--- title: Blog l Sales Commission Software | Sales Performance Management | Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals description: Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals | Keep pace with the latest Best Practices related to Sales Performance Management --- [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hubfs/Netcommesions/NetCommissions_logo.jpg)](https://www.netcommissions.com/) **(888) 873-5814** [Home](http://netcommissions.com/) [Feedback](http://classic-migration-sandbox-138744.hs-sites.com/feedback) [Customer Login](https://secure2.netcommissions.com/login/) # Sales Performance Management Best Practices Blog ## [Meeting the Sales Compensation plan design challenge of 2020/2021](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/meeting-the-sales-compensation-plan-design-challenge-of-2020/2021) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Tue, Dec 15, 2020 @ 14:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hubfs/trust_fall.jpg) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/meeting-the-sales-compensation-plan-design-challenge-of-2020/2021) 2020 is what it is. The reality that many managers are facing is revising their compensation plans for 2021 to maintain motivation within their sales teams during these challenging times. With all this pressure, the following videos - presented in a laser focused 2 minute format - remind us that despite the craziness going on in the world right now, focusing on the basics are what will set the stage for growth as life begins to normalize. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/meeting-the-sales-compensation-plan-design-challenge-of-2020/2021) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/meeting-the-sales-compensation-plan-design-challenge-of-2020/2021#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [Microsoft Teams](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/microsoft-teams) ## [Four critical Sales Compensation considerations for Wholesale Distributors](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/four-critical-sales-compensation-considerations-for-wholesale-distributors) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Wed, Dec 4, 2019 @ 15:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hubfs/WD%20eBook%20cover%20graphic-1.jpg) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/four-critical-sales-compensation-considerations-for-wholesale-distributors) Leading Wholesale Distributors are using sales compensation to keep pace with industry changes. Here is a quick summary of why and considerations you should be thinking about as you examine your own information technology & analytics investment priorities. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/four-critical-sales-compensation-considerations-for-wholesale-distributors) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/four-critical-sales-compensation-considerations-for-wholesale-distributors#comments-listing) Topics: [Gross Margin](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/gross-margin), [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [Sales Performance Reporting](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-reporting), [ROI](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/roi), [Accuracy](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/accuracy), [Timeliness](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/timeliness), [Wholesale Distribution](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/wholesale-distribution), [Commissions for distributors](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/commissions-for-distributors) ## [Rethinking Sales Compensation in a world of increasing sales complexity](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/rethinking-sales-compensation-in-a-world-of-increasing-sales-complexity) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Fri, May 17, 2019 @ 14:05 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hubfs/NetCommissions%20Full%20Logo.png) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/rethinking-sales-compensation-in-a-world-of-increasing-sales-complexity) A collague recently forwarded over an informative video from Frank Cespedes of Harvard Business School focused on Sales Compensation and his views on its place in a best in class sales process. I've summarizing the highlights related specifically to Sales Compensation below and provided a link in case you have the time to view it. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/rethinking-sales-compensation-in-a-world-of-increasing-sales-complexity) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/rethinking-sales-compensation-in-a-world-of-increasing-sales-complexity#comments-listing) Topics: [SaaS Sales Compensation](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/saas-sales-compensation), [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [Sales Performance Reporting](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-reporting), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [Sales Performance Metrics & KPI's](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-metrics-kpis) ## [Sales Compensation Plans and the Goldilocks Principle](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/sales-compensation-plans-and-the-goldilocks-principle) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Mon, Mar 11, 2019 @ 11:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hubfs/image.png) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/sales-compensation-plans-and-the-goldilocks-principle) In reading a recent article on the possibility of other life forms in outer space I was amazed at how an interesting principle they referenced could be applied to our thinking about Sales Compensation design. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/sales-compensation-plans-and-the-goldilocks-principle) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/sales-compensation-plans-and-the-goldilocks-principle#comments-listing) Topics: [SaaS Sales Compensation](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/saas-sales-compensation), [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [Sales Performance Reporting](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-reporting), [Sales Performance Metrics & KPI's](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-metrics-kpis), [Territory Management](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/territory-management), [Sales Quota](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-quota) ## [Highlights from recent 2018 Sales Compensation Trends survey](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/highlights-from-recent-2018-sales-compensation-trends-survey) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Fri, Aug 3, 2018 @ 11:08 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTPlhmpnHsmWoOut-YdZcu2EcmhZfFb13P2_tL5N_1PIpd3y15r3Q) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/highlights-from-recent-2018-sales-compensation-trends-survey) The [Alexander group](https://www.alexandergroup.com/) recently conducted a survey of sales compensation trends with 135 sales organizations. The survey was conducted at the end of 2017 with expectations for 2018 an integral part of the exercise. Now at the mid-way point in 2018, an interesting question is not only how your sales organization matched up with the survey groups results & expectations, but now with six months in the books, what, if anything, has changed and why ? We take a look at several takeaways highlighted by the survey as ask a few questions to consider as you take stock of 2018 at the half way mark. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/highlights-from-recent-2018-sales-compensation-trends-survey) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/highlights-from-recent-2018-sales-compensation-trends-survey#comments-listing) Topics: [SaaS Sales Compensation](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/saas-sales-compensation), [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [plan design](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/plan-design), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [Human Resources](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/human-resources), [Sales Quota](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-quota) ## [A primer on sales compensation plans for growing sales teams](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/a-primer-on-sales-compensation-plans-for-growing-sales-teams) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Wed, Dec 6, 2017 @ 15:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hs-fs/hub/138744/file-17670352.png) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/a-primer-on-sales-compensation-plans-for-growing-sales-teams) When growing your business, setting up and managing compensation plans for sales reps can be a daunting task. The temptation to add too much complexity too fast can sacrifice the strategic benefit of simplicity and clarity.  The goal at the beginning should be to start with a solid basic plan structure that can evolve and adapt as your sales team grows and specializes. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/a-primer-on-sales-compensation-plans-for-growing-sales-teams) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/a-primer-on-sales-compensation-plans-for-growing-sales-teams#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [plan design](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/plan-design), [Sales Operations](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-operations) ## [Should your sales operations team be on a sales compensation plan?](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/195572/Should-your-sales-operations-team-be-on-a-sales-compensation-plan) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Wed, Mar 19, 2014 @ 12:03 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hs-fs/file-592787818-png/images/process1.png) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/195572/Should-your-sales-operations-team-be-on-a-sales-compensation-plan) The debate about whether Sales Ops should be on a sales comp plan can be quite lively. On one hand, sales operations can mean different things to different organizations and be the root of some deeply rooted opinions. Some Sales Ops roles may greatly influence sales results and outputs (i.e. setting quota’s or deal level opportunity identification) while others may have more of a focus on activities such as training or sales compensation administration. In short, it can get a bit confusing about what is the best way to approach this question. *Simplifying this complex issue and adding some context and definition to the issue is the first step in making the right decision.* [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/195572/Should-your-sales-operations-team-be-on-a-sales-compensation-plan) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/195572/Should-your-sales-operations-team-be-on-a-sales-compensation-plan#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [EVP/Sales Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/evp-sales-leader), [CFO/Finance Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/cfo-finance-leader), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [Human Resources](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/human-resources), [Sales Operations](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-operations) ## [Sales Compensation & recent Harvard Business Review conclusions](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194339/Sales-Compensation-recent-Harvard-Business-Review-conclusions) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Tue, Feb 18, 2014 @ 06:02 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hs-fs/file-528806332-jpg/images/teamwork.jpg) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194339/Sales-Compensation-recent-Harvard-Business-Review-conclusions) An interesting article was published recently by Adamson, Dickson & Tomas of CEB in the Harvard Business Review '[Why Individuals No Longer Rule on Sales Teams](http://blogs.hbr.org/2014/01/why-the-individual-no-longer-rules-in-sales/#disqus_thread)' which certainly got my attention. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194339/Sales-Compensation-recent-Harvard-Business-Review-conclusions) 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194339/Sales-Compensation-recent-Harvard-Business-Review-conclusions#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [EVP/Sales Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/evp-sales-leader), [CFO/Finance Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/cfo-finance-leader), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [Sales Performance Metrics & KPI's](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-metrics-kpis), [Human Resources](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/human-resources) ## [Territory Management - an important link in the Sales Performance Management chain](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194124/Territory-Management-an-important-link-in-the-Sales-Performance-Management-chain) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Wed, Feb 12, 2014 @ 08:02 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hs-fs/file-518726007-jpg/images/territory.jpg) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194124/Territory-Management-an-important-link-in-the-Sales-Performance-Management-chain) **Sales Performance Management** is a term that has evolved over the past few years to describe the process of measuring and rewarding sales performance. In the past, similar industry terminology such as *Sales Incentive Compensation Management* (ICM), *Enterprise Incentive Management* (EIM), and many other acronyms were popularized by consultants and practitioners to describe the same fundamental process of measuring and rewarding sales achievement. Practitioners using the term Sales Performance Management typically refer to three keystone elements to the process; [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194124/Territory-Management-an-important-link-in-the-Sales-Performance-Management-chain) 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/194124/Territory-Management-an-important-link-in-the-Sales-Performance-Management-chain#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [EVP/Sales Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/evp-sales-leader), [CFO/Finance Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/cfo-finance-leader), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [Human Resources](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/human-resources), [Sales Operations](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-operations), [Sales Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-professional), [Territory Management](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/territory-management) ## [Communication tips for global Sales Performance Management teams](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/192389/Communication-tips-for-global-Sales-Performance-Management-teams) Posted by [Jerry Hegarty](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/author/jerry-hegarty) on Wed, Jan 22, 2014 @ 09:01 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.netcommissions.com/hs-fs/file-472589365-jpg/images/global_communication.jpg) ](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/192389/Communication-tips-for-global-Sales-Performance-Management-teams) Improved Sales Performance Reporting (New Years Resolution #1) is a vital element of your Sales Performance communication strategy, but it is just one element of a broader effort. When you are dealing with a sales force that is spread out geographically, the quality of forethought that you put into your communication strategy can be the difference between success and failure. [Read More](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/192389/Communication-tips-for-global-Sales-Performance-Management-teams) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/bid/192389/Communication-tips-for-global-Sales-Performance-Management-teams#comments-listing) Topics: [Sales Comp Plan Fundamentals](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals), [EVP/Sales Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/evp-sales-leader), [Sales Performance Reporting](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-performance-reporting), [Communication/Reporting](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/communication-reporting), [CTO](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/cto), [CFO/Finance Leader](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/cfo-finance-leader), [Sales Compensation Professional](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-compensation-professional), [CEO](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/ceo), [Human Resources](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/human-resources), [Sales Operations](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-operations) [All posts](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.netcommissions.com/blog/topic/sales-comp-plan-fundamentals/page/2) ## Subscribe The NetCommissions Sales Performance Management Blog covers all aspects of Sales Compensation & Performance. **Join your peers **from companies like **DHL,  Monster & Novartis** and join now! 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