If you are a B2B sales consultant or trainer who conducts onsite workshops—half day, full day or multi-day—here’s a list of items you should have ready to go the day of a B2B sales training workshop:
1. A Room
Reserve a room away from the client's office that is large enough for the group and allows people to have plenty of table space as well as room to get up and move around. A good rule of thumb is at least 50 square feet per participant. Do the math and the room size for a workshop with 30 participants should be at least 1500 square feet. Conducting a B2B sales workshop in a cramped environment inhibits learning.
2. Tables and Chairs
Be sure to give participants some elbow room and avoid seating participants with their backs to the facilitator.
3. Flipcharts
Have two or three available full of self-adhesive flipchart paper. Note: There is a difference between a flipchart and an easel. A flipchart is sturdy enough to write on during a workshop.
An easel is a flimsy tripod used to display a sign.
4. Plenty of Markers
Be sure to have dark colors on hand, especially if the workshop is in a large room. A good rule to remember is red is a highlight color and posting important information should be done in dark colors like black, blue and brown. Also, be sure to use markers with thick tips instead of fine point markers.
5. A Laptop Computer
And extension cords.
6. A Projector and a Screen
Make sure you can show your PowerPoints here.
7. Microphones and speakers
If the room is over 2500 square feet. Wireless microphones are the way to go! Testing one, two… testing one, two… can you hear me in the back of the room?
8. An internet connection.
9. A table for supplies and handouts.
10. A break table loaded with snacks and beverages.
Try to stay away from snacks loaded with sugar, especially junk food loaded with high fructose corn syrup because this stuff causes peaks and valleys of the participant’s blood sugar. Water, fruits and veggies are boring but a better way to go than items loaded with sugar and caffeine. Remember: A training workshop without snacks is like a day without sunshine!
Put it all together and this is what you have:
For additional tips on things to do before a B2B workshop download the Client Engagement Critical Path Checklist and follow the steps used by world-class trainers who deliver workshops that improve sales performance!
