10y
I'm sorry you feel you had such a negative experience and it certainly isn't the same experience I have heard from others. I would like to clarify that GDS does provides more than "fundamental sales training". Over the last two and a half years, GDS has invested heavily in its sales team by providing Professional sales training for new hires and ongoing sales training for all sales team members.
We utilize the Sandler Sales Process as a fundamental part of our sales training. New hires attend a Sandler Training Boot Camp or attend a series of trainings taught by a local Sandler provider. In addition, all sales employees receive ongoing Sales training weekly with the Sandler trainer either via video or online to continue developing their sales skills and may contact the consultant anytime they need assistance with a sale or need advice on how to approach a client. It does not stop there, internally, the sales team participates in and in some cases conducts product training in a one hour weekly session along with the Operations Department. All of this added together represents quite a bit more than fundamental training.
Probably the best thing I can say about quotes and engineering resources is that is a two way street. While it can be difficult at times due to volume or size of products it also depends on how a Sales Rep qualified the client. If there is good and early interaction with Operations in the qualifying process and the solution has been clearly defined early, quotes can get done quicker and more accurately. This helps get the solution to the customer quicker.
Clearly, there will always be room for improvement and recognizing this, we formed the One GDS team to look at all processes, procedures and interactions between the various departments including Sales, Operations, Accounting and others. This is a work in progress but we are continuing to make strides forward.
Thanks again for the feedback and for giving us this opportunity to discuss the training and process improvements GDS is currently engaged in. We wish you well in your next opportunity.
