Global State Of Sales 2023-2024

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Hubspot surveyed 1,477 sales professionals across the globe to find out what they’re hyperfocused on – and get a better understanding of how AI will affect their roles as we move into 2024.

    Here are some of the points we found interesting:

    AI’s Impact on Sales:

    • AI is fundamentally changing sales dynamics.
    • Buyers increasingly rely on AI for information, reducing dependence on sales professionals.
    • Sales reps shift focus to building relationships and providing personalized experiences.

    Sales Benchmarks:

    • Average sales win rate: 21%, close rate: 29%.
    • Median deal size: $4,000, with 47% falling between $1-$5,000.
    • Upselling and cross-selling tactics drive 21% of company revenue.

    Challenges and Goals:

    • 54% of salespeople find selling harder in 2023.
    • Challenges include inflation, supply chain issues, and a lack of high-quality leads.
    • Top goals: exceeding quotas, improving efficiency, targeting new markets.

    AI Boosts Sales Performance:

    • 66% believe AI can enhance personalized customer experiences.
    • 63% think AI aids in competing with other businesses.
    • AI usage is linked to improved upselling, cross-selling, and emotional response recognition.

    Focus on Efficiency:

    • 2023 is labelled the year of efficiency.
    • AI saves salespeople an average of two hours per day.
    • Sales professionals looking to trim tech stacks for increased efficiency.

    Hybrid Work and Sales Channels:

    • 71% of U.S. sales pros work hybrid.
    • In-person meetings remain crucial.
    • Effective sales channels include in-person meetings, phone calls, email, social media, video calls, and live chat tools.

    Self-Service Tools and Sales Enablement:

    • 64% of B2B sales pros offer self-service tools, enhancing buyer decision-making.
    • Sales enablement content usage is up 48%, with 79% deeming it important.
    • Salespeople using sales enablement content are 58% more likely to outperform.

    Smarketing and Customer Focus:

    • 30% say sales and marketing teams are strongly aligned.
    • Aligned teams are 107% more likely to beat goals.
    • Existing customers contribute to 72% of company revenue.

    Sales Professionals’ Focus Areas:

    • Virtual selling, social selling, enablement content, and sales processes efficiency are top focus areas.
    • Productivity tracking gains priority over profit margin as a key metric.

    Traits of High-Performing Salespeople:

    • High performers are more likely to prioritize sales/marketing alignment and CRM importance.
    • Analysis of data for process optimization, social media usage, and dedicated sales enablement teams contribute to high performance.

    Rising Trends:

    • Social selling is on the rise, with 56% already using social media for prospecting.
    • Social commerce gaining prominence, especially in B2C.
    • Customer-centric traits are crucial for high-performing salespeople.

     

    READY FOR A GAME-CHANGING CAREER OR TEAM ENHANCEMENT?

    FROM OUR PULSE NEWS, EMPLOYER AND JOB SEEKER HUBS

    Featured Articles

    How to Successfully Train a Sales Team

    A well-trained sales team is the backbone of any successful business. Proper training not only equips your team with the skills needed to excel but also fosters confidence, motivation, and long-term growth. Building a cohesive, high-performing sales team begins with a structured and strategic approach to training. In this blog, we’ll outline key strategies to…

    What is in a contract of employment?

    A contract of employment is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of your working relationship with an employer. As a job seeker, understanding what’s in a contract of employment ensures you know your rights, responsibilities, and what you’re committing to. This guide explores the key…

    How to Retain Your Best Sales Talent

    Retaining top sales talent is a critical challenge for any organization. High-performing salespeople are not only revenue drivers but also brand ambassadors who build lasting client relationships. However, the competitive nature of the sales industry means that retaining these valuable employees requires more than just a competitive salary. It demands a holistic approach that addresses…

    The Role of Networking in Tech Sales

    Networking is often hailed as the cornerstone of professional success, and this holds especially true in tech sales. A field that thrives on connections, trust, and rapport, tech sales demands more than just technical expertise and selling skills—it requires a strong professional network. For job seekers, networking can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise…

    Sales Headhunters vs. Job Boards

    Searching for a sales job can feel like navigating a maze, with countless options and platforms vying for your attention. Among the most popular methods are partnering with sales headhunters and using job boards. While both have their merits, each approach offers distinct advantages depending on your career goals and needs. This guide will explore…

    Top Interview Questions for Tech Sales

    Landing a tech sales role requires more than just a knowledge of sales fundamentals. In a field where innovation meets client needs, interviewers often ask specific questions to gauge your technical acumen, sales strategies, and adaptability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top interview questions for tech sales, why they’re asked, and how…

    How to Stand Out with Sales Recruiters

    When pursuing a career in sales, connecting with recruiters is essential for gaining traction in the competitive job market. However, with numerous candidates vying for limited roles, it’s crucial to differentiate yourself effectively. This blog delves into actionable strategies to help you stand out with sales recruiters, from refining your resume to showcasing your personal…

    Finding & Hiring Quality Sales Staff

    Hiring the right sales staff can transform your company’s growth trajectory, customer satisfaction, and revenue. However, the challenge lies in identifying and securing top talent in a competitive market. This guide offers actionable insights on where to find quality sales candidates, how to assess them, and strategies to retain them, ensuring your sales team delivers…

    Best Sales Recruitment Tips for 2025

    With competition for top sales talent at an all-time high, recruitment strategies must keep pace with new trends and challenges. As 2025 unfolds, companies need to prioritize advanced tools, diverse sourcing strategies, and effective candidate engagement to build elite sales teams. This guide highlights the essential recruitment tips for attracting and retaining top-tier sales professionals…

    Top 10 Must-Haves for a Sales Resume

    In the fast-paced world of sales, competition is high, and landing a new role requires a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and experience. Whether you’re an entry-level rep or a seasoned sales executive, your resume should showcase not only your sales record but also your ability to connect with clients, close deals, and…