This week Salesopedia is highlighting time-management with multiple authors providing articles. This one by Mike Brooks provides a couple of truly elementary, overly-simple suggestions:
Key #1 – Begin each day with a written list of three to five priorities.
Ask yourself: “What are the five things that are crucial for me to accomplish today?” (Hint: ask yourself what five things you can do today that will most affect your bottom line, i.e., dollars in your pocket?) Write them down — in order of importance and then….
Key #2 – Start each day with your top three to five priorities and work each one through until it’s done.
Then cross it off and work on the next one. Resist the temptation to multitask. Working each one through to completeness is the key. Make sure and cross each one off when you’re done!
This builds momentum, a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, and most importantly you’ll actually be getting your important priorities done each day.
See what I mean? The reason I call them dumb is because the work and I feel convicted about it. I am guilty of not doing this in spite of Lee imploring me to “write it down.” It is simple yet often ignored tip.
The same thing is true with salespeople. Written lists are highly effective with most salespeople though I have encountered the noncompliant, seat-of-the-pants salespeople who will never use lists. However, it is generally far more effective to use lists. As a sales manager, it is wise to “suggest” to your team to have a daily list and to use it in their activities.