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



2026 Print Excellence Awards

The 2026 PEA competition officially kicked off on September 1. We're happy to accept entries and will even pick them up for you. Just let us know that you have entries ready, and we'll take care of the rest.

Read More

Is An ICHRA the Right Solution for Your Business?

Are you facing unaffordable health coverage, large annual increases, or struggling to meet the diverse needs of your workforce? Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) offer a powerful, flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.

Read More

How To Properly Carve a "Turkey" Before It Carves You

Thanksgiving: a time for gratitude, gravy, and—if you're in credit and collections—a fresh serving of financial indigestion. But this year, skip the stuffing and talk turkey. Specifically, how not to carve up your receivables like a bird on the holiday table.

Read More

U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Competitive Prices for 2026

The Postal Service today filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for Shipping Services price changes to take effect Jan. 18, 2026. The proposed adjustments were approved by the governors of USPS this week.

Read More

IRS Sets 401(k) Annual Contribution Limit for 2026

Employees enrolled in 401(k) plans will be able to contribute up to $24,500 to those plans in 2026, an increase of $1,000 from last year

Read More

Ruthless Time Management

While most sales reps are busy, the best of the best are productive. In this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip, Bill Farquharson shows you how.

Read More