, N.H.—CCA Global has revamped Fast Start, its extensive training program for sales professionals, with a new virtual platform designed to train and retain new employees.
“Retaining talented sales pros is a nationwide issue long faced by our industry, but it’s never been so critical as it is right now,” said Nicole Harding, vice president of CCA Global University, who led the effort to create the new virtual curriculum. “It is extremely critical to keep good people and ensure they are successful. This course does all of that. We pride ourselves in being a great place to work and in bringing out individuals’ best strengths. This course is highly personalized with personality assessments, one-on-one selling scenarios and feedback sessions. We want to set our team members up for success with the best foundation we can offer from the start.”
The virtual five-day course provides sales professionals at all experience levels skills to understand the standards of performance, how to improve interactions with customers and build their book of business, boost key sales metrics such as close rate and average ticket, strengthen their brand knowledge and learn best practices on gaining integral referrals and reviews.
Modeled after CCA Global’s in-person training program, the Fast Start team said it researched best-in-class tactics for virtual team learning before recently taking the program live. The most recent training session featuring the new virtual platform garnered the largest Fast Start attendance for the company to date. “I learned so much during the day, could do the homework at night and get rest in my own bed,” said recent participant, Courtney Akel, Akels Carpet One, Little Rock, Ark. “Having the speakers was amazing. I could not say enough good things about this program. I will encourage future sales associates to participate.”
The updated virtual Fast Start combines 32 hours of Zoom time, more than 20 online university classes and 10 presenters and speakers. “We combined homework, team assignments and local store activities with support and access from the top vendors in the flooring industry,” Harding said. “We have our multiple flooring divisions learning the rules of the trade and brand-specific information.”