The fourth quarter is usually the busiest time of year for people in the promotional products industry. If you're like most promotional products sales professionals you’re trying to keep up with prospecting, research, price quotes and client requests and you’re probably feeling swamped. This month I have some great information to get you back on track.
Traveling as much as I do gives me a chance to catch up on one of my favorite pastimes: reading! Reading is the way I relax at crowded airports and on planes that always seem to run late. I try and read at least one business book a month. I’m always looking for creative ideas that I can share with my readers and coaching clients.
Thats why I was so excited when I read a practical and powerful book, "Time Traps: Proven Strategies for Swamped Sales People" by Todd Duncan.
What I liked best was the advice in this book wasn't typical. Forget the conventional wisdom about handling a piece of paper just once and getting in extra early and working late. While this may work for some people, I have found that if can ruin the quality of your life and drive you crazy!
Here are 10 simple things that will help you take control of your day.
1) Turn off your email alerts. Only check emails at certain designated times during the day. Just doing this one thing will make a big difference in your productivity.
2) Limit social media. Social media sites can help to grow your sales, but they can also be a black hole causing you to waste time that could have been spent more productively. Set aside a time limit (30 minutes to an hour) for social media and stick to your schedule. Use a timer to stay on track. I find evenings are a better time to catch up on social media and they don't interrupt my workday.
3) Stop multitasking. Studies have shown it decreases productivity instead of increasing it! Focus on one thing at a time and finish it. Give your complete attention to what you’re doing and you’ll avoid making big mistakes and get more done!
4) Evaluate your accounts. I'm sure you've heard of the 80/20 rule. Focus the majority of your time on the 20 percent of your customers that appreciate your efforts and give you repeat business and referrals. Give them extra special attention and you’ll be rewarded with more sales and more loyal clients. Survey your top accounts to see how you can serve them better.
5) Get plenty of rest. I know this may sound like your mother talking, but studies show that most adults need seven or eight hours of sleep per night. You’ll be most productive when you’re well rested, not to mention you’ll feel a whole lot better!
6) Block time. Set aside certain times during the day to work on specific tasks. Do your prospecting, answer your email, do your research and follow up at certain set times during the day. A set schedule helps you to accomplish much more.
7) Make time for exercise. I don't know about you, but I get some of my best ideas when I'm out for a walk or on a treadmill. When you take time for an exercise break you'll come back to work more creative and productive.
8) Prioritize your tasks. I make a to-do list at the end of every business day and I prioritize what needs to be done in order of importance for the next day. Do I accomplish everything? No! But, I get a lot more done than if I didn’t have a list. If something stays on my list too long, I sometimes let it go.
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9) Get help. I've been working with a virtual assistant for years. I live on the East Coast and she is in Arizona but modern technology makes it possible for her to help with my tasks without ever stepping foot in my office. Whether you use a virtual assistant or not, get help. Nobody gets ahead without the help of others.
10) Reward yourself. When you have something to look forward to you’ll be more productively active. Find little ways to reward yourself for a job well done!
Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach, is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes. Get a free special report: "10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them" at www.promobizcoach.com Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.