Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
Q: How are the classes taught, and how can i take advantage of my time in this program?
A: These classes are live (online), but will also be recorded and shared for you to keep. The class teaching style will vary, however most of our classes will be conducted using the modern, "Flipped Classroom" approach. This helps our entrepreneurs prepare in advance, and take full advantage of live class time to learn from their peers and make the most from their time with Engaged Prospect's experienced instructors. Your time is valuable and we want you to take full advantage of our expertise, and the knowledge of other entrepreneurs in your cohort.
Q: besides the classes, what other opportunities to learn will i have in this program?
A: In addition to 36 courses teaching the 5 key sales topics entrepreneurs must know (Strategy, Process, Technology, Data and Analytics, and Fundamentals and Best Practices), our entrepreneurs will also have access to other great opportunities to learn and develop. These include:
- One-on-one coaching sessions each month with Engaged Prospect's senior leadership team (one hour per month). These sessions are customized to the needs of the entrepreneur. Additional coaching hours can be purchased at a discounted rate.
- Access to LinkedIn group designed for specific class cohort. This online forum will provide entrepreneurs from the same class the ability to share ideas, progress, and other insights to help everyone in the group.
- Access to daily EP Huddle recordings. These 15 minute morning huddles are a great way to start the day, learn from a brief training, and get excited for the day ahead.
Q: How much time will i need to invest in this program to be successful?
A: Commitment will vary from entrepreneur to entrepreneur. As always though, you'll get more out of the program if you participate as much as possible. There will be 24 sessions taught over a 12 week period (2 sessions per week). They're live, but also recorded if you can't attend the class during its assigned time. As part of our "Flipped Classroom" approach, you'll be able to do any prep work on your own time. In addition, you'll have access to hundreds of pieces of content and the opportunity for instructor and peer open discussion to flesh out ideas, ask questions, and enhance your understanding.
We think most students will dedicate about 2-4 hours per week and we KNOW the investment will yield results that will help you grow your company for a lifetime.
We think most students will dedicate about 2-4 hours per week and we KNOW the investment will yield results that will help you grow your company for a lifetime.
Q: what will the return on my investment be?
A: Each entrepreneur will see a different ROI, of course. However, most entrepreneurs look at the ROI in a few different ways. Think about these things:
- If you could gain new insights and skill to better position yourself for increased funding, would it be worth it? I.e. is it worth spending $3,000-$5,000 to become better at presenting your business to investors and receiving an additional $25,000-$50,000+ in funding?
- If you could increase your customer base by 3, 5, 20+ additional customers, would it cover your costs or even turn a profit? Take your average customer value or ACV (what you sell your product/service for) and multiply it by 3, 5, 20. If your ACV is over $500, we think you'll see your money back relatively quickly. If your ACV is over $1,000, we think your return should be substantial.
- In addition to the financial return, you will also be a stronger sales person and have better strategies for the growth of your company moving forward.
Q: How does the ep academy program differ from other sales training programs?
A: There are many sales trainers out there that offer support. Many are really good. We think the EP Academy is the most robust program designed for entrepreneurs, and our clients have had great results growing their businesses.
The EP Academy is different in so many ways:
The EP Academy is different in so many ways:
- Engaged Prospect's core business is to launch and manage sales teams for our clients. We have been responsible for the growth goals of more than 50 companies. So when we teach the EP Academy program, we bring real life (and current) knowledge of best practices, technologies, processes, and strategies.
- EP Academy: Entrepreneur Sales Training Program is designed for the entrepreneur and small business owner in mind. We've trained hundreds of startup and small business leaders. Regular sales training programs (which EP offers also) do not address important issues for entrepreneurs.
- Sales training programs often only focus on one topic area. In addition to better understanding how to prospect, what questions to ask, and how to deliver a pitch, entrepreneurs must know 1) key strategies to grow a business, 2) proven processes for prospecting, opportunity management, customer outreach, 3) sales technologies available to increase output and streamline the busy schedule for entrepreneur sales people, 4) data and analytics strategies to better understand the sales landscape of their company to drive increased success, and how to position this information for future investors and key partners.
- The EP Academy uses a "Flipped Classroom" model. Most other online training programs are lecture based (many pre-recorded and sold over-and-over). Your time is valuable and we want you to take full advantage of our expertise, and the knowledge of other entrepreneurs in your cohort.
- Most sales training programs teach one methodology. Engaged Prospect teaches a variety of strategies and tactics to help our entrepreneurs become more confident and successful.
Q: Who are the instructors in this program?
A: The bulk of this program will be taught by Engaged Prospect's senior leadership team. Our senior leaders are not only excellent facilitators in sales training, sales operations, and sales strategy, but we also have current responsibilities leading the day-to-day sales efforts for many companies around the country. We practice what we preach.
Subject matter experts will be also utilized to teach certain concepts and support our entrepreneurs further.
Subject matter experts will be also utilized to teach certain concepts and support our entrepreneurs further.
Q: What is the process to get started?
A: The process to get started is simple. Click on the register button below (or on the EP Academy main page), and proceed through the sign-up process. Once registered, you'll receive an introductory email with all the steps to getting started and any other pertinent information. You'll also receive calendar invites to the live class links. The live, online classes will be conducted on Zoom.
Will I find value in this program?
Q: is this program for me?
A: Are you an entrepreneur who is responsible for the growth of your company? Then, this course will likely be beneficial. Most entrepreneurs start a business because they're really good at something, and they want to grow a business around that expertise. The problem is, many entrepreneurs are stuck. The first CEO needs to be the company's only sales person and grow company during the early stages.
This program is for any entrepreneur or small business owner who could use help with the following:
This program is for any entrepreneur or small business owner who could use help with the following:
- What are the various sales strategies, and how can I approach all opportunities to grow in the best way?
- What proven processes can I implement to grow my pipeline, build my partner networks, handle inbound requests properly, stay in front of my customers and lost opportunities? - and many more...
- What technologies are available to implement to be more effective, save time (I'm really busy), and offer the best value to my customers?
- How can I use data and analytics to scale my business and find selling velocity? How do I know what messaging is working, and when I need to pivot to a new strategy? How can I leverage my experiences and data to gain investor confidence?
- How can I become a better sales person, convert more deals, and be comfortable being the face of my company? What blocking and tackling tools would support me to be a professional sales person, even though that's not my only job?
Q: I have a sales person on my team, can they sign up for this program?
A: No. This program is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who are moonlighting as the sales person at their company. This 12 week program is designed to partner entrepreneurs with each other to achieve the best learning outcomes as possible.
The Engaged Prospect Sales Rep Model and Buy the Build Model are designed for companies that currently have a sales team, or are ready to launch one. Contact Us to discuss how we can help your sales team.
The Engaged Prospect Sales Rep Model and Buy the Build Model are designed for companies that currently have a sales team, or are ready to launch one. Contact Us to discuss how we can help your sales team.
Q: I want to build a sales team or add a sales person, can EP help me?
A: Yes. The Engaged Prospect Sales Rep Model and Buy the Build Model are designed for companies that currently have a sales team, or are ready to launch one. Contact Us to discuss how we can help your sales team.
In either model, Engaged Prospect supports your company to achieve a fully functioning sales department - recruiting (if needed), on-boarding, training, coaching, management, sales operations, and technology. Whether we help you, or completely own it (outsourcing), we have a solution to help you and your team.
In either model, Engaged Prospect supports your company to achieve a fully functioning sales department - recruiting (if needed), on-boarding, training, coaching, management, sales operations, and technology. Whether we help you, or completely own it (outsourcing), we have a solution to help you and your team.
Q: what does Engaged Prospect know about my market / industry?
A: Engaged Prospect has successfully launched over 50 sales teams. In addition, we've trained and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs. These companies represent dozens of industries and solutions. When we run into a challenge we haven't encountered before, we'll leverage our network of subject matter experts to support our strategies.
Remember, our clients are experts in their fields... we're experts in inside sales. That means we know how to market, prospect, and build value in any industry. Selling is a relationship business, and our support will make sure you can be successful building relationships and leveraging the right processes and strategies to be successful.
Remember, our clients are experts in their fields... we're experts in inside sales. That means we know how to market, prospect, and build value in any industry. Selling is a relationship business, and our support will make sure you can be successful building relationships and leveraging the right processes and strategies to be successful.
Q: Funding is limited, are there options for me to reduce my expenses of this program?
A: We have limited partial scholarships available. In addition, many of our entrepreneurs belong to a group that might also help them fund the investment of this program. Many business incubators, universities, small business programs, and corporations (law firms, banks, etc.) are eager to support workforce and economic development. VC and other investor groups are also likely to find value supporting this initiative for entrepreneurs eager to succeed in sales.
Q: what are the deliverables? what can i expect by participating in this program?
A: You will leave this program being a better sales person. You'll have a well rounded understanding of the fundamental skills every professional seller needs. Additionally, you'll have an excellent understanding of various sales strategies and processes to grow your business. You'll also know how to leverage technology and analyze data to better position your business for growth.
We think you'll find this the most comprehensive sales program designed for entrepreneurs.
We think you'll find this the most comprehensive sales program designed for entrepreneurs.