- NEW: Replays—Insider exclusive recordings of Office Hours sales discussions
- Downloadable prospecting letters
- One killer-good intro letter only the bravest of the brave send out
- A downloadable voicemail script
- 15 on-demand video sales courses
- Archived sales content searchable by sales challenge
Complete Story
09/18/2024
Time, Tasks, and Productivity
Source: Bill Farquharson, The Sales Vault, September 16, 2024
You know, much of what I write about is personal. That is, it’s obviously my point of view but it’s also coming from my experience. Oftentimes I wonder how much is due to my age.
This is one of those sales tips.
I find it to be both valuable and necessary to match up certain activities with specific time of day. For example, my “creative” time is almost always in the morning. I have an energy at that time that I don’t have in the afternoon. And again, I’m not certain if that was always true or it’s just true now as I approach 64 years on the planet.
But I think the idea of tasks at specific times of day has nothing to do with your age.
Take sales appointments.
The worst time to meet with a client is right after lunch. During this time, your body is busy digesting food, which can lead to drowsiness. Depending on what you or your client ate, you might find yourself presenting to a sleepy audience—or delivering your pitch with less energy and enthusiasm.
Avoid that.
Late in the day or even late in the week can also be another low energy situation and there are certain sales activities you’re going to want to avoid.
The key to time management is preparation. The key to productivity is timing. You do certain things better at certain times. Maybe it is age driven, but i think all of us would be well served to be aware of our peaks and valleys.
Step back and look at your week as a whole. Then look at your task list. See if you can’t improve your productivity by thinking ahead and planning to take on those tasks more strategically.
Phew! That was exhausting. I might need a nap now.
The Sales Vault, created by Bill Farquharson, is a subscription-based resource and sales community featuring a calendar packed with live workshops, on-demand sales courses, peer-to-peer discussion groups, and 35+ years of sales training content all searchable by sales challenge. Think of it as a sales conference where the seminars and workshops, full of instantly applicable ideas, are ongoing and more programs are added constantly.
The Sales Vault is available on a monthly subscription basis, normally at a no-brainer monthly price of $45/participant, but… GMA members can take advantage of an exclusive offer: FREE membership for 30 days followed by a discounted monthly subscription price of just $40/participant.
Bill has been a friend of GMA for many years and is, no doubt, known to our members as a top sales trainer and content creator for the graphic arts.
Other Vault resources:
An Evening Celebrating Print Excellence
From Best of Show and Rising Star honors to the excitement of the People's Choice competition, the Print Excellence Awards Grand Ceremony is the industry's biggest celebration of the year. Gather your team and register today.
Read MoreSB54 & SB343: What the Latest Updates Mean for Our Industry
Packaging and recycling laws are rapidly changing, and recent developments can severely impact the print and visual communications industry. Join GMA and APAN as we present RJ Cervantes, from Resilient Advocacy, to provide a webinar to update members on SB 343 & SB 54.
Read MoreProtect Your Business From Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains one of the most common cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. A single click on a fraudulent email, text, or website can expose sensitive information, disrupt operations, and lead to costly consequences. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and better protect your organization.
Read MoreThe Digital Fade Is Here
Consumer tolerance for digital messaging is shrinking—and it's changing how brands connect. More than half of consumers say they spend too much time on their devices and most admit they ignore online ads. Marketers are taking notice: 90% of marketing leaders are increasing direct mail budget this year, and support for the shift is growing. From smarter AI-driven personalization to new USPS postage incentives. It's a reminder that in a crowded digital landscape, paper still delivers.
Read MoreCannabis Laws Are Changing: 8 Questions Employers Should Ask Now
As cannabis laws continue to evolve and positive drug test rates rise, employers face new challenges balancing workplace safety, staffing needs, and legal compliance. Learn how changing regulations are impacting workplace policies and the key questions every employer should be asking.
Read MoreHow to Avoid the Price Objection From Existing Clients
Want that repeat order without being subjected to low ball pricing from a rogue competitor? Follow the advice in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip by Bill Farquharson.
Read More