If you're reading this, you're probably responsible for getting new sales reps up and running with Connectandsell. Maybe you’re in sales ops, sales enablement, or a team lead tired of watching new hires fumble through their first few weeks. You want your reps talking to prospects, not fighting software. This guide is for you. It’s straight to the point, skips the fluff, and focuses on what actually helps new reps start booking meetings, not just checking boxes.
Step 1: Set the Stage Before Day One
Before your new rep even logs in, make sure you’ve got the basics sorted. Nothing slows down onboarding like missing logins or unclear expectations.
Here’s what to line up: - Connectandsell account: Create their user profile, assign the right permissions, and test the login yourself. - Hardware check: Confirm they have a headset that works, a stable internet connection, and quiet space for live calls. - CRM integration: If you’re syncing Connectandsell with your CRM, double-check that everything maps correctly for the new user. - Access to scripts and lead lists: Don’t send them in blind—have call scripts and lead lists ready to go. - Internal point of contact: Assign someone (ideally, someone patient) for quick questions.
Pro tip: The more you automate up front—like using onboarding checklists or templates—the less you’ll scramble later.
Step 2: Give a No-Nonsense Product Overview
Let’s be real: reps don’t need a two-hour lecture on every feature. What they need is a fast rundown of what Connectandsell does, why you’re using it, and how it fits into their job.
Focus on: - What Connectandsell is: It’s a tool that dials a ton of numbers for them, connects them to real prospects, and lets them have more conversations in less time. - Why it matters: More live conversations = more meetings booked. That’s the core value. - What it’s NOT: It’s not a magic solution. If your lists stink or your scripts are terrible, Connectandsell won’t fix that.
Skip: Deep dives into analytics, settings, or admin functions—unless that’s their job. They can learn those later.
Step 3: Walk Through the Core Workflow (Live, Not Just Slides)
Theory is fine, but nothing beats seeing the tool in action. Set up a live screen-share (or at least a detailed video) walking through a real Connectandsell session.
Key things to show: - Logging in, checking the dialer, and starting a session - How to pause, resume, or end a session - What happens when a call connects (and what to say) - Logging call outcomes—how and why it matters - Finding and using scripts in the platform - What to do if things break (because, sometimes, they do)
Pitfalls to avoid: - Don’t overload them with every button or advanced feature. Stick to the basics: dial, connect, disposition, repeat. - Don’t demo with a fake list. Use real data if you can—otherwise, it doesn’t feel real.
Pro tip: Record your walkthroughs. New reps will forget 80% by tomorrow—they’ll thank you for a replay.
Step 4: Shadow, Then Practice (and Yes, Practice Out Loud)
Watching someone else use Connectandsell is a good start, but it only gets you so far. The fastest way to get comfortable is to actually make calls. Set up a structured shadowing and practice plan:
How to do it: - Have new reps listen in on 1–2 real Connectandsell sessions with an experienced rep. - Debrief right after—what went well, what was awkward, what surprised them? - Then, flip it: let the new rep take the driver’s seat with the experienced rep listening in. - Make them practice their script out loud—not just in their head. It feels silly, but it works.
What to watch for: - Are they freezing when a call connects? - Are they fumbling with the disposition buttons? - Are they sticking to the script, or going off the rails?
Honest take: Most reps get tripped up not by the software, but by nerves when a real person picks up. The only cure is reps (as in repetitions).
Step 5: Handle the Bumps—Technical Issues and Real-World Surprises
Connectandsell is pretty reliable, but no tool is perfect. You’ll cut headaches in half by preparing new reps for the common snags.
Common issues (and fixes): - Dropped calls or bad connections: Usually a headset or WiFi issue. Try a wired connection and a basic USB headset (fancy Bluetooth ones cause more trouble than they’re worth). - Login problems: Nine times out of ten, it’s a browser cache or password reset. - CRM sync glitches: Teach them the basic “turn it off and on again” steps before escalating. - Script or lead list errors: Have a process for flagging bad data—nothing kills morale like dialing the wrong people.
Don’t ignore: If a rep is struggling after a week, don’t just chalk it up to “learning style.” Jump in, listen to a session, and see if it’s a tech, training, or attitude issue.
Step 6: Track Progress with the Right Metrics (But Don’t Micromanage)
You want reps up to speed, but you don’t want to drown them in dashboards. Focus on the numbers that matter for onboarding:
What to track: - Dials per session: Are they actually using Connectandsell, or just logging in? - Live conversations: The whole point is more connects—track this, not just dials. - Meetings booked: End goal. If this isn’t moving, something’s broken.
Skip (for now): Deep funnel metrics, call recording analysis, or complicated leaderboards. That’s for later.
Pro tip: Share benchmarks from your top reps so new hires have a realistic target. But don’t weaponize the data—early progress is more about learning than crushing records.
Step 7: Give Feedback Early and Often—But Keep It Real
Nothing slows onboarding like radio silence. Give new reps feedback quickly, and be specific. “You need to sound more confident” isn’t helpful. “You hesitated when the call connected—try your opener with me right now” is.
How to do it: - Listen to a few calls together. Keep it low-pressure. - Celebrate small wins (first connect, first booked meeting, etc.). - Address bad habits fast—don’t let them settle in.
Skip: Generic pep talks or, worse, public callouts. Feedback should help, not humiliate.
Step 8: Skip the “Nice to Have” and Focus on “Need to Have”
There’s a lot of extra stuff you could train on—custom reporting, integrations, workflow hacks, etc. Resist the urge. When onboarding, less is more.
Stick to: - How to use Connectandsell for live conversations - How to log those conversations - How to get help when stuck
What can wait: - Advanced analytics - Workflow automations - Deep CRM customizations
You want new reps making calls and learning from real conversations, not getting lost in features.
Step 9: Build a Simple Resource Hub (Keep It Updated)
Centralize your onboarding resources. Don’t make reps dig through Slack or old email threads.
What to include: - Step-by-step Connectandsell quickstart (screenshots, not just words) - Troubleshooting guide (with real error messages, not vague FAQs) - Links to scripts and lead lists - Contact info for “who to ask” for help
Keep it simple: A shared Google Doc or Notion page beats a fancy LMS that nobody updates.
Step 10: Review and Iterate (Every New Hire Is a Test Case)
After every onboarding cycle, grab feedback. What tripped them up? What was clear, and what was a mess? Tweak your process. Connectandsell itself changes, your sales strategy shifts—your onboarding should too.
Ask: - What did you wish you’d known on Day 1? - Where did you get stuck? - What would you skip or change next time?
Document it. Even a few bullet points after each hire will save you hours down the road.
Keep It Simple, Ship It Fast
Here’s the bottom line: getting new reps productive on Connectandsell isn’t about cramming their heads with every feature. It’s about getting the basics right, having them practice for real, and fixing what breaks—quickly. Don’t overthink it. Start small, improve with each hire, and remember: momentum beats perfection every time.