Outsourced Sales Management – The Affordable Hack for Companies on a Slim Budget
For startups, small businesses, and medium-sized companies, building an effective sales team is crucial. But hiring a full-time sales manager—or even a Director or VP of Sales—can be prohibitively expensive. Enter outsourced sales management, an increasingly popular solution that delivers high-caliber sales leadership without the full-time price tag.
What Is Outsourced Sales Management?
Outsourced sales management involves getting an experienced sales professional to oversee your company’s sales team or sales operations on a contract basis. Often referred to as an "outsourced sales manager," these professionals are typically seasoned leaders who have held Director or VP-level positions. They bring expertise in sales strategy, team leadership, and process optimization, delivering impactful results for a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house.
Key Points to Consider
Cost Savings: A full-time sales manager in the U.S. earns an average salary of $130,000 to $150,000 annually. This excludes benefits and bonuses, so the average cost to companies is significantly higher. Fractional or outsourced sales management typically costs a fraction of this, offering substantial savings.
Efficiency Gains: According to industry research, businesses using outsourced sales leaders report up to a 20-30% increase in sales efficiency within the first year.
Scalability: Outsourced sales management is inherently flexible, allowing businesses to scale resources (and costs) up or down as needed without long-term commitments.
Comparing Outsourcing to In-House Sales Management
Hiring an In-House Sales Manager
Costs: Salaries, commission, benefits, training, and overhead add up quickly.
Time to Hire: Recruiting top talent can take months, delaying your sales growth.
Commitment: Terminating underperformers can be costly and time-consuming.
Outsourcing a Sales Manager
Affordability: Outsourced solutions provide senior-level expertise without the high fixed costs.
Quick Deployment: Experienced professionals are ready to hit the ground running.
Flexibility: Easily adjust the level of support as your needs or budget changes.
Benefits of Outsourced Sales Management
Expertise on Demand: Gain access to professionals with years of sales leadership experience.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Fractional sales management delivers high ROI without long-term financial commitments.
U.S.-Based Options: Affordable outsourced sales management professionals based in the United States eliminate the need to look overseas or cater to misaligned time zones.
Process Optimization: Outsourced leaders bring proven strategies to streamline your sales stack and drive results.
Focus on the Business: By outsourcing tactical and strategic sales management, Founders, CEOs, and Owners can focus on other parts of the business.
Finding the Right Outsourced Sales Leader
While platforms like Freelancer and Upwork may seem like convenient options, they often fall short for businesses seeking experienced, high-caliber sales management. These platforms primarily attract early-career professionals without the depth of experience or formal business acumen needed to drive significant sales improvements.
Instead, look for established providers with a proven track record in outsourced sales management and fractional sales leadership, such as specialized independent consultants or sales consulting firms. Referrals and professional networks can also be valuable resources.
Is Outsourced Sales Management Right for You?
If you’re a small or medium-sized business looking to boost your sales performance without stretching your budget, outsourced sales management could be your ideal solution. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals, you can implement effective strategies, optimize processes, and lead your team to success - all while keeping costs under control.
Don’t let limited resources hold your sales aspirations back. Explore outsourcing your sales management and unlock new growth opportunities for your business.
