How can ChatGPT benefit Reps?

There has been a lot of talk about, and big bucks being spent on, ChatGPT and AI language models in the recent news.  What's it all about, and can it do anything for Manufacturers Reps?  Well, let's ask the source -- the following excerpt is from Chat GPT itself:
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Chatting

Me: How can ChatGPT help independent sales reps?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, ChatGPT can provide a variety of resources and support to independent sales reps to help them increase their sales performance and achieve their goals. Here are some ways ChatGPT can help:

1. Sales training and coaching: ChatGPT can provide sales reps with training materials, resources, and coaching on various sales techniques, strategies, and best practices. This can help sales reps improve their sales skills and knowledge, and ultimately increase their sales performance.
2. Lead generation and prospecting: ChatGPT can help sales reps with lead generation and prospecting by providing them with information on potential customers and leads based on their target audience and industry. This can help sales reps save time and effort in their prospecting efforts and focus on more promising leads.
3. Sales enablement: ChatGPT can assist sales reps with sales enablement by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to effectively engage with customers and close deals. This can include sales scripts, sales collateral, and product information.
4. Customer engagement and support: ChatGPT can provide sales reps with guidance on how to engage with customers effectively, handle objections, and provide support to customers after the sale. This can help sales reps build strong customer relationships and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Sales analytics and reporting: ChatGPT can help sales reps with sales analytics and reporting by providing them with insights on their sales performance, pipeline, and customer behavior. This can help sales reps identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize their sales performance.

Overall, ChatGPT can provide a range of valuable resources and support to independent sales reps to help them achieve their sales goals and succeed in their roles.
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Exploration

Ok, interesting.  There are definitely some interesting general topics related to what we asked.  Well, let's explore that a bit more and see if we can an implementable result, something specific.  We'll proceed from the first option is gave us above, and see where we can go:

Me: What are some sales training resources for manufacturers reps that are paid based on commissions earned in a designated territory?
ChatGPT: Here are some sales training resources for manufacturers reps that are paid based on commissions earned in a designated territory:

1. Manufacturer's training programs: Many manufacturers offer training programs for their reps that cover their products, industry trends, and sales techniques. These programs can be a valuable resource for reps to learn about the products they are selling and how to position them in the market.
2. Sales training courses: There are many sales training courses available online that cover a range of sales techniques and best practices. These courses can help reps improve their sales skills and knowledge, and ultimately increase their sales performance. Some examples of online sales training courses include the Sales Training and Coaching Program by SalesHood, the Professional Sales Certificate Program by the Sales Management Association, and the Sales Training and Enablement Certification by Brainshark.
3. Sales books and podcasts: There are many books and podcasts that cover various aspects of sales and can provide valuable insights and advice for reps. Some popular sales books include "Spin Selling" by Neil Rackham, "The Challenger Sale" by Brent Adamson and Matthew Dixon, and "To Sell Is Human" by Daniel H. Pink. Some popular sales podcasts include "The Advanced Selling Podcast" by Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale, "The Sales Evangelist" by Donald C. Kelly, and "The Brutal Truth About Sales & Selling" by Brian Burns.
4. Industry events and conferences: Attending industry events and conferences can provide reps with opportunities to learn about industry trends, network with other professionals, and attend training sessions and workshops. Some popular industry events for sales reps include the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Annual Summit, the Manufacturing Sales and Marketing Summit, and the Manufacturer's Representatives Educational Research Foundation (MRERF) Conference.
5. Sales coaching and mentorship: Reps can benefit from coaching and mentorship from experienced sales professionals who can provide guidance and support in their sales activities. This can be especially helpful for new reps who are still learning the ropes. Some manufacturers may offer coaching and mentorship programs for their reps, or reps can seek out coaching and mentorship from industry associations or professional organizations.

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Implementation

Great, there are definitely, some direct links to get started with (not just general vagueness about what to do).  In 2, it offers some well-known training programs by SalesHood, Sales Management Association, and Brainshark...  It would have been slightly cooler if it had provided the links, so that I didn't have to chase them down or potentially go to the wrong place.

Let's take one more step though.  These resource are very generic sales training offerings -- can we get something industry-specific?

Me: What training programs are offered specifically to manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry?
​ChatGPT: There are several training programs and resources offered specifically to manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry. Here are some examples:

1. ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) certification: The ISSA CMI offers certification programs for janitorial and sanitation professionals, including manufacturers reps. The CMI offers several levels of certification, ranging from basic cleaning principles to advanced techniques and management. The programs cover topics such as cleaning chemistry, cleaning procedures, and safety and health.
2. JanSan University: JanSan University is an online training program offered by Bunzl Distribution USA that is designed for manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry. The program covers a range of topics, including product knowledge, industry trends, and sales techniques. The program also includes online quizzes and tests to assess knowledge and retention.
3. National Chemical Laboratories (NCL) University: NCL University is an online training program offered by National Chemical Laboratories that is designed for manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry. The program covers topics such as product knowledge, cleaning procedures, and safety and health. The program includes online courses, videos, and webinars, as well as in-person training sessions.
4. Spartan Chemical: Spartan Chemical offers training programs for manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry, including product knowledge and sales techniques. The programs include online courses, videos, and webinars, as well as in-person training sessions.
5. Kaivac University: Kaivac University is an online training program offered by Kaivac, Inc. that is designed for manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry. The program covers topics such as product knowledge, cleaning procedures, and sales techniques. The program includes online courses, videos, and webinars, as well as in-person training sessions.

These are just a few examples of the training programs and resources available for manufacturers reps in the janitorial and sanitation industry. Manufacturers reps can also seek out training and certification programs offered by industry associations and professional organizations.
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Conclusion

There are some names I recognize.  We've been a long time attendee at ISSA conventions; Bunzl is quite a big player in the industry, as is Kaivac (interesting that it gave us both a Distributor and a Manufacturer in this context -- good for variety); and if we kept on going, I bet it would very easily come up with the industry associations to join as well.

Start generic, dig a little deeper, and be industry-specific.  This was just a dive into what was offered first for what ChatGPT could do for us, there are still 4 more in its initial list to dive into...

ChatGPT by OpenAI