Influencers Invited Sales Blog

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If you’re stepping into your first role as a sales manager, you’ll quickly learn that things move very fast. Positions of leadership always tend to be very fast-paced and full of unique challenges, and sales management is no different. Managing a team, juggling sales targets and keeping your reps motivated as well as on track with their own targets is something you’ll have to learn to do quite quickly.

Read on to discover the top 10 books on every sales manager bookshelf and get some tips to become the best of the best.

1. Sales management simplified

Author Mike Weinberg covers three main areas of sales management in his book. Using real-life examples, he covers topics such as ethnicity, leading with honesty and coaching. 

In this book, you’ll get very valuable insights on how to create a healthy, results-focused environment where the sales reps can develop their skills and thrive. With its easy-to-read layout and problem-solution based approach, Sales Management Simplified is both an enjoyable and tremendously informative read.

2. The Accidental Sales Manager: How to Take Control and Lead Your Sales Team to Record Profits

In his book, Chris Lytle runs you through the daily challenges of a sales manager and how to cope with the pressure of achieving your targets if you’ve got an unmotivated team, or if you find yourself missing your previous job and being unmotivated. 

This book is sales management 101, it will run you through the causes and symptoms of common problems and how to solve them efficiently, turning your B players into A players, making the hiring process less burdensome and picking the right candidates every time!

3. The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness

Author Kevin F. Davis is no stranger to being a successful sales manager. In fact, he’s coached over 250 salespeople, impressive right? In his book, you’ll find handy tips on how to solve common sales manager problems. It’s both informative and helpful in increasing productivity and performance. 

4. Cracking the Sales Management Code: The Secrets to Measuring and Managing Sales Performance

CEO and partner of sales management Michelle Vazzana and Jason Jordan wrote this fantastic book into cracking the code to a sales team optimal performance. Based on research on how top firms control their reps teams, gives clear guidance on how to lead your reps to become top performers. 

Business writer Tony Lee, from Ukservicesreviews and Reveiweal, says – “in this book, you find out it’s not all about leadership or coaching, but also about how to effectively manage a sales force. This book reminds you the devil is in the detail, a total must!”

5. Sales Management For Dummies

Butch Bellah runs you through five main topics in this book, ranging from transitioning to a leader, building your team and letting mediocre performers go. With a plethora of real-life examples and tips you can apply immediately, this book is a must-read!

6. Sales Manager Survival Guide

Sales expert Mikaela Woods at Essay Services and Uktopwriters is a huge fan of this book- “This book is simply the best, through and through. From getting instructions on how to handle virtually every situation on the job to strategizing. I’ve taken a page out of this book many times throughout the years”.

7. The Sales Boss

The sales boss is the holy bible on how to build a winning sales team! Author Jonathan Whitman shows you how to find the right people you need for your team, bring them together and empower them to quickly become a high performing sales machine. 

8. Race to Amazing: Your Fast Track to Sales Leadership

Written by Krista S. More, this book is all about getting you up to speed in your new role, fast! With a focus on real-life examples, this book tells the stories of many who’ve found themselves in your shoes and how they navigated the situation!

9. The Coaching Habit 

In this book, Michael Bungay Stanier runs you through why coaching is key for your teams’ success. Focusing on saying less and asking more questions, this book will make you a skilled coach and lead your team to success.

10. The Cadence of Excellence

Focusing on time and effort management, Matthew McDarby will take you through how to manage your busy schedule to make the most of the time and energy you have! Work smart, not hard!