The Conference Board of Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic launch advanced sales skills program
December 14, 2016 –Starting this spring the Conference Board of Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic will offer a new Championship Selling™ program titled – Passport to Global Markets. This program, developed by the Conference Board of Canada, in conjunction with Optimé International of Toronto, a global leader in sales capability development and effectiveness, is being offered for the first time in Western Canada. The 38-hour program will focus on best practices for sales in domestic and global markets.
The Conference Board of Canada has identified a skills gap for Canadian sales professionals selling in global markets. The Championship Selling™ program addresses this gap by focusing on multi-cultural communications, highest yield selling skills and sales processes and performance metrics to help prairie companies generate growth and improve sales in an increasingly complex global market.
“We have noticed a declining ability for Canadian companies to compete and win in the global competitive marketplace,” says Bruce Good, executive director, Centre for Business Innovation at The Conference Board of Canada. “The ability to commercialize and learn how to sell our innovative ideas, products and services needs a new focus. We are proud to partner with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to join us in delivering this world class curriculum.”
Championship Selling™ is designed for students and experienced sales professionals looking to enhance their skills. During the program, learners will participate in face-to-face and online training using real-world examples and modern sales techniques. Championship Selling™ will challenge participants on how they think about sales. The program focuses on performance metrics, hiring and developing professionals, tailoring the sales solution and identifying new market opportunities.
“This program has been designed to best prepare Canada’s innovators to compete in a complex global marketplace,” says Marty Blake, senior vice-president, Optimé International. “We have proudly partnered with the Conference Board of Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to leverage the most important skills, processes and behaviours that drive sales performance and connect them to an understanding of cross-cultural relationships. This is a very practical and game-changing curriculum.”
“Cross-cultural communication is key for organizations looking to compete in domestic and international markets,” says Colin Rush, associate vice-president for Business Development at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “This new program is a way to respond to Western Canada’s evolving needs and ensure our sales professionals have the skills and tools they need to compete in a global marketplace. We are excited to partner with the Conference Board of Canada on this best-in-class program.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has committed to a three-year contract to be a provider of the Championship Selling™ - Passport to Global Markets program.
The Conference Board of Canada is Canada’s largest non-partisan, not-for-profit, evidence-based research organization empowering Canadians and key decision-makers with insights and knowledge in economic forecasting, public policy, and organizational performance.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student needs, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
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