Best practices in sales training?

Okay so last fall, Best Practices, LLC, published their benchmark study on sales training design and administration. The study surveyed 36 companies across multiple industries to determine how they move internal sales associates as well as new hires through their sales training program to drive consistency and ultimately increase revenue.

The complete research findings will run you $1,195, but you can get an excerpt for free here. The free version is a six-page PDF that’s four pages of advertisements to become a “member.”

And that’s what’s most interesting about this. Best Practices, LLC, spent untold hours on the research. I have no doubt that their methods and efforts were thorough and professional. But they came up with mildly intellectually stimulating findings, although not stunning. And the 34-slide finished product will run you $1,195.

Do you really need to spend $1,195 to know what a mere 36 companies are doing for their sales training? Do you need that sort of outside validation as a medium or small business owner or sales manager? I’m interested in your emails or comments. I just don’t see it.