As a sales person, you know that increasing your production and being more efficient with your time can lead to a lot more business. So how do you accomplish that? It starts with getting organized.
There are many different technology tools available to help you do that. Let me share with you what I use and see if it will help you. For me it starts with three, very basic things:
- A calendar.
- A simple to do list.
- The ability to take notes throughout the day from phone conversations or face to face meetings.
Step #1 Start with good calendar system.
I use Tungle.me. It is a web-based scheduling application. I use it for scheduling meetings and phone calls. With this tool I have eliminated all the back and forth with email. It syncs with iCal which I use for my desktop calendar.
It also sync's with a variety of other calendars. What I like really like about Tungle.me and all the other tools I use, they all sync with my iPhone which I have with me at all times. I highly recommend that you check it out.
Step #2 Simple to do list.
The problem with most peoples todo list is there are 25 items each day to accomplish. In my opinion that is way too many. It's overwhelming. I typically have 3-6 items on my list each day that need to be completed.
I use a web-based task management application called GetFlow. It's a great program and cross-platform. Works well for me and my team. Again, they have an iPhone app so no matter where I am, I have all the information at my fingertips, know what my team is doing, and it's simple to use with no excessive and confusing bells and whistles that I don't need.
Step #3 The ability to take and store notes.
You need to have a way to take and access your notes. You can do it the “old fashioned way” using a simple note pad when you are out on appointments and then inputting those notes in your CRM back to the office or bypassing the paper route and taking notes directly into your CRM.
I use a desktop application called Evernote. Again, it is cross platform whether you are on a Mac or PC or whatever type of phone you use. You can access the information through a web browser, your iPhone, iPad etc. It's a great tool.
I found these tools to be a great resource helping me stay organized. The key is to find tools that work for you.
So here's your Action Idea: Get into the habit of planning every day. By doing little tasks each day, and planning for the next one, you will find it's alot easier to keep yourself on track, and have the ability to increase your production.