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Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy
Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy
Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy
Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy

Saniya Sood

Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy

Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy

Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy
Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy
Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy

Saniya Sood

Steps to Succeed in B2B Outside Sales: Roles, Skills & Strategy

What is B2B Outside Sales?

Closing a B2B deal isn’t as simple as showing up with a good product and a confident smile. Today’s buyers do their homework, compare options, and expect personalized solutions long before a meeting is even set.

For outside sales professionals, this means the game has changed. It’s no longer just about being persuasive; it’s about being prepared, strategic, and able to build real relationships that move the needle. So, how do successful teams stay ahead? It starts with understanding the full picture of B2B outside sales.

In this blog, you'll explore the key roles, sales processes, essential skills, tools, and strategies needed to build and lead a successful B2B outside sales team.

What is B2B Outside Sales?

B2B (Business-to-Business) outside sales is a sales approach where representatives connect with potential business clients in person, rather than over the phone or online. This could be through on-site visits, face-to-face meetings, or networking at industry events. Outside sales focus on building personal relationships to present solutions and close high-value deals.

Sales representatives usually cover a specific territory and often meet clients at their offices, trade shows, or business conferences. The goal isn’t just to make a quick sale; it’s to build trust, understand the client’s business needs, and offer customized solutions that truly fit.

This approach works best in industries where the product or service requires a hands-on, detailed explanation, something that’s challenging to convey remotely. Because B2B deals are often complex and take longer to close, strong relationships and ongoing conversations play a big role in the success.

While B2B outside sales focuses on face-to-face interactions and building relationships in the field, it’s helpful to understand how this approach compares to its counterpart—inside sales.

Difference Between B2B Inside & Outside Sales

B2B Inside Sales and Outside Sales are two distinct approaches to selling products or services to other businesses. While both aim to generate sales and revenue, they differ in the methods, environments, and strategies used. Below is a breakdown of the key differences between B2B Inside and Outside Sales:

Aspect

B2B Inside Sales

B2B Outside Sales

Environment

Remote, office-based

In the field, face-to-face meetings

Sales Process

Shorter, more transactional

Longer, consultative, relationship-driven

Client Engagement

Phone, email, and video calls

In-person meetings, site visits

Sales Territory

Less defined, can work globally

Defined geographical territory

Technology & Tools

Relies on CRM, email, and social media

Uses CRM but is more focused on in-person interaction

Sales Cycle

Typically shorter

Generally longer and more complex

Lead Generation

Through phone, email, and digital marketing

Through networking, cold calls, and personal referrals

Cost

Lower costs (no travel expenses)

Higher costs (travel, accommodations, etc.)

Skills

Digital communication, tech-savvy, and time management

Negotiation, relationship building, presentation skills

Also Read: How to Scale B2B Sales Outreach on LinkedIn Without Hiring.

Understanding the contrast between inside and outside sales lays the groundwork for recognizing why many businesses still rely on outside sales to drive growth.

Benefits of B2B Outside Sales

B2B Outside Sales offers a unique approach to business development, with numerous benefits for both the sales team and the organization. By meeting clients in person, sales reps can build stronger relationships and gain deeper insights into client needs, which often leads to more meaningful and lasting partnerships. 

Below are some of the key advantages of using an outside sales strategy:

  • Personalized Client Interactions: Face-to-face meetings allow sales reps to better understand client needs and deliver more relevant, customized solutions that drive engagement.

  • Higher Conversion Rates: In-person interactions provide an opportunity for in-depth conversations that facilitate addressing objections and advancing deals.

  • Opportunity to Build Trust: Meeting clients in person indicates commitment and builds credibility, which is essential for long-term B2B partnerships.

  • Improved Negotiation Power: Real-time discussions help sales reps read body language, respond on the spot, and negotiate more effectively.

  • Increased Client Loyalty and Retention: Consistent personal contact helps clients feel valued, which strengthens relationships and encourages long-term loyalty.

  • Opportunity for Networking and Referrals: Attending trade shows, client offices, and industry events opens doors to new contacts and referral opportunities.

  • Better Problem-Solving and Customization: In-person visits enable salespeople to promptly address concerns and provide tailored solutions based on real-time feedback.

  • Stronger Competitor Differentiation: Offering personal attention through outside sales helps your company stand out in a crowded and competitive market.

  • Increased Sales Opportunities: Traveling to meet clients uncovers new leads and provides access to decision-makers who may not respond to remote outreach.

  • Real-Time Market Insights: Direct conversations give sales reps valuable insights into client pain points, industry challenges, and emerging trends.

  • Enhanced Company Reputation: A strong outside sales presence shows professionalism and dedication, leaving clients with a positive impression of your brand.

Now that we have looked at the advantages of B2B outside sales, it’s equally important to understand the people who make it all work.

Key Roles in B2B Outside Sales

B2B Outside Sales involves a variety of roles, each playing a vital part in driving the sales process forward. From building relationships to generating leads and closing deals, these roles work together to help businesses connect with other businesses more effectively. Below are some of the key roles commonly found in a B2B outside sales team:

Sales Representative / Account Executive

They are frontline sales professionals responsible for engaging prospects and closing deals. Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and develop new client leads

  • Conduct in-person meetings and product demos

  • Present tailored solutions based on client needs

  • Negotiate terms and close sales

  • Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients

Sales Manager

They oversee the sales team, drive performance, and ensure sales targets are met. Key responsibilities include:

  • Set clear goals and sales targets for the team

  • Train, mentor, and support sales reps

  • Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies

  • Motivate the team and resolve challenges

  • Manage territories and ensure coverage

Sales Engineer / Technical Sales Representative

They act as the technical expert during the sales process, especially for complex products. Key responsibilities include:

  • Explain and demonstrate technical product features

  • Address technical questions and offer solutions

  • Customize offerings to fit client requirements

  • Support proposal development and RFPs

  • Join reps in meetings to offer technical expertise

Business Development Manager

They focus on identifying growth opportunities and opening new markets. Key responsibilities include:

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities

  • Build strategic relationships with potential clients

  • Coordinate with sales teams to align on strategy

  • Conduct market research to spot trends

  • Support lead generation and outreach efforts

Account Manager

They manage post-sale client relationships and focus on long-term client satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Serve as the primary contact for key clients

  • Ensure product/service satisfaction and resolve issues

  • Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities

  • Maintain regular communication and follow-ups

  • Work with internal teams to fulfill client needs

Territory Sales Manager

They lead sales efforts within a specific geographic area or market segment. Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop and grow sales in the assigned territory

  • Monitor rep performance and sales numbers in the region

  • Adjust strategies based on market conditions

  • Build regional client relationships

  • Coordinate with marketing for localized efforts

Lead Generation Specialist

They identify and qualify leads to fuel the sales pipeline. Key responsibilities include:

  • Research and source new leads across multiple channels

  • Qualify prospects based on specific criteria

  • Nurture early-stage leads until they’re sales-ready

  • Pass qualified leads to the sales team

  • Manage and analyze lead generation campaigns

In many teams, this role is increasingly supported by AI tools that streamline lead discovery and outreach. For instance, platforms like Valley help automate this process, saving time while maintaining personalization.

Sales Support / Sales Coordinator

They provide operational and administrative support to the outside sales team. Key responsibilities include:

  • Schedule meetings and organize travel logistics

  • Prepare sales presentations and materials

  • Manage CRM data and sales reports

  • Coordinate shipments and order follow-ups

  • Help resolve minor client queries

Customer Success Manager

They ensure clients gain long-term value post-sale and stay engaged. Key responsibilities include:

  • Guide clients in effectively using the product/service

  • Provide onboarding, training, and ongoing support

  • Monitor client satisfaction and usage

  • Work with sales to identify upsell opportunities

  • Help reduce churn by maintaining strong client relationships

You Might Also Like: The Ultimate Guide to Intent Signals: Decoding the Silent Language of B2B Buyers.

Knowing who’s involved in B2B outside sales gives a clearer picture of how the entire system operates. To see how these roles come together in action, it helps to look at the typical sales process, from identifying prospects to closing the deal.

The B2B Outside Sales Process

The B2B Outside Sales process follows a structured path that helps sales professionals connect with business clients, understand their needs, and close high-value deals. Each stage plays a crucial role in building trust, offering tailored solutions, and turning potential leads into long-term partnerships. 

Let’s walk through the key stages of the B2B outside sales process:

  1. Prospecting

The first stage in B2B outside sales is identifying potential businesses that could benefit from your product or service. This involves researching leads through platforms like LinkedIn, industry directories, or referrals, and segmenting them by factors such as industry, size, or location.

Once prospects are identified, initial outreach is made through cold calls, emails, or networking events. Some teams also incorporate AI-driven prospecting tools, like Valley, that can identify high-intent leads based on website visits or LinkedIn activity, helping reps focus their efforts more effectively.

  1. Lead Qualification

Once you have a list of leads, the next step is to determine which ones are worth pursuing. This involves evaluating prospects based on criteria like budget, authority, need, and timeline, using frameworks such as BANT(Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline) or CHAMP(Challenges, Authority, Money, Prioritization).

Through early conversations, sales reps can gauge interest and alignment while filtering out leads that aren't a good fit. CRM systems and lead scoring tools help prioritize prospects that show the most potential.

  1. Initial Contact & Appointment Setting

After identifying qualified leads, the focus shifts to establishing contact and setting up an in-person meeting. Sales reps reach out to decision-makers using personalized messaging to explain how their solution addresses specific pain points.

The objective is to spark interest and schedule a meeting where deeper discussions can take place. Tools like email templates, phone scripts, and calendar apps streamline this process.

  1. Needs Assessment / Discovery

The discovery meeting is crucial for understanding the client’s business challenges, goals, and expectations. Sales reps ask open-ended questions, assess budget limitations, and explore how decisions are made within the company.

This meeting helps identify the client’s needs in detail while laying the groundwork for a tailored solution. Sales questionnaires and industry research are useful tools during this stage.

  1. Presentation / Product Demo

With insights from the discovery meeting, the sales rep delivers a personalized presentation or product demo that directly addresses the client’s needs. The goal is to show how the solution creates value, often backed by case studies or ROI projections.

The presentation should highlight unique benefits, handle objections, and demonstrate how the offering compares to competitors.

  1. Proposal & Negotiation

After a successful demo, the sales rep presents a formal proposal that includes pricing, deliverables, and timelines. This is followed by negotiations, where flexibility is key to reaching mutually beneficial terms.

Reps may need to adjust the offering based on client needs while maintaining profitability. Proposal templates, pricing tools, and contract software support this stage.

  1. Closing the Sale

In this stage, the focus is on finalizing the deal and turning the prospect into a customer. The contract is reviewed and signed, and both parties align on expectations, next steps, and timelines.

Reps must be prepared to overcome final objections and instill confidence in the client. Digital signature tools and closing checklists ensure a smooth and professional handoff.

  1. Post-Sale Follow-Up & Onboarding

Closing the sale isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of the customer relationship. Sales reps or customer success teams follow up to ensure satisfaction and provide onboarding support.

This may include training sessions, product resources, and ongoing communication to ensure the client’s success. CRM systems and onboarding playbooks help manage this transition effectively.

  1. Relationship Management & Growth

Maintaining a strong relationship with the client is essential for long-term success. Regular check-ins help address evolving needs and ensure continued satisfaction. This stage also opens the door to upselling advanced features or cross-selling related products.

Personalized service and consistent support build trust and encourage repeat business, aided by CRM tracking and customer feedback tools

Also Read: 15 High-Impact B2B Lead Generation Strategies for 2025.

Understanding the B2B outside sales process lays the foundation, but success in the field also depends on how well sales professionals engage, communicate, and adapt.

Techniques and Selling Skills for Success in B2B Outside Sales

B2B Outside Sales can be both challenging and rewarding. It calls for a mix of product knowledge, strong people skills, and a smart sales strategy. Since the sales cycle is often longer and more complex, professionals need to be well-prepared and adaptable.

To truly thrive in this competitive space, mastering the right techniques and sharpening your selling skills can make all the difference.

Below are some of the most effective strategies that can help drive success in B2B Outside Sales:

  • Consultative Selling: Rather than pushing a product, consultative selling focuses on understanding the client’s unique challenges and offering tailored solutions, which builds trust and leads to more meaningful, long-term partnerships.

  • Building Rapport and Trust: Creating genuine relationships by being transparent, dependable, and genuinely interested in the client’s business fosters trust, which often leads to repeat business and valuable referrals.

  • Needs Assessment & Discovery: By asking thoughtful, open-ended questions during discovery meetings, you can uncover core business challenges and align your offering with the client’s specific needs, avoiding misaligned pitches.

  • Effective Presentation Skills: Customizing presentations with relevant data, case studies, and problem-solving angles helps clients clearly see how your solution addresses their goals, making your pitch more engaging and persuasive.

  • Overcoming Objections: Listening carefully to concerns and responding with empathy and clarity not only diffuses resistance but also reinforces the value of your offering and builds the client’s confidence in the decision.

  • Closing Techniques: Using methods like assumptive, urgency, or summary closes at the right time can turn an interested lead into a committed client by helping them take that final step with clarity and confidence.

  • Time Management & Organization: Prioritizing high-value activities, using CRM tools effectively, and maintaining a structured schedule ensures outside sales reps stay productive and never lose track of critical follow-ups.

  • Networking & Referral Generation: Consistently building your network and asking satisfied clients for referrals can expand your reach organically and reduce the time and effort needed for lead generation.

  • Handling Rejection & Persistence: Maintaining a positive mindset, learning from setbacks, and consistently following up with prospects who aren’t ready yet can eventually turn “no” into “yes” over time. AI tools like Valley can help identify when leads re-engage (e.g., visiting your site or LinkedIn profile again), making it easier to time your follow-ups effectively.

  • Leveraging Technology: Using CRM systems, automation tools, and digital communication platforms streamlines your workflow and frees up time for higher-value client interactions.

You Might Also Like: How to Leverage LinkedIn Buying Signals for B2B Sales Success?

Even with strong techniques and refined selling skills, B2B outside sales professionals often face hurdles that can slow down progress or affect results.

Challenges and Solutions in B2B Outside Sales

B2B Outside Sales requires more than just a good pitch; it demands persistence, strategy, and adaptability. Meeting clients face-to-face offers unique advantages, but also brings specific challenges that sales professionals must navigate daily.

Below are some of the most common obstacles in B2B Outside Sales, along with practical solutions to tackle them:

Challenges

Solutions

Long Sales Cycles

Simplify the process into smaller stages, nurture relationships throughout the cycle, and use CRM systems to track progress and follow-ups.

Difficulty in Reaching Decision-Makers

Build relationships with gatekeepers, use referrals for introductions, and use LinkedIn and networking events for direct access to decision-makers.

High Competition

Differentiate by offering unique value, provide tailored solutions specific to the client's needs, and build stronger, personalized relationships.

Changing Client Needs

Maintain regular communication to stay updated, be flexible and adaptable in offering solutions, and stay informed about industry trends and challenges.

Overcoming Client Objections

Anticipate objections early, actively listen and empathize with client concerns, and use case studies and testimonials to build credibility.

Difficulty in Tracking Leads & Activities

Use CRM tools to manage leads and track activities, implement lead scoring to prioritize high-value prospects, and regularly review and adjust the pipeline.

Maintaining Consistency in Sales Performance

Set clear sales goals and KPIs, track activities regularly to identify areas of improvement, and use incentives and motivation to maintain momentum.

Time Management & Travel Challenges

Use route optimization software to minimize travel time, time block activities to stay organized, and use video conferencing when in-person meetings are not necessary.

Adapting to Technological Changes

Stay updated with the latest tools and platforms through training, adopt automation for repetitive tasks, and use data analytics to inform decisions.

Building and Managing a Sales Pipeline

Segment the pipeline into stages and focus on leads based on their status, ensure consistent follow-ups to keep leads engaged, and regularly forecast the pipeline.

Also Read: 7 Signal-Led Prospecting Tactics for B2B Sales Growth.

Overcoming challenges in B2B outside sales often comes down to having the right team in place. How that team is built, managed, and supported can directly influence performance, consistency, and overall business growth.

Building and Managing an Effective B2B Outside Sales Team

Building a strong B2B Outside Sales team starts with a clear strategy, strong leadership, and ongoing support. In B2B sales, success often comes down to building relationships, earning trust, and offering tailored solutions, so having the right team in place makes all the difference.

Let’s walk through how you can create and manage a high-performing Outside Sales team that delivers real results.

Set Duties

Clearly outline each team member’s role and responsibilities. When expectations around targets, territories, and KPIs are well defined, it improves focus and accountability. Everyone should understand how their work contributes to the overall sales process and company goals.

Hire the Right People

Build your team with individuals who have strong B2B sales experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Prioritize resilience and cultural fit during the hiring process to ensure long-term success in the field.

Provide Effective Training

Offer structured onboarding that covers product knowledge, CRM tools, and your sales approach. Reinforce training with ongoing learning, such as workshops, coaching, and role-play sessions, to keep your team sharp and adaptable.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—that align with business objectives. Break them into manageable targets to guide daily efforts and track progress.

Equip the Team with the Right Tools

Use technology to simplify work. Provide CRM software, mobile tools, and automation for tasks like scheduling and follow-ups so reps can stay focused on building relationships and closing deals.

Encourage a Supportive Team Culture

Encourage open communication and collaboration. Create space for your team to share insights, solve challenges together, and support each other. Regular check-ins help maintain alignment and team morale.

Monitor Performance and Give Feedback

Track key metrics, such as revenue and conversion rates, to assess performance. Offer regular, constructive feedback and celebrate wins to keep your team motivated and focused on improvement.

Motivate Through Incentives

Use a mix of commission, bonuses, and recognition to reward performance. Simple incentives or friendly sales contests can energize the team and encourage healthy competition.

Invest in Ongoing Development

Support continuous learning through coaching, mentoring, or skill-based training. Help team members grow by addressing gaps and setting personal development goals.

Encourage Flexibility and Autonomy

Allow your reps the freedom to manage their schedules and client strategies. Trusting them to make decisions in the field builds confidence, ownership, and better outcomes.

Regularly Review and Refine Strategy

Use data and team feedback to evaluate your sales approach. Identify what’s working, make adjustments where needed, and stay responsive to changing market needs.

You Might Also Like: Top B2B Sales Training Programs and Techniques.

A well-structured team forms the backbone of a strong outside sales strategy, but the tools they use can significantly enhance how they work.

Using Technology in B2B Outside Sales

Technology has transformed how B2B Outside Sales teams work, making it easier to stay organized, engage with clients, and close deals more effectively. From simplifying processes to improving communication, the right tools can give sales professionals a clear edge in today’s competitive space.

Let’s look at how technology is reshaping outside sales and the key tools that support success.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

CRM tools are essential for organizing client data, including contacts, communication history, and behavior, as well as simplifying sales activities. They help reps manage interactions and follow-ups, while giving managers a clear view of the pipeline for better forecasting and resource planning. Popular tools include Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Pipedrive.

Sales Enablement Tools

These tools provide quick access to up-to-date resources like brochures, presentations, and product details, allowing reps to focus more on selling and less on searching. They also ensure messaging stays consistent across the team. Popular tools include Highspot, Seismic, and Brainshark.

Communication Tools

Modern communication tools support remote interactions through video calls, emails, and instant messaging, keeping reps connected with clients and teams. They enable real-time collaboration, virtual meetings, and automated follow-ups. Popular tools include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Gmail, and Outreach.

Sales Automation Tools

Automation simplifies tasks like outreach, follow-ups, and lead nurturing. It saves time, maintains consistent engagement, and helps reps stay on top of every opportunity. Popular tools include Valley, SalesLoft, HubSpot Sales, Apollo, and Reply.io.

Mobile Sales Tools

Designed for reps on the move, mobile tools provide access to CRM data and daily tasks from anywhere. They boost productivity and allow smooth work across devices. Popular tools include Salesforce Mobile, HubSpot Mobile, Pipedrive Mobile, and Zoho CRM.

Lead Generation and Prospecting Tools

These platforms help identify potential leads using filters like industry or job title, track prospect behavior, and prioritize high-potential opportunities. Popular tools include LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, Clearbit, and DiscoverOrg.

Analytics and Reporting Tools

Analytics tools track metrics like conversion rates and sales trends, enabling teams to evaluate performance and make data-driven decisions. Popular tools include Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, and InsightSquared.

Content Sharing and Collaboration Platforms

These platforms simplify the sharing and co-editing of proposals and presentations. Teams can collaborate in real time and monitor client engagement with shared content. Popular tools include Google Workspace, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

Sales Intelligence Tools

Sales intelligence tools offer deep insights into prospects, company details, industry updates, and digital signals, helping reps tailor their outreach more effectively. Popular tools include InsideView, DiscoverOrg, and Leadfeeder.

Electronic Signature Solutions

E-signature tools speed up contract finalization by eliminating paperwork, allowing clients to sign documents securely from anywhere. Popular tools include DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and HelloSign.

Also Read: Future of B2B Sales Trends for 2025 and Beyond.

Conclusion

Succeeding in B2B outside sales requires more than determination; it demands a clear sales process, the right tools, a strong team, and relationship-focused strategies. From defining clear roles to leveraging the right technology and mastering relationship-driven strategies, every element contributes to building long-term success in B2B outside sales.

Whether you are fine-tuning your current approach or building a team from scratch, staying adaptable and focused on long-term value will help you stay competitive and drive lasting success.

If simplifying outreach and scaling your team’s efforts is on your radar, tools like Valley can help you focus more on relationships and less on repetitive sales tasks.

FAQs

  1. What does B2B outside sales mean?

B2B outside sales refers to selling products or services from one business to another through in-person meetings, typically outside the office. It focuses on building relationships, understanding client needs, and closing deals face-to-face.

  1. What are the three main types of B2B sales?

The three main types are product-based sales (selling physical goods), service-based sales (offering business services), and software/tech sales (selling digital solutions like SaaS or platforms).

  1. Is B2B sales tough?

B2B sales can be challenging due to their longer sales cycles, complex decision-making processes, and high client expectations. However, with the right strategy and relationship-building skills, it can also be highly rewarding.

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The exact learnings, tactics, and playbooks that actually close deals and build scalable sales systems. All signal, zero noise.

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