Sales Management
PART III: Sales Planning and Pipeline Operations
Session 8: Sales Pipeline Management
Course Code: SM-08
Goal: Track and optimize sales opportunities effectively by managing entries in the Sales Pipeline, improving forecasting accuracy and deal progression visibility.
Session Overview
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Instructor-led (via Microsoft Teams or in-person)
Level: Intermediate (Ideal for sales representatives, account managers, and sales managers)
Resources Provided:
- Sales Pipeline Management Quick Start Guide
- Opportunity Types and Scoring Matrix
- Pipeline Update and Review Checklist
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Transfer projects into the Sales Pipeline for active tracking.
- Manage, update, and categorize opportunities within the pipeline.
- Apply Opportunity Types and Probability Scoring for accurate forecasting and reporting.
Session Agenda
SM8.1 Transferring Projects into the Sales Pipeline
- Identifying when a project should move into active pipeline tracking.
- Methods for transferring Sales Projects or Qualified Leads.
- Associating the appropriate Customer, Site, and Participants.
- Setting initial Opportunity Stage and Expected Close Date.
SM8.2 Managing, Updating, and Categorizing Pipeline Entries
- Regular pipeline maintenance best practices:
- Updating stages (e.g., Prospecting, Quoting, Negotiation, Closed Won/Lost)
- Adjusting estimated value and expected close dates
- Adding notes, internal comments, and strategy updates
- Categorizing opportunities by vertical (Commercial, Education, Government, Healthcare, etc.)
SM8.3 Understanding Opportunity Types and Probability Scoring
- Defining Opportunity Types (New Business, Expansion, Renewal, RFP)
- Using Probability Scoring to:
- Forecast weighted revenue
- Prioritize high-probability opportunities
- Adjusting probability as project maturity evolves
Hands-On Preview (Optional if time allows)
- Transfer a sample Sales Project to the Pipeline.
- Update Opportunity Type and Probability.
- Review Pipeline dashboard with weighted forecasting view.
Post-Session Action Items
- Review active pipeline for outdated or stagnant opportunities.
- Standardize Opportunity Types and Probability rules across the team.
- Prepare weekly pipeline updates for management reviews.
Note: When scheduling, make sure to include this session code: SM-08