Can I patent a sales process?

I have recently developed a new sales process for a client which is proving to be extremely valuable. I have two questions: 1 - can I patent this process? 2 - If I want to develop this further am I best to go direct to market, use partners, use VC,....? Thoughts appreciated.

you can patent an invention or you can register a trademark

For a patent you have to show that it contains something new

in your case the question is is the process easily replicable by another company or does it contain something unique that only you have even if that is just an intellectual property or trade secret