There are certain employee types, such as salespeople, who are tasked with holding the responsibility of being the "face" of your company. Therefore, hiring these individuals and retaining the quality ones can be critical steps in your success. We spoke with a few experts in the industry who have had success spotting and keeping quality sales reps.

What to watch for

The interview process, especially nowadays as managers are flooded with resumes from the minute a "Help Wanted" notice is posted, can be overwhelming if not handled correctly. However, if done properly, this process can eliminate the underachievers from the promising salespeople. First, make sure your own expectations are in check.

"If we're looking to fill an entry level position, experience isn't really a priority. [Instead,] we're looking for someone who has the capabilities and the competitive nature to hit the ground running," explains Michael Nosek, Atlas Watersystems Inc., senior director of sales.

Hiring managers should not take interviewing lightly, but should pay close attention to the individual's communication skills, including body language. "How that person performs during the interview process," continues Nosek, "will also be a good [indicator] of how they will perform in front of your customer."

Make sure you keep them

Once you've found the ideal salesperson to fit your company's model for success, retaining the employee is an ongoing effort. According to Jack Cohen, president of Leslie WaterWorks, quality salespeople who are new to your company will understand the pay structure of moderate to low base pay and high potential commission.

"Some salespeople want astronomical base pay, but those days are over. You want the person who says, ‘Pay me based on what I bring in.' And, if you allow them to make money, such as providing adequate leads, the more they sell, the more they make," says Cohen.

All employees, including those in sales, are also effectively retained through team-building practices and managers must emphasize a "family-like" atmosphere throughout the year. Employees appreciate getting together outside of the office at company picnics and holiday parties. In addition, successful managers can implement free lunch days, for example, throughout the year.

Salespeople especially cannot become complacent. While motivating through commission potential is a good strategy, make sure they have the product knowledge, tools and confidence when they go out in the field. These employees reflect your brand, both good and bad, so put them in an ideal situation, with solid support, and they'll stay happy.