Built4Balance (B4B), in collaboration with Nesi Consulting, delivered a comprehensive 5-week digital sales training program for graduate interns at a leading Nigerian financial institution. Designed to equip participants with sales best practices, digital tools, and workplace readiness, the program bridged knowledge gaps and prepared interns for success in sales roles.About Nesi Consulting
Nesi Consulting specializes in product management, strategy, and innovation consulting, empowering teams on their digital transformation journeys. With expertise in data-driven market research, user-centered design, and cutting-edge technologies, Nesi Consulting helps organizations identify challenges, uncover opportunities, and develop strategies for sustained success through workshops and consultations.Problem
B4B was contracted by Nesi Consulting to train graduate interns with less than one year of experience in sales-related roles at a leading Nigerian financial institution. The goal was to:- Familiarize participants with sales best practices and financial product selling.
- Sharpen their sales and communication skills.
- Equip them to effectively use digital tools and technologies to optimize sales efforts.
Solution
B4B designed and executed a hybrid training program that combined virtual and in-person sessions over five weeks.Key Activities:
- Curriculum Development: Created a structured, 5-week learning plan tailored to the client’s needs and participant’s learning requirements.
- Facilitator Engagement: Engaged experienced sales leaders to lead specialized training sessions.
- Content Creation: Developed over 110 hours of training materials, including facilitator guides, slide presentations, quizzes, and assignments.
- Capstone Project: Participants completed a final project to apply what they learned throughout the program.
Training Content:- Week 1: Introduction to the Client’s Products and Services.
Topics: Matching customer needs with products, analyzing product features and benefits, etc.
- Week 2: Fundamentals of Sales and Lead Generation.
Topics: Basics of lead generation, using CRM and digital tools for lead nurturing and pipeline development, etc.
- Week 3: Communication and Presentation Techniques.
Topics: Persuasive presentations, principles of persuasion, negotiation, building trust, and closing techniques, etc.
- Week 4: Script Development and Delivery.
Topics: Writing and customizing sales scripts for different customer profiles, amongst others.
- Week 5: Workplace Effectiveness.
Topics: Sales reporting, data visualization, CRM tools, data security, productivity, and time management, etc.
Technology Integration:
Google Classroom was used to streamline access to resources, assignments, and grading. Participation reports were generated for all 14 interns to track their progress.Outcomes and Impact
The training program successfully equipped participants with foundational sales skills, improving their confidence and ability to perform effectively in sales roles. Key outcomes included:- Enhanced Sales Proficiency: Participants demonstrated an understanding of lead generation, CRM tools, and customer engagement.
- Stronger Communication Skills: The interns showcased better presentation, negotiation, and trust-building techniques.
- Practical Knowledge Application: The capstone project allowed participants to apply their training to real-world scenarios.
- Workplace Readiness: Interns gained critical skills in time management, reporting, and data security, preparing them for productive careers in the financial sector.
Client’s Quote
According to Nkem Nweke, Founder, Nesi Consulting, “The B4B team took the scope I shared and prepared the course outline with such a flow that it was easy to understand and build on during delivery. I will definitely use them again in future engagements.”Participants’ Feedback:
“I got into TSU training program with little to no knowledge about the workings and dynamics of sales and how to go about it. I also had no knowledge on how to break down my goals and ensure they are SMART. But then my session with the amazing facilitators gave me the clarity I needed and the necessary materials to achieve the success that is waiting for me in the near future.” – Maryam Jimoh“Prior to the TSU training I had no idea on what digital sales entailed. This training has made me gain clarity on what a sales mindset entails and has made me understand sales as an art that I need to master.” – Agbo Comfort“Before joining TSU, I didn’t want to have anything to do with sales. I was afraid of the targets and the need to make sales. The time spent in TSU was very impactful. It has shaped my knowledge about sales and I am now confident.” – Rachael O.Conclusion
B4B’s collaboration with Nesi Consulting delivered a highly impactful training program that bridged knowledge gaps for emerging sales talent. By combining innovative curriculum design, expert facilitation, and hands-on application, B4B empowered participants to succeed in sales roles, setting the foundation for a high-performing sales workforce in the financial sector.Written by: Stacy Ketiku (Programs Manager, Built4Balance)
