The Art of SKO: Planning Your Sales Kickoff Event

Set your sales force up for a solid year ahead: learn how to create a sales kickoff that does some good. It's not about putting on a flashy show — it's about giving your team what they need to succeed. Put some thought into it, focus on what matters, and you'll set your sales force up for the win.

What Is A Sales Kickoff (SKO) Event?

The Sales Kickoff (SKO) is an annual occasion that gathers your entire sales team to synchronise with company objectives and sales projections for the upcoming fiscal year. This highly inspiring event aims to rally everyone together, enhance motivation, and concentrate on crucial strategies for achievement. 

Throughout the SKO, you will get everyone aligned on your company's mission, the most effective selling methods, and any new offerings, products, or updates your team needs to know. This is an excellent opportunity to develop fresh sales and employee training materials while establishing the atmosphere for a successful year to come.

READ MORE: Planning A Day-Long Event Program: Lessons from TEDx

How to Plan a Great Sales Kickoff Event in 5 Simple Steps

A good sales kickoff can set your team up for success. Think of it as an espresso shot for your sales force: a quick, potent boost to kickstart their year. Whether rolling out something new or just trying to get everyone fired up, nailing your kickoff matters. Here's a straightforward guide to help you put together an event that actually makes a difference.

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1. Figure Out What You're Aiming For

Before you begin planning, take a step back and consider what you want to achieve. Are you looking to boost morale, introduce a new product, or get everyone on the same page with company goals? A clear idea of what you're after will help shape everything else.

3. Put Together Content That Actually Interests People

Nobody wants to sit through boring presentations. Mix things up with different sessions - talks, workshops, Q&As, fireside chats — the whole works. Bring in some fresh voices if you can, and make sure there's time for your team to chime in with their own experiences. The goal is to keep people engaged, not fighting to stay awake.

Our top speaker picks for a SKO event:

• Bruce Temkin, Speaker, "Godfather of CX", change architect, and experience management visionary.
• Ginger Hardage, Speaker, Founder of Unstoppable Cultures, Global Board Chair, Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Steven Van Belleghem, Speaker, Customer Experience Expert, Author of ‘The Offer You Can't Refuse’
• Dan Cobley, Speaker, Former Google UK & Ireland Marketing Director
• Kevin Gaskell, Speaker, Former CEO, Porsche, BMW And Lamborghini

3. Pick a Decent Venue

Where you hold your kickoff matters more than you might think. Find a location that is easy for everyone to get to and has what you need. Make sure there's enough room for people to spread out, and don't forget about the basics like good Wi-Fi and AV equipment that works.

4. Get People Working Together

Use this time to help your team bond a bit. Throw in some activities that get people collaborating and chatting. It doesn't have to be cheesy blindfolded trust falls — just give the folks in your team a chance to get to know each other better. A team that gets along tends to work better together.

5. Follow Up and See How It Went

Once the event's over, your job isn't done. Check-in with your team to see what they think. Send out a survey, look at how things go in the weeks after, and see if you hit your goals at the start. This information will help you make the next kickoff even better.

Remember, a great kickoff is like a shot of espresso for your sales team (coincidentally, Terence Mauri, one of PepTalk’s most popular speakers for activation events, is described as an espresso shot himself). Make your SKO count, and you'll set the stage for a year full of high-fives and celebrations. You've got this!