You might be tempted to hire outside agents who represent products from different vendors. But an in-house sales force offers you direct control over your team, and lets you take an active role in planning and executing a sales strategy. In addition, in-house salespeople work for you and only you — their primary goal is to sell your company's goods or services. Outside agents, by contrast, sell many products from various vendors, and have weaker ties to your firm.

You’ll have to pay 100 percent of the expenses associated with an in-house sales force, so make sure your company’s offerings will sell well enough to support those costs

A lot of people think they can sell ice cubes to Eskimos — but truly great salespeople are few and far between. To find the creme de la creme, look for salespeople with these characteristics: Highly motivated by money, Eager to learn, Self-confident, Appreciative of a challenge, Persistent, Competitive, Able to cope with rejection, Great listening skills, Physically and mentally energetic, etc.

Be sure to discuss sales goals. It might help to draft a contract that lists what your company will do for the salesperson, and vice versa.

The more you train your salespeople, the better they’ll be at answering customer’s questions and making sales. Your sales professionals should possess detailed knowledge of your products, the competitor’s products, and the market in which those products are sold. They’ll also need the training it takes to understand their customer’s needs, practices, and concerns. Hold regular training sessions, and encourage your team to attend outside training classes, as well as sales and industry-related seminars.

Design your company's compensation plan before you hire anyone. A commission-based approach usually works best, but it should include a base salary. That way, a salesperson is guaranteed a minimum income — which can help morale during slow times. You can find compensation standards by contacting your industry's trade association.

Employees like to be recognized for good work, and to feel that their supervisors listen to and act to solve problems. It's also important to make your employees feel as though they're part of a team. And don't forget the power of benefits — paid holidays, or a good maternity leave package, or medical and dental benefits — can go a long way toward retaining the best people