Right then. The quarter didn’t go so well for you and now your executive management team has asked you to pull together a sales and marketing plan for your territory. Now, your immediate reaction is to ‘go to the math’. I see it every time. You have this desire to pull together that standard powerpoint slide that shows a dollar amount you need to achieve and your math works backwards:
“if bookings are x and average order value is y then you need z number of sales. You will achieve z number of sales by assuming you close 1 in 10 prospects which means you will now be trying to get g number of prospects from marketing and existing pipeline. Please find attached a list of the prospects in my funnel.”
Plan done. Time to go home. Wrong! The math is only one very small component of a solid territory plan and is only applicable if you are large enough to sustain/rely on “run-rate business”.
What are the things that should be covered in a sales territory plan?
Well, before we get to that let’s go through a few basic questions. For instance, why do you actually have to pull together a plan? Yes, I know you think it is an administrative task to mollify management but there is more to it. When done right a plan can really help you understand the business needs of your customers and prospects and make sure you have all the information and tools to close business. As well, a solid plan involves proactive metrics and information which lends to effective course correction and is a communication tool to others which allows you to focus more time on closing business and less time on the day-to-day bickering.
Writing a sales territory plan is a desired skill - in essence it is a small business plan for your patch and includes the strategic and the tactical. The next basic question is what angle do you take for your sales plan? Is it for a geography (e.g. the west)? A vertical industry (e.g. financial services)? One of your product lines? Just you? Is it all of the above? What are you and your team being tasked to achieve? Simple questions but keep in mind that the answers will then determine who is involved in creating this plan (e.g. in product management, marketing, your sales team, partners, etc.).
Finally, what role does marketing play in your plan? This is not the place to usurp the entire strategic marketing plan for the company. You know the one: it includes building brand recognition, awareness and strategic goals for future offerings. No, in your plan you need to address marketings role in demand creation: directly supporting you, the sales guy, by creating demand, generating leads and moving new opportunities into your sales funnel. Make sure you and your marketing folks clearly understand this and are on the same page.
Right then. Lay it on me. What are the components of a solid sales plan?
- one-page abstract that is a summary of the plan;
- general overview that analyzes performance as of today;
- identification and plan for existing opportunities (e.g. exploit a weakness, key accounts);
- identification and plan for new opportunities (e.g. “the math”, key accounts identified);
- address customer segmentation and develop strategy and sales tactics for each (e.g. this includes all your marketing, competitors, SWOT, partner relationships, etc.);
- what resources do you need to succeed and why? (e.g. marketing collateral, product presentations, new hires to address existing issues)
Please keep in mind that a sales plan assumes that the product pricing, features and capabilities are already known. If they are not, then slip in a section that addresses this too.
OK, this is all really cool to get me started but what I really need is a specific outline that I can build my plan from.
Fortunately, we at Business Ready have whipped up a Sales Territory Plan outline so that when you present to the CEO, CFO, VP of Sales or other audience you make sure that you have covered all the elements of a solid plan. Happy selling!
—-
UPDATE: Hey folks! I had to pull the territory plan as my example was a little too close to home for one of my clients. When it is updated (although I’m not sure how much more generic I can make it) I will email it to the people below. In the meantime, the elements of a good plan are above and I’m sure you are well on your way. Cheers!



196 comments ↓
hi I read this with interest, but could not open the territory plan you had WHipped up
please can you send to me? many thanks
Allison
can you also send me a copy of your teritory plan? thank you and more power.
ruel
Can you also send me a copy of the territory plan? Thanks!
I’d be interested in a copy also since the link did not open.
Thank you,
Bert
Liked your article but no link working. Could you send me the file for this link please. Russo
I really enjoyed your article, but the link was not working. could you please send me the file for this link? Thank you!
Enjoyed the article, would love to see the link. Can you please send. Thank you.
Could you send me the territory template
Hi,
can’t find your territory plan as per other comments link not working. can you please send.
thanks & cheers
could you send territory template ASAP
thanks
Please send me the outline as well for the territory sales plan. Thanks.
Would like to see outline, please send
Can not open the link-please email me the sales plan outline! Thanks so much
thanks for the article. It really gave me the kick start I needed to develop a plan. I would love to see your territory plan. Could you please forward it to me.
thanks
Please send me some sample plans. I love the article!
Good info but like all of the other comments I could not open the outline. Could you please send?
Thanks
Would you please forward a copy of the Territory Plan you referenced. Thanks!!
I really enjoyed your article, but the link was not working. could you please send me the file for this link? Thank you!
add me to the list of people wanting a copy of the sales plan. Thanks.
Like everyone else could you send me a copy of your sales plan template.
I also would love a copy if you would be so kind to send one.
Thanks!
I found this write up to be interesting and would love to have a copy of the territory template.
can you email me a copy of the territory template.
TY
can you email me a copy of the territory template?
Thanks.
can you email me a copy as well? Cheers to all.
Please email me a copy. Thanks.
Good stuff. Please send me the territory plan that you referenced. Thanks!
I’d like a copy also…. The Territory plan sounds great.
GREAT website and information - I would also appreciate the whipped up Territory Plan - thanks.
Can please forward me a copy of your Territory Plan.
Hello, I too have found this article quite interesting. I would very much appreciate if you would email me a copy of your sample.
Thank you in advance!
Mike
Like the rest, I love the article. Can you send the sample. Thanks in advance!
Karen
Thanks for the article. Can you send me the sample.
Thanks, Roger
Good article. Will you please e-mail me a copy of the template–thanks!
Nice Article.
Will you please e-mail me a copy of the template–thanks!
Thanks for this post. Can you email the plan to me as well. Thanks
Can you please send me a copy of this territory sales plan template? Thanks!
Hi,
I am not sure if you were able to modify the plan so it can be emailed. if so could you please send me the template? thanks for your help!!!
Would really like to see the template. Sounds quite good.
Please add me to your list to send your updated sales plan. Looks like you have struck a point of interest for a lot of folks.
Thanks!
Very interesting observation and well composed. Would really like to see the template if possible…Sounds really good.
Thanks
very interesting. Would you mind sending me tempplate also.
Thanks,
Joe
Great but could you also send me the template.
Thanks,
Ryan
Could you email me the template?
Can I please have the copy of the plan - word, excel or PDF is fine
Great article! can you send me a copy of the plan as well?
Great article, would love to see copy of plan. Thx
Would you also send me a copy of the outline? Thanks
can you send me a copy of that territory plan?
could you please email a copy of the territory plan outline?
I’d like to see your sample if you don’t mind sharing the territory plan.
Me too on that sales plan! Any sample would be appreciated. Thanks so much for your help!
Hi, yes please send me a copy of the plan as soon as available - Thanks
I really need your sample, if you would be so kind to e-mail it to me. Many Thanks!
I really need your sample, if you would be so kind to e-mail it to me. Many Thanks!
Hello. Any chance I can see your sample? Thanks very much!
Ditto on the email
You know the drill…template please.
Yee-Haw!
Hi I found your blog very interesting and to the point. I would really appreciate a copy of your sample as I am preparing a territory plan currently. Challenging times!
Would you be so kind as to email the outline to me as well when it’s updated? Much appreciated!
Can you please send me a copy? TIA!
Could i please get a copy of your TMP?
thanks so much!
Rita
I liked your definition and explanation of a strong territory plan. Can you email me the template/outline for further review?
Ditto on the email please! THANK YOU for including Marketing in your discussion. Does this make 64 solid leads?
I really liked how you explained ” how to write a sales territory plan” on this blog as I want more than just a number/the math. Please send me the templete if possible so I can do something different and enlighten my bosses. Thanks, Ky
can you please e-mail me your sample or outline?
I would like a copy of your outline too!!!! Thank You!
Great article, can you send me a copy of the plan and outline…..
please send me your sales plan
Can you send me a copy of the outline? thanks!
Good info. I’d appreciate a copy of the outline as well. Thanks!
I liked your fine article. Please send me a copy of your updated sales territory plan. Thanks in advance.
pls send me a copy of the plan. Thx
pls send me a copy of the plan. Thx
Can you please send me a copy of the plan as well? Thx!
Please email me a copy of the plan. Thank you!
Please email me a copy of the plan as well. Thanks.
Please can you email me a copy of the plan also! Thank you….
Please can you email me a copy of the plan also! Thank you….
I would love to see this as well.. Thank you!
Would like a copy.. Thanks!
please send me a copy as well……
Would you please send me a copy of the plan. Thank you!
Can you please send me a copy of the sales plan template , looks very good, thank you
Can you please send me a copy of the plan.. Thank you!
Could you send me a copy of your plan as well?
Can you please send me a copy of your plan? Thank you!
Can you please send me a copy of your plan?
Please send me a copy of the plan.
Thanks!
I would love to see your plan for guidance.
Please forward that territory plan…sounds like it hits the right spots.
thanks.
Can you please send me a copy?
Please direct me to the template or can you email it to me? Thank you.
Would you please send me a copy of your territory plan.
Thank you.
Would you mind sending me a copy of the territory sales plan as well. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Would love a copy of the plan - THanks.
Hello, may you please email me a copy of the territory plan? Thank you so much.
I’d appreciate an email with your territory plan info and template as well
Would you please send me a copy of the plan. Thank you!
Hello Wendy,
I’d love to take a look at the Plan, do you still have and can you email it my way?
THANKS VERY MUCH!
Mark
can i have a copy of the plan too
Great article!
I would like to request a copy of the plan as well.
Thank you in advance,
Naima
Can you email me a copy of the plan as well. Thanks
If you could email me a copy as well, I appreciate it! Cheers!
Is it possible to send me a copy? Thank you in advance
Could you please send me a copy of your plan?
Many thanks in advance.
Good guidance but I would also like a copy of your sample plan. Would you please send one on? Many thanks!
Please send me a copy as well! Thanks.
Would really like to see a copy of your sample plan as well! Thanks!
Great article, would you kindly send me a copy of the generic plan as well?
Much appreciated!
Can you send this to me? It would definitely help me with my plan.
Found this article really useful, can you please send me a copy?
Thank you
I found your article very interesting. Please can you send me a copy of the generic plan.
Thanks
Great article! Can you please send me a copy of the plan? Thanks in advance.
Awesome article! Can you please send me a copy of the plan?
Thanks
Very helpful. Please send plan.
Gracias
Great suggestions in your article Wendy. Please forward along the generic plan when it’s available.
thanks
Great info can you send sample plan?
great suggestions - are you still able to send the templete please?
thank you
I would appreciate a copy of the sample plan. Great info.
Good info, were launching a new product and are an unknown entity. Please email a copy of your sample plan.
Thank you
Great information. Can you email me a copy please?
Thank you!
I would appreciate a copy of the sample plan. Great information.
Thanks
Helpful article! May I have the sample plan as well? Thanks a lot!
Great info. thanks. Can you please email me a sample copy?
id love a copy too. This is very insightful!
Hi, I have found this article quite interesting. I would very much appreciate if you would email me a copy of your sample.
Thank you in advance
Brook
Hi,
I’d be interested in a plan as well. Thanks for your help!
Best,
c
Hi
Please share your planwith me aswell
I would love to see your sales plan.
Please email.
Thank You,
Julie
I am waiting with baited breath to see your outline…Please send it along, or tell me where I might find it myself…Thanks!
Chuck
Please send me a copy if it is still available. Thank you in advance.
Great article….may I see an example of the plan.
Thank you in advance…..
Great info’s and very helpful, but like others who appreciated your article, can you please send me a copy of your plan. thanks in advance!
Can you please send me a copy of the territory sales plan?
Send to:
gundersonjim@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Could you please send me the sales plan template? Thank you.
Above informaiton was useful. Could you please send me the sales plan template?
Thank you.
.
Can you please send me a copy of your plan. Thank you!
Please send me a copy of your plan. Thanks
Hi Wendy,
I am currently inteviewing for position(s) in the warehousing/distribution/fulfillment industry. Would love to have a copy of the template
THANKS !
Please send me a copy of your plan. Thank you
Hi
Can you send me a copy of your plan?
Can you send me a copy of your plan?
Great article! Could I get a copy of the plan and template?
Great article. Please send me a copy of your plan and template?
Hi
Is it to late to get a copy of your territory plan, if not could you please forward me a copy asap.
I am interested in your territory plan. I would also like to receive a copy. Thank you in advance.
Very good article. Please forward a copy of the template if you could ASAP. Thanks!
Good article, please email me a copy of the plan if don’t mind. Thanks!
Would really appreciate receiving a copy of your plan. Thanks!
Good article, can you pl send me the territory plan sample / format pl?
Great start for me but can you send me the territory plan?
Any chance you could send me that plan? Link must be broken. Thank you.
need the plan. tks.
Can i get a copy of the plan
Would you kindly send me a copy of the plan.
Thankyou
I would like to take a look at your plan also.
Could I also get a copy of the plan? Great work!
Could you please send me a copy of the plan also? I loved your informative article and could use the visual.
Thanks!
Can you please send me a copy of your plan? Very excited to see it! Thank you!
Please send me a copy of your plan. Great tips in the article. Thanks in advance.
please end along copy of plan - i want to compare to my effort Thanks
Would also love to see it, thank you!
I’d also love to get a copy of this plan…thanks much!
Great article. Would like a copy to reference… Thanks!
Great article! Seeing the comments I’d sure appreciate a copy too. Thank you!
Can you please send over a copy of the sales plan. Thanks.
Great stuff, can you please send me a copy as well? thanks!
Please send me a copy of the plan. Regards, Bill
Please send me a copy of the plan, thanks! Matt
Could I please have a copy of the territory plan please
PLease send a copy of the plan. Thanks
Well, it’s been well ofver a years since your original article discussing what goes into developing an effective sales plan. You had offered a copy of your template to those that were interested in your plan but then realized you may need to make it more generic so as not to disclose the client it was originally developed for. I understand the delay but…have you ever sent anyone a copy of the revised template??? If you have, I would be interested in receiving a copy. If you have not sent out a copy to anyone, was there a problem?
Informative reading, would love a copy to reference, thanks!
Good read! Would you kindly send me a copy of your layout?
With appreciation,
Can you please send me a copy of the plan?
Nice information,
I would appreciate a sample copy of the plan you speak of.
Thanks in advance,
I also appreciate the straight forward method you used in your article on writing a sales plan. And like many others, I was so ompressed that I would really like a copy of your revised plan. If you are still following up on this article, please send me a copy to the above email address.
Thank you
Steve Yancy
Very informative article. Can you please send me a copy/template of your Review. It would be great to cross reference what I’ve done already.
Thank you!
Would love to compare this to the one I do now for the region I manage.
Nice article. Can you send me a copy/template of your review? Love to compare vs what I currently use.
please send me copy of your template for review…thank you!
Would really like to see a copy/template of your review
Thank you
Ken
I would appreciate a copy of your template.
Thanks
Thanks for the article. Could you please send me a copy of the sales territory plan template. Cheers.
Can you also send me a copy of the territory plan? Thanks
Could you also send me a copy of the plan? Your insight is very helpful and certainly appreciated!
Would love to see the generic business plan. i have been tasked to write one and cannot seem to figure out the best approach.
Please email to jzr85d@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Ray
Interesting article. Could you send me a copy of the plan please?
can you send me a copy of your plan, thanks
Good stuff. Will you send me a copy of your plan please? Thanks.
I would appreciate a copy of your template.
Thanks
Romek
Thanks for sharing! I would love a copy of your template.
Thanks in advance!
Greer
I would like to take a look at your template. Thanks in advance!!
Please send a copy of your template. Thanks !
Hi Wendy,
Can you send me a copy of the plan? I sincerely appreciate it! Great article!
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