The two-day National Sales Leaders Conference (NSLC) underway at the Accra International Conference Centre has attracted more than 1,000 participants from various industries, ministers of state, sales leaders, exhibitors, and seasoned speakers.
The conference, organised under the theme ‘Sales Unleashed: The Role of Sales in Sustained Organisational Revenue Growth and Economic Development,’ aims to highlight the importance of effective sales strategies in achieving economic success.
The National Sales Leaders Conference, being the maiden edition, seeks to provide an ideal platform for sales, marketing, and business development leaders and professionals to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the country’s sales environment and how professionals can elevate the art of selling.
A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, who opened the conference, noted that the ministry’s primary role is formulating and implementing policies promoting trade and industrial development.
“We understand that for businesses to grow, they need a supportive environment that encourages innovation, investment, and expansion. So, we have introduced several policy initiatives aimed at; creating an enabling environment and effective regulatory framework for corporate management; boosting private sector productivity and competitiveness; increasing private sector capital from domestic and international sources; pursuing and expanding market access; and promoting rapid industrialisation driven by strong linkages to agriculture and other natural resource endowments.”
He cited that one of their key initiatives is the industrialisation of jobs and growth, designed to create a diversified and competitive industrial sector that drives economic growth and job creation, stressing that it is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to transform Ghana into a middle-income country by leveraging its industrial potential.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG), Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, who was the main speaker at the conference, observed: “With its expanding economy, Ghana presents a fertile ground for business growth. However, realising this potential hinges on the calibre of our sales force.”
A competent sales team is not merely a department but the vanguard driving economic progress. To achieve sustained organisational revenue growth, we must invest in building a formidable army of sales professionals right here at home, he urged.
“The Ghanaian market is unique, with its peculiarities and challenges. Foreign models of sales leadership may not translate entirely. Therefore, nurturing homegrown talent is paramount. It is about understanding the Ghanaian consumer, speaking their language, and building relationships based on trust.”
In his welcome address, CEO of MGA Consulting, and platinum sponsor of the NSLC, Michael Abbiw, said: “Sales is not merely a function within an organisation; it is the lifeblood that drives growth and innovation. In today’s economy, sales is the engine that propels companies forward, enabling them to adapt and thrive in competitive landscapes.
Whether it is a startup trying to establish itself or a multinational corporation seeking to expand its market reach, the sales team is the front line that turns visions into reality. Sales professionals are the architects of revenue, and their work is instrumental in fostering economic growth and prosperity.”.
He noted that the primary goal of this conference is to bring together sales leaders, innovators, and thought leaders to share insights and strategies that will shape the future of our industry.
“We are here to learn, to network, and to challenge each other to think beyond the status quo. Together, we will explore the evolving role of sales in driving organisational success and economic development. We are here to collaborate, to innovate, and to inspire one another to reach new heights.”
The sales landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Gone are the days when sales relied solely on cold calls and door-to-door visits. Today, we stand at the intersection of technology and human connection, where data-driven insights guide our strategies and digital tools and enhance our outreach.
Michael Abbiw, who is also a seasoned sales practitioner, noted that the evolution of sales has been marked by key milestones, from the advent of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that revolutionised customer management to the rise of social selling. This is where building relationships online has become just as crucial as face-to-face interactions. He added that the focus has moved from transactional selling to consultative selling, where understanding the customers’ needs is paramount.
Day one of the conference was also used to launch two products, namely the National Sales Academy (NSA) and the National Sales Achievers Awards (NSAA).
Speaking on the two products, General Manager of EcorEvents Solutions Limited, Clarus Kwofie, explained that the National Sales Academy is a training and development programme designed to equip sales professionals in various industries with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to succeed in today’s fast-paced sales environment.
He added that the academy would offer a range of courses, certifications, and coaching programmes customised to meet the needs of sales professionals at various stages of their careers.
“The main goal of the National Sales Academy is to raise the bar for sales professionals in the industry by providing them with world-class training and development opportunities. The academy will focus on developing the skills and competencies required for sales professionals to deliver exceptional results, build strong relationships and drive business growth.”
Touching on the National Sales Achievers Awards, Mr Kwofie stated that the awards programme is a prestigious awards programme that would recognise and celebrate the achievements of top-performing sales professionals and teams in the industry.
The NSLC featured keynote addresses from renowned figures in modern sales leadership, offering perspectives on cutting-edge sales strategies and the future of customer engagement. Seminars and workshops were also held to cover a wide spectrum of topics, from digital transformation in sales to effective negotiation techniques.
Instructively, the premier national sales conference is organised by CorEvents Solutions Limited and MGA Consulting Ghana Limited in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) and Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (STCCI).
The National Sales Leaders Conference is sponsored by Telecel, Star Oil, Fidelity Bank, Bayport, Acacia Health Insurance, Hollard Insurance, SIC Life, Edward Mensah, Woods & Associates, Provident Insurance, Sekoe Chocolate, iDevice Home, Izwe Savings & Loans, JKA logistics Limited, Juwel Energy Limited, Jobberman, Mont, McPhilix, and Securisk Insurance Brokers Limited.
B&FT, TV3, Joy FM, Joy News, Accra Daily Post, Citi FM, and Asaase Radio are its media partners. The conference began on Wednesday, August 14 and will end on August 15, 2024.
