"Open-source" is typically found in the Information Technology area as a way to provide an open standard and framework for building software projects. The major benefit of "open source" to software programmers has been dramatic. "Source code" is defined as the inner working and competitive advantage of operating systems and other computer programs. In open-source frameworks, the source code is freely available for all to see -- and improve upon.

It doesn't stop at the access to the source code however. Open-source standards have been developed that also allow for the free distribution and re-distribution of the source code so others may leverage the program within their own applications and environments.

It is within these parameters that an organization has created the open-source framework for the sales profession for so organizations may customize, assess, and improve their methodologies and systems. This approach allows other departments (such as HR, Project Management, IT, Fulfillment, and Marketing) to understand the sales profession and help ensure customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and revenue growth.

Is this even possible? Let's look at what it would look like.

The distribution terms of an open-source selling framework would be as follows:

1. Free Redistribution!
The license does not restrict any party from selling or giving away the open-source selling framework as a component of an aggregate methodology containing training programs, seminars, or other sales training from several different sources. The license does not require a royalty or other fee. This is because by constraining the license to require free redistribution, we eliminate the temptation to throw away many long-term gains in order to make a few short-term sales dollars. If we didn't do this, there would be lots of pressure for us to be a "sales training company." We believe that sales training companies provide their services better than we ever could.

2. We Provide the Source Framework!
The "Open-Source Selling Framework" would include a core document and and it would allow for free distribution of that document. Where some form of a product or service is based on the framework of selling is not distributed with it, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining the framework of selling for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost