Where do I get started? My new employer wants me to look at the sales comp plans!

One good place to start is with a book, and I recommend both "The Sales Compensation Handbook" edited by Stockton Colt and "Compensating New Sales Roles" by Colletti and Fiss. In addition, there is a very helpful course offered by World at Work, "Elements of Sales Compensation." And Cygnal will be offering classes in the fall as well in cities around the country. Sales compensation design is exciting and challenging, but it is high-stakes work. There are terrific ways to really create value for your company, as well as wrong answers that can create a disaster. If your company's challenges are significant, a consultant can help.