Hey there, fellow go-getters! It’s Matt Slonaker here, and today I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind lately—how we can truly appreciate our sales teams. You know, the folks who grind every day, not just the ones closing the big deals. I came across this awesome infographic from SalesDaily.co with 15 simple, real ways to show some love, and it really got me thinking. So, let’s break it down and chat about how we can make our teams feel valued—because let’s be honest, it’s not just about the closers. Everyone in the trenches deserves a shoutout!

First off, let’s talk about the power of a handwritten note. I’m a big believer in keeping things personal, and there’s something special about a note that recognizes someone’s effort, solid research, or persistence. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. Speaking of personal touches, how about sending sales offsites or virtual breakout rooms to reconnect? I’ve seen teams light up when they get that break to bond and reset—better Zoom calls, anyone?

One line from the infographic that really hit home for me is, “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what’s expected.” Amen to that! It’s so true—when people feel seen, they bring their A-game. Take a beat with some “Take a Beat” time—maybe a Friday off-day or a quick block after a tough sprint or big campaign wrap. It’s a chance to recharge and come back stronger.

Public shout-outs are another win. Highlight someone’s impact in team meetings—maybe they nailed a deal or just kept the momentum going when things got tough. And don’t sleep on autonomy perks! Giving reps control over accounts, sequences, territory, or testing can boost morale and ownership. I love the idea of an “Ask + Act” regular 1-on-1 check-in—asking what’s on someone’s mind and then doing something about it. It’s all about listening and taking action.

Team lunches for progress are a must for me. Celebrating those outreach goals, call blitzes, or demo targets—even if no deal closed—builds camaraderie. And how cool is the “Peer Wall of Wins”? Creating a shared space where anyone can call out a teammate’s help or support is a game-changer. It fosters that team spirit we all crave.

Growth credit is huge too. Offer to cover a course, book, or session on sales craft—cold email, objection handling, storytelling. It shows you’re investing in their future. Nominating a “Rep of the Week” award—team-nominated, not just manager-picked—feels authentic and earned. Then there’s the “Call of the Week”—sharing a great recorded call, not always the “perfect one,” but the most real. It’s raw, it’s relatable, and it inspires.

Micro-milestones are my jam. Celebrate that first booked call or first cold call that didn’t suck—it all builds confidence. And don’t underestimate frequent, small “Thanks” messages. A Slack emoji, a private “saw what you did” note, or a quick “you’re killing it” text costs nothing but means everything.

Finally, let’s talk about learning from each other. Peer reps sharing their approach in training or onboarding—being heard is better than a bonus any day. This infographic reminded me that most companies only celebrate closers, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Every effort counts, and it’s on us to recognize it.

So, what do you think? How do you show your team some love? I’d love to hear your ideas! If you want more gems like this, grab 21 free sales infographics from SalesDaily.co—I’m definitely checking that out. Let’s keep lifting each other up, one appreciation at a time. Catch you next time!

— Matt Slonaker