Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: everyone live by selling something -- Strategy -- The big picture -- The purchaser's view -- The B2B relationship box -- Using the relationship development box -- Strategic relationships -- Prospective relationships -- Tactical relationships: the power of low touch -- Co-operative relationships -- The end of relationships -- Strategic focus for the 21st century sales management -- Reputation management -- Working with marketing -- Leadership -- Process management -- Bibliography -- Index.

Until recently, sales managers received no specific training for their jobs. However, selling has become more complex with the emergence of regulations and more sophisticated customers. Sales managers need to inspire and achieve sales results by managing teams of professionals and other resources. To do so, they need guidance on dealing with issues that arise in these broader aspects of their role. This concise guide for sales managers is based on a well-known sales management technique called the 'customer portfolio matrix'. Beth Rogers weaves her version of this throughout, enabling sales managers to see their strategy from the customer's point of view. Doing so will allow them to set realistic objectives, design new strategies that add real customer value, avoid wasting time on price-oriented customers and deploy resources for maximum results.