Sales stages are the different levels that a salesperson goes through when trying to close a deal. There are typically four or five sales stages, and each stage requires its own set of activities and strategies. The first stage is usually called "prospecting," during which the salesperson identifies potential customers and begins building relationships with them. The second stage is "qualification," during which the salesperson determines whether or not the prospect is a good fit for the product or service being sold. The third stage is "needs analysis," during which the salesperson learns about the prospect's needs and how they can be met by the product or service being sold. The fourth stage is "presentation," during which the salesperson presents the product or service to the prospect. The fifth and final stage is "Closing," during which the salesperson tries to close the deal.

Sales stages give you a framework to measure progress and performance within your sales process. By tracking which stage each deal is in, you can identify potential roadblocks and course-correct as needed. This data also allows you to see which deals are most likely to close, so you can prioritize your efforts accordingly. Ultimately, tracking sales stages can help you close more deals and grow your business.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of sales stages:

Prospecting: This is the stage where salespeople try to identify potential customers. They may use a variety of methods to find leads, such as online research, attending industry events, or cold calling.

Lead Generation: Once potential customers have been identified, salespeople need to generate interest and turn them into leads. This can be done through marketing campaigns, personal selling, or even just by providing helpful information that the prospect is searching for.

Qualification: In this stage, salespeople attempt to determine whether a lead is actually interested in buying what they’re selling. They will ask questions about the prospect’s budget, needs, and timeline to make sure that there’s a good fit before moving forward.

Needs Analysis: This is the stage where salespeople really start to learn about the prospect’s needs. They will ask lots of questions in order to understand the problem that the customer is trying to solve.

Value Proposition: In this stage, salespeople need to clearly communicate how their product or service can solve the customer’s problem. They will also discuss pricing and other important details at this time.

Closing: This is the final stage of the sales process where the actual deal is made. If all goes well, the prospect will agree to purchase what you’re selling and sign on the dotted line!