Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story
 

09/18/2024

Time, Tasks, and Productivity

Source: Bill Farquharson, The Sales Vault, September 16, 2024

bill f

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.

Watch Bill present this week's sales tip


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:

  • 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

Check out the Sales Vault!

Printer-Friendly Version



Lead Beyond Today: ENCORE 2026 Registration Is Now Open

Registration is officially open for the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference, and this year we're challenging leaders to do more than react to what's happening today. Join us for a full day focused on the people, technology, growth strategies and leadership habits shaping what comes next. Register by August 31 and save 20% with Early Enrollment pricing.

Read More

New for 2026: Early “Birdie” Pricing Is Here!

Grab your clubs, gather your foursome and save a little green while you're at it. Registration is open for GMA's 21st Annual Golf Tournament, returning October 6 to Royal American Links. Register by August 31 and take advantage of our new Early “Birdie” Pricing — 20% off!

Read More

Is Going Digital Really the Greener Choice?

“Go paperless. Save trees.” It sounds simple — but the environmental story isn't nearly that simple. Digital communications rely on energy-intensive data centers, electronic devices and finite raw materials while generating millions of tons of e-waste. Two Sides North America takes a closer look at the facts behind paper, digital communications and the environmental claims businesses make every day.

Read More

One Click Is All It Takes: Is Your Business Ready for a Phishing Attack?

Cybercriminals don't always need sophisticated technology to get inside a business. Sometimes, all it takes is one convincing email and one employee clicking the wrong link. GMA partner Federated Insurance shares practical steps businesses can take to help employees recognize phishing attempts before a simple mistake becomes a costly problem. Plus, GMA members have two upcoming opportunities to take risk management even further with Federated's Risk Management Academy coming to Canton, Ohio, on August 27 and Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 23.

Read More

The Skills of Tomorrow Aren't Just Technical

AI is changing how work gets done, but technology is only part of the workforce equation. GMA partner Sedgwick explores why reskilling, mentorship, communication and human-centered leadership are becoming increasingly important as organizations prepare their people for what's next. It's also a timely reminder that developing tomorrow's workforce requires developing tomorrow's leaders.

Read More

The Hungry, Hungry Sales Machine

When you’re ready to launch your September-to-November sales blitz, you’ll need a strong list of prospects to keep your pipeline moving. This week’s Short Attention Span Sales Tip focuses on where those opportunities can come from and how to keep your sales machine fed.

Read More