ISMM accreditation for Azlan

Azlan, Tech Data’s specialist brand for value-added distribution of enterprise networking, server, storage and software solutions, has completed the latest phase of the HP Sales Excellence Program, with 149 of its HP specialist sales staff from across Europe completing the second module of four of their ISMM (Institute of Sales and Marketing Management) Level 3 Certificate in Sales and Marketing.

The distributor’s HP Sales Excellence Program aims to set the highest standards in the industry for professional sales practice in value distribution. Azlan has also attained the status of an ISMM Recognised Centre, enabling it to deliver ISMM sales qualifications to its own staff and reseller customers.

Based in London, the ISMM is the worldwide representative body for sales professionals. It is internationally-recognised authority as the custodian of sales standards, ethics and best practice and a provider of professional sales training and qualifications. As an ISMM Centre, Azlan is accredited to deliver ISMM courses and assess and certify trainees that meet the required standards.

Azlan’s HP-dedicated sales staff, from all 16 countries in which it has a presence in Europe, are now taking an ISMM Level 3 course that has been specially designed to meet their needs. The training is provided online through the TD Academy training portal and subsequently assessments are carried out by Azlan’s own qualified ISMM assessors to ensure that all HP sales staff have met the high standards required to achieve the certification. The TD Academy Portal was recently recognized with a coveted Brandon Hall Group Silver award for excellence in the Best Sales Training Program for Extended Enterprise category. Brandon Hall Group provides insights around key performance areas, including learning and development, talent management, leadership development, talent acquisition and workforce management. (See http://go.brandonhall.com/Excellence_Awards_Home for more information).

Stephen Cant, director for HP Enterprise Group, states: “The ISMM training provides HP sales executives with internationally-recognised coaching that helps them to understand and interpret customer needs, and develop appropriate customer-focused behaviour. We are making this significant investment to ensure Azlan sales teams offer the highest standards of service and support to HP reseller customers.

“We want to make certain that every experience that partners have with Azlan, is a positive and progressive one for their business. “We are pleased with the positive way our teams have responded to the tailored ISMM training. We take that as a clear sign that our investment in them will translated into excellent service for our customers.”

Azlan also offers the courses to resellers as part of its HP Signature program, which provides specialist sales and marketing, business process and education support. The Azlan ISMM courses are also available to other Partners via the TD Academy training portal.