A Fife entrepreneur has launched a new online tool designed to help SMEs increase sales and boost their bottom line.
SalesMap, a web based sales process application with coaching and mentoring support, has been developed by Bruce Hamilton to help companies become more disciplined and successful at selling.
After securing funds through Business Gateway Fife, the sales coach and mentor who has held senior sales positions with the likes of Rank Xerox, Canon, Telewest and Microgen, launched the application in May.
SaleMap provides users with a structured selling process to follow, complete with a step-by-step guide, online mentoring, coaching and sales tips plus tried and tested selling techniques – all at the touch of a button. Company owners also gain an easy way to monitor performance, identify sales trends and make informed forecasts.
Bruce, from Kirkcaldy, said: “I’ve worked for national and international companies who have money to throw at training their sales teams but for SMEs the sales department is one of the first to have its budget cut when times get tough.
“Sending an employee out into the field without training or a support network will ultimately cost a company more as that person is unlikely to reach their targets. SalesMap provides SMEs with an affordable sales support mechanism that helps users understand the processes and structures of selling, improves efficiency, confidence and ultimately increases their ability to sell.
“Selling is intuitive to me but I understand the value of second opinions so turned to the experts at Business Gateway Fife for their thoughts on the product’s viability and functionality. Having a sounding board was extremely helpful and the funding I secured through Business Gateway allowed me to bring SalesMap to market earlier than anticipated.”
Peter Livingstone, Manager, Business Gateway said: “Bruce regularly works alongside our advisers helping our clients improve their sales techniques and knowledge. He is highly regarded in his field and his product aims to give companies selling business to business access to the vast knowledge he has gained during his 35 year career in the industry.”
Although a number of businesses have already signed up to trial the product the first company to buy SalesMap is Fife-based Internet Creation Ltd, a website design company that is looking to expand its reach globally through franchising the business.
Ian Paltiel, Commercial Director, Internet Creation Ltd, said: “Support is key if a franchise is to be successful and that is why we have made SalesMap an integral part of the package we offer. It provides all the guidance and insight that a franchisee will need to excel in sales and, because it allows me to see how they are performing by simply logging into the website, it will save me time and help me accelerate the growth of my business. Already we are in talks with potential franchises in Scotland, England and South America which could see my business – and SalesMap – go global before the end of the year.”
For more information on how Business Gateway can help your business grow call us on 01592 858333.