RFPs (Requests for Proposals) are a necessity in B2B sales. Yet most sellers respond reactively, mistakenly believing that more proposals mean more deals. In truth, without a strategic approach, businesses waste valuable resources on low-probability bids. Worse, failing to differentiate means buyers default to price-based decisions rather than value-based ones.

How to Drive Sales Velocity: Unlocking the Power of the Buyer Change Blueprint

Andy Springer
April 8, 2025

Let’s be real: getting buyers to take action isn’t easy. You’ve been there; a deal is progressing, conversations are moving along, and then—boom—it stalls. The buyer goes quiet. They hesitate. And suddenly, what seemed like a sure thing turns into an endless cycle of follow-ups and ghosting. Why does this happen? It’s a common challenge in sales: while buyers might recognize the need for change, they don’t feel the urgency to act now.

24 Sales Tips to Refine Your Skillset

Andy Springer
March 20, 2024

Selling is about the whole experience from the first conversation to signing on the dotted line. One wrong move or poor interaction can drive buyers away. The best sellers strive to deliver value in each interaction, leaving the buyer wanting more and turning to them for advice. What’s more, the best sellers tend to have strong skills across the sale cycle.

An Introduction to Using AI in Sales Prospecting

Andy Springer
February 7, 2024

Unless you’ve been on an extended media break, you’re aware that artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a splash across all industries of business. I’ve seen this as a practitioner. I work closely with client organizations and collaborate with senior executives, and I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about AI. What’s RAIN Group’s position on AI? What’s working for sales teams in terms of applying AI? How do we make AI work for us?

How to Use a Field Advisory Board in Your Sales Enablement Strategy

Andy Springer
November 8, 2023

In the competitive landscape of B2B sales, organizations are constantly seeking ways to improve their sales training to drive better results. One highly effective approach we’re seeing gain traction among our clients is the establishment of field advisory boards.

How to Host Sales Kickoffs That Engage and Energize Sales Reps

Andy Springer
January 11, 2023

What Is a Sales Kickoff? A sales kickoff (SKO) is an event, often held at the start of a fiscal year or quarter, during which an organization shares goals and strategy for the upcoming year and motivates their sales teams. During the event, sellers might receive training on new skills, tools, or products and services.

Building Your Sales Coaching Plan + Checklist

Andy Springer
June 22, 2022

It’s always important to remember: if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there. If you want your sellers to perform at the peak of their potential, it’s essential to know the specific objectives you need to help your team achieve, and to map out the road that will help them achieve those objectives.

20 Virtual Sales Relationship-Building Tips

Andy Springer
February 3, 2021

Virtual meetings are now part of our everyday reality. Even in situations where you’re able to meet with some folks in person, you’re still likely to face a high number of virtual meetings on your calendar. This isn’t going to change any time soon. The way the world does business has shifted drastically in light of the pandemic. Even when it’s safe to do so, we’re likely to see many people continuing to work remotely because technology and processes have been put in place to make it a viable long-term option.

Virtual Training Best Practices: Transition, Setup, and Engagement

Andy Springer
July 1, 2020

Virtual training has become a necessity for remote teams. But designing and delivering effective virtual training is the exception more than the norm.

Virtual and In-Person Training Are Different in These 6 Ways

Andy Springer
May 13, 2020

Ask the question, “What needs to happen at your company for successful virtual training now that sellers are working remote?” and you’re likely to get answers like this: Facilitators need to engage participants Content needs to be relevant to the buyers and scenarios sellers face Sellers need to practice the new skills Training needs to be dynamic and interactive It's a nice list, but not unique to virtual instructor-led training (vILT).

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