What must salespeople establish before implementing a strategic plan?

Establishing priorities in the form of objectives is critical for salespeople prior to implementing a strategic plan because these objectives provide a clear direction and measurable targets to guide their actions. Objectives help in defining what success looks like for the sales team, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the overall strategic goals. They set the foundation for accountability and performance assessment, enabling the team to focus on achieving specific outcomes rather than just following a plan without clear milestones.

Additionally, having well-defined objectives allows salespeople to prioritize their activities and allocate resources effectively. It ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the desired outcomes and helps to streamline efforts towards common goals. This clarity is essential for maintaining motivation and engagement among team members as they work towards achieving the outlined objectives.

In contrast, while understanding competition, budget limits, and team assignments are important components of a strategic plan, they are secondary to having clear objectives. Without established objectives, other elements may lack focus and direction, making it difficult for sales teams to operate effectively.