Territory managers have problem-solving and communication skills that ensure the success of a business. Whether they are working to increase sales numbers or improving new methods to expand customer outreach, territory managers are essential to a company’s marketing and sales department operations. Some time ago, in the early days of my career, I witnessed a situation with a skilled territory manager, James, who was in charge of a large company.
James had a sales decline on one of his key accounts and had noticed a shift in consumer desire. He immediately analyzed the situation and developed a new marketing strategy. I observed him reverse the decline and significantly increase sales. This taught me a territory manager’s important role in bringing business to success. I will help you learn about the territory sales manager, their skills, and their salary.
Key Point
- The territory manager is the person in charge of managing sales and marketing within the territory.
- The online territory managers work in sales but sell online products and services. Online territories are responsible for a specific designation or a particular product line.
- A territory sales manager is a person who contributes to the implementation of sales for a company or organization in a specific area. They are needed to develop effective sales strategies, meet up with the sales territory target, and maintain good relationships with the clients.
- A territory manager’s salary is $106,008 in the USA but it normally falls between $84,930 and $131,838
- A territory manager has skills that include: communication, problem-solving, organization, and leadership and managerial skill.
Territory Manager
The territory manager is the person in charge of managing sales and marketing within the territory. They make sure that revenue targets are met. Furthermore, they need strong managerial capabilities to communicate and delegate important tasks to individuals. The territory manager works closely with clients to develop relationships and identify opportunities to increase sales. They also train and coach teammates to ensure they have the requirements to achieve their goals.
While working as a territory manager, one of the challenges I faced was ensuring that my team was motivated and focused on meeting their sales goals. I try to communicate regularly with them, offer guidance and support, and give tasks to each person based on their strengths and capabilities.
Additionally, I was aware of my task: to coach and improve my teammates. After doing all that successfully, I can tell you the importance of effective communication, strategic thinking, and strong sales leadership to gain market success.
Read Also: TERRITORY MANAGEMENT: Definition, Tools, and Why It Is Important
Online Territory Manager
The online territory managers work in sales but sell online products and services. Online territories are responsible for a specific designation or a particular product line. Some time ago, I was working as an online territory manager for “Trimpcom.” I managed sales for Trimpcom through my online channels. My role includes implementing digital marketing strategies, analyzing data to improve our online visibility, and cooperating with online retail partners to bring more sales to the company. Indeed, I experienced the importance of bringing regular sales strategies to the online space to achieve business growth.
Online Territory Manager Duties
The following are the duties of an online territory manager:
- They manage and execute all aspects of the marketing roles, which include maintaining and developing marketing strategies, developing promotional programs, and being in charge of every marketing effort.
- They maintain and improve website content.
- They make use of social media, online advertising, email marketing, print marketing, and other tools to promote the product or services
- They execute and develop online campaigns
- Online territory managers are tasked with maintaining customer relationships.
- They assess and identify their competitor’s weaknesses and strengths.
- They train staff in sales and provide technical assistance
- They see and identify new market opportunities
- They keep teammates notified on marketing trends and best practices
- The online territory manager maintains and develops good working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
Checklist on the Duties of an Online Territory Manager
Reasons Why You Should Become an Online Territory Manager
The following are the reasons why you should consider a career path as a territory manager:
#1. Autonomy in Managing Digital Strategy
An online territory manager allows you to guide the digital strategy for your designated region. This autonomy offers you the opportunity to execute your ideas and bring the online presence of your business to your territory. Also, they make strategic decisions that impact the growth and online footprint of your company, which include online sales, social media platforms, and digital marketing strategies.
As an online territory manager, I freely execute my ideas and tailor an online presence that is suitable for the needs of the territory. I have the power to make strategic decisions that directly impact the growth and online presence of the business. Thus, this job taught me how important an online presence is for the growth of a business, and the use of new and advanced strategies helped our online presence grow.
#2. Direct Impact on E-Commerce Growth
Another reason why you should consider a career as an online territory manager is their importance in driving the growth of e-commerce for your company. Also, an online territory manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and maintaining relationships with key accounts in your designated area.
As a territory manager, I implement strategies for client acquisition and retention combined with an understanding of market change and customer behavior in my area, which brings important improvements to my company’s performance in e-commerce.
#3. Remote Work Flexibility
Another benefit of having a job as an online territory manager is the flexibility in your work schedule and location. This job allows you to work remotely and give balance to your personal life and work commitments easily. As someone who has once worked as an online territory manager, I can say that the remote work structure has helped me improve effectively and productively at work by reducing distractions that affect territory managers working presently in a regular office environment.
Finally, the flexibility to work in different places gives you access to a wider range of experiences, professional perspectives, and growth opportunities.
Read Also: MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES: Complete Guide & What You Need to Know
Territory Sales Manager
A territory sales manager is a person who contributes to the implementation of sales for a company or organization in a specific area. They are needed to develop effective sales strategies, meet the sales territory target, and maintain good client relationships. Normally, a territory sales manager must have a bachelor’s degree and some management experience. Also, they are to have skills like communication, customer service, and problem-solving.
As someone with good knowledge about a territory sales manager, I know the key role they play in driving sales and maintaining customer relationships. I had a remarkable experience when I developed a new sales strategy that boosted our sales some time ago. At that time, I was tasked with meeting my sales quota and making sure clients were satisfied with my communication and problem-solving skills. This experience taught me how important effective strategies, client relationships, and necessary skills are in sales.
What Does a Territory Sales Manager Do?
They are responsible for overseeing business sales and personnel within a specific territory. Their function involves assembling and supervising a team of accounts managers, sales professionals, and supporting staff members. They are tasked with implementing and developing basic policies, and procedures, and establishing sales goals for the territory and team members. Additionally, their roles demand strong leadership skills and the capacity to motivate a team.
Read Also: Sales Management: Definition, Objectives & Best Practice
Territory Manager Salary
A territory manager’s salary is $106,008 in the USA but it normally falls between $84,930 and $131,838. Their salary depends on some important factors, like certifications, education, additional skills, and the number of experiences they’ve had.
What are the Top Paying Cities for Territory Sales Managers Jobs
Ten cities have been identified for a territory sales manager job salary to be above the national average. Santa Cruz, Sunnyvale, and Livermore are close to second and third positions. Livermore reaches the national average by $17,669, and Santa Cruz furthers the trend with another $19,190 above the $83,289 average.
Territory Manager Skills
A territory manager applies many skills to his job duties. Here I listed and explained those skills for better understanding.
#1. Communication
Communication is a vital skill as a territory manager because it is utilized in increasing customer outreach and communicating effectively with your clients to find out their problems and offer strategies on how to solve them. In addition, Communication is a great skill for the territory manager to conduct successful sales training for team members to improve their selling tactics. It is also important for them to apply their communication skills to give informative presentations to executives and senior company officials.
I recall that a few months ago, when I was working for a small firm, Primeton, I was the head of this team to expand a new region. I realized that I needed to communicate with people to achieve my goals. So, I had to listen to customers to understand their needs, and it made them happy, which they showed by purchasing more of our products. I have also been in a scenario that requires me to address my bosses. I always apply my communication skills, which helped me gain their trust, and in turn, they support my plans. With this, I can assure you that communication always makes a task as a territory manager successful.
#2. Problem-Solving
The territory manager often uses their skills in problem-solving to find solutions to some sales difficulties or situations. These solutions include discovering creative ways to generate revenue and generating effective marketing campaigns. As a territory manager, I have encountered a lot of difficulties that were tackled by putting my skills into action.
I remember some time I experienced stagnation in a particular region I managed. Firstly, I put my skills in problem-solving to good use by figuring out why sales are down and analyzing market trends. I found out that the existing marketing strategies need to be more effective with clients. So I came up with a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases. Afterwards, this boosted our sales in that region and customers kept coming back. That experience revealed problem-solving as a critical skill that offers solutions. It also resolves sales difficulties and sustains growth in your region as a territory manager.
#3. Organization
As a territory manager, I have been tasked with overseeing the functions of multiple geographical locations in my career. A territory manager can be tasked with looking after multiple locations. However, to do that, I suggest you apply adequate organizational skills that will help you understand the challenges and goals of the multiple regions under your supervision. Furthermore, with proper organizational skills, you can efficiently develop solutions to every challenge you face in these locations.
#4. Leadership and Managerial Skills
The role of a territory manager demands strong leadership and managerial skills to make critical decisions for the sales team. They need to have an understanding of the appropriate time to do things like, delegate tasks or focus on company objectives. I stood out in this skill as a territory manager because I understood my team member’s strengths and weaknesses when we faced challenges or struggled to meet our quota. This helps me to delegate tasks effectively. I also set goals for them based on what matters most to them and maintain open communication channels with my team. It helped me address challenges promptly and collaboratively. I suggest that you master the leadership skills as a territory manager because they help you make strategic decisions, and also help your team members’ sales goals.
What Is the Role of Territory Manager?
They are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining customer relationships. meeting sales targets and also ensuring effective sales within the specific geographical area.
Is a Territory Manager a Good Job?
The territory manager is very important to the company’s marketing operations and sales department. Thus, a territory manager applies his skills in problem-solving and communication to ensure business success.
What Is the Career Path of a Territory Manager?
Typically, territory managers hold a bachelor’s degree and some management experience. They also have skills in communication, problem-solving, and customer service. Their roles differ according to the size of their territories and companies.
What Makes a Good Territory Manager?
- They set the territory-level sales target
- They prevent conflict in their territory
- Territory managers create a rotating schedule for contacting customers.
- They consider the seasonal needs of their customers
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