BHSU successfully launches sales training program in Rapid City

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A sales training program was recently launched at Black Hills State University-Rapid City. The program is the first of several initiatives by the BHSU Center for Hospitality and Business to provide workforce professional development opportunities.

A sales training program was recently launched at Black Hills State University-Rapid City. The program is the first of several initiatives by the BHSU Center for Hospitality and Business to provide workforce professional development opportunities.

Black Hills State University recently launched a sales training program in Rapid City, the first of several workforce professional development initiatives.  

The BHSU Advantage: Strategic SALES Training Program officially kicked off in October at BHSU-Rapid City. The program coordinators are pleased to host 30 participants ready to take their sales skills to the next level, according to Hans Nelson, director of the BHSU Center for Hospitality and Business.

The five-week program meets every Thursday evening in October. The next session will focus on successful Sales Strategies and the final session will dive into Closing/Customer Life-Cycle and how to keep customers coming back year after year.

According to Nelson, one of the major components of this program is the utilization of guest sales trainers.

“All of our trainers are local leaders who have a strong background in either doing sales themselves or leading successful sales teams. Participants will learn firsthand from area sales experts,” Nelson said.

The 30 participants include 14 BHSU students, a majority of whom are part of the University’s MBA program. The other 16 participants are local business professionals from companies such as Coca-Cola High Country, Bank West, Vast Broadband, and Robert Sharp & Associates. BHSU students will earn a one-credit special topics credit for the program.

“What is incredible is that B9 Creations and Property Meld sponsored two students to join the program,” Nelson said. “I am so proud to live in an area where companies see the value in supporting student education, knowing it will help make our region stronger.”

The first session was led by BHSU alum and CEO/Owner of Turner Lee Consulting, LLC, Julie Olson. She shared the importance of individual “branding” through interpersonal skills. Samantha McGrath, Elevate Rapid City’s new Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Manager, also presented. Both shared stories, facts, background information and even had a special guest share his success story surrounding his own interpersonal skills by focusing on having the right attitude, building self-awareness, and taking action to ultimately become successful.

Shon Anderson, CEO of B9 Creations, noted he appreciates the sales program and is glad to be involved.

“When given the opportunity to be a part of the local entrepreneurial community and higher education working to create professional sales workforce in the Black Hills, it was a no-brainer. Sales is the engine that grows businesses and a passion of mine,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to sharing that with the people signed in this program.”

This entire program is part of a new initiative that BHSU developed through the Center for Hospitality and Business, which is housed at BHSU-Rapid City under the direction of Hans Nelson. One of Nelson’s goals is to create customized and off-the-shelf workforce training to support local businesses and the regional economy. There will be a spring session of the sales program in April.

“We will continue to offer these as long as there is a need within the workforce,” Nelson said. Learn more at www.BHSU.edu/RapidCity  or email Hans.Nelson@BHSU.edu