- 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:
BrewCrew Oktoberfest: Great Connections Are Brewing in Detroit!
Great connections are brewing in Detroit! Join Graphic Media Alliance and AIGA Detroit on Tuesday, October 27, for the BrewCrew Oktoberfest Networking Event at Batch Brewing Company. Enjoy an evening of networking with print, design and graphic communications professionals! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Read MoreA Greener Future Starts Here! Join GMA November 5 for a Special All-Region Member Event
Something exciting is taking root at Graphic Media Alliance! Join us November 5 for our FREE All-Region Annual Meeting, featuring special guest Jordan Darragh of PrintReleaf and an exclusive preview of GMASustainability(+), launching in 2027. Discover how your business can make a measurable environmental impact while enjoying exclusive GMA member savings!
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on Potential Workers' Compensation Savings for 2027!
The 2027 Ohio BWC Group Rating enrollment period is approaching! GMA members are encouraged to submit their enrollment or re-enrollment paperwork to Sedgwick as soon as possible. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize potential savings on workers' compensation premiums. David Deyo, our dedicated Sedgwick Program Manager, is available to help!
Read MoreAre Your Wages Competitive? The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey Results Are Here!
Production wages are up, employee turnover is down, and the competition for skilled workers continues! The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey provides valuable insights to help printing companies make smarter compensation and workforce decisions. Participating GMA members receive the full report FREE, while others can purchase their copy through the GMA Bookstore!
Read MoreGMA Member Millcraft Expands Packaging Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition
Congratulations to GMA member Millcraft on its acquisition of Protective Packaging Products (P3)! This strategic investment expands Millcraft's protective packaging capabilities and strengthens its presence in automotive and industrial markets. Learn how this fourth-generation, family-owned company continues to grow while building on more than a century of industry leadership.
Read MoreLove It? Buy It!
Want to help strengthen the printing industry? Sometimes the best way is to practice what we preach! From direct mail and signage to branded apparel, Bill Farquharson reminds us that every purchase is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of print. Discover how a simple conversation can reinforce the value of the products and services our industry provides in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip.
Read More