Here are some simple and really things you can do before you go to the office, or make your first sales call?n
Now I know you are like everyone else and that there never seems to be enough time to get everything done.. It is the single greatest challenge sales leaders face too.

Well you know what, you’ll never get everything done and that’s okÅ nobody ever does.. And that’s a key point. Yes be focused and yes use some of the tactics below to help you do that?n
But NO, don’t stress about what you haven’t been doing.. it’s wasted energy and if you are like me and everyone I work with that energy can be put to much better uses ? like getting more sales in..

Now Research has shown that the most effective leaders are simply better prepared. Preparation saves valuable time.

You know this but life tends to get in the way and we spend less time preparing and more time doingÅ But that needs to change and here are some simple things to make your new daily non-negotiables

So before you rush headlong in to the office, and the interruptions and endless emails. Why not take some time out over a coffee before you go to the office or your first call and do some of these simple things

1) Write down your quarterly priorities and goals

Yes write your Top 3 priorities and goals out briefly. Or if I’m honest I no longer write them, I simply review them daily. This is a simple and effective way to reinforce what truly matters. What must be done first and always.

2) Review your tasks for today, and prioritise

Often the simple things are the most effective.

Write or review your tasks (if you really want to save time you’ll leverage a time management tool like Things) Quickly isolate the most important tasks and give them priority. You’ll start your day with these.

3) Schedule time in your day for the top 3 tasks

It is pretty pointless deciding what the your priorities and then not taking out your diary and scheduling the time to actually do this.

This really is the most effective strategy I’ve ever learned. Plan time there and then for completing your Top 3. Simply open your calendar and schedule an appointment with yourself.

4) Send agendas for all meetings the next day

Most busy sales leaders complain about the number of non-sales related meetings that they have to attend. Not only are they unproductive, they can be extremely boring and repetitive. And often there is no time between meetings to sort out your thoughts.

In order to tackle this, write out your own agendas and send them in advance. Signal the priorities you want to focus on. And put strict timelines on meeting start and finish times.

Now I know you are going to say yeah but Ronan these meetings never stick to the time allocated, stuff happens, people start talking and inevitably they overrun. I just don’t buy this anymore. You can’t afford to stay neutral on this subject. You have to voice your opinions and you have to be prepared to challenge this mindset that ” the meeting finishes when it finishes”..

Meetings are about decision making and they overrun mostly because people come under prepared. As a sales leader you can directly influence this but it requires a lot of discipline.

For example even in sales meetings before you get in to the meat and bones of your discussions you can simply say

“Louise it’s 2pm now, shall we try to wrap this meeting up at around 2.50pm? we can spend 10 minutes agreeing any actions we need to focus on and be finished by 3pm. Does that work for you? ”

5) Cancel all non essential meetings that day

If you are scheduled to attend a meeting, that has no fixed purpose. No stated agenda, and no set times. Ask yourself do you really need to attend it? Be focused, and think Top 3 priorities.

Will you generate a better result for your and your business, by cancelling the meeting and focusing on value creating activities, like spending time with your team or your customers and prospects?

6) Make a list of the most important calls you need to make that day

I find this to be a very useful action. Now if you are a highly effective sales leader you’ll be using a CRM tool, and your calls will be mapped out for you. But remember your day isn’t also about business. Schedule time to make calls to your spouse, your partner etc. They can often be the most important ones to make..

7) Plan your breaks for the day

Research proves that working in 90 minute blocks and taking a break, boosts productivity by up to 70%. Your brain simply needs the break. So take two minutes and schedule in some well needed breaks. Yes get out your diary and put in the times you intend to take 10 minutes out for a walk or a break..

8) Sort out all of your paperwork

If you are attending meetings then chances are you’ll need documents. If you are like us at insthinktive, you probably travel paperless. However even PDF’s need to be sorted and collated in advance of your meetings.

Take the time to sort everything so you can focus on the sales meeting, and not trying to locate an important document your client or prospect needs to see.

9) Respond to all emails that require less than a minute of your time

You’ve already made great strides, and you haven’t even got to your office or first sales meeting yet.

Well become super effective. Scan your emails for 15 minutes. Sort the important from the not so important. Deal with those emails that take less than a minute in quick succession.

Those that require more thought simply leave them aside for more consideration later in your day..

This is a great tactic because you don’t want to use up all of your energy getting bogged down in administration. Leaving that until later in the day allows you more time to focus on what’s really important.

10)Resolve to focus on solutions throughout your day

Finally, relax and enjoy your coffee, knowing that you are way ahead of the field. This is a great opportunity to get your mindset right

Simply take a few minutes and focus on having a great day. Focus on the solutions, not the problems that lie ahead. Focus on ensuring you maintain your positive energy throughout the day. It’s your day, you decide whether it will be a good one or not?n
Key Takeaway;

Take one or two ideas from these 10 (not all 10Å¡!! take it slowly) , and make them your new dailynon-negotiables. ( And Remember to track your progress. What impact are these small changes having onyoureffectiveness that day. Do more of these, and start eliminating acouple of habits that are getting inthe way of your day. (