Back in the corporate sales environment, a kind I.T. Manager, upon hearing me angrily talking back to my computer, advised, “Elinor, when your computer gives you challenges, just re-boot!” His advice definitely applies to entrepreneurship.
We hear about authors experiencing writers block, job seekers who feel they are “up a wall,” and business owners who run out of new ideas. We too, need to re-boot. Have you ever noticed that when you move away from the daily grind to do something enjoyable, or even exercise, that your mind begins to freely wander? Once relaxed or with the adrenaline flowing, I find my creative thoughts also begin to flow.
Multiple ways to reboot allow you to find the freedom to express your true desires for business. Most importantly clarity is found. It might be as simple as running errands, listening to music or getting together with friends. When “to do” lists run long, you will be best off taking a time-out just as is done in sports. The only caveat is to remain on target with your goals and daily perseverance for every scheduled working day.
Planning for vacation in regard to your work is another way to re-boot. Desiring relaxation this summer, I made a promise to myself to plan ahead for what I consider daily work. Our technology makes this much easier today and being away far more pleasurable. On a daily basis, I share video advice online. However being away, I would not want to take the time. Therefore, I recorded enough daily tips and saved them on an internet server. So rather than taking a number of minutes each vacation day to record and share, it will only require a few short moments. The same may be done for your blog, any articles you write or other projects you have in the works that include internet access.
Planning and simplifying your workload and processes will allow you to approach your work more efficiently and in a more relaxed state. You will then be ready to approach others in a friendlier and relaxed manner upon your return. This is the key to successful selling; do not be in a hurry but make certain to have a quality conversation or a few upfront. This relaxed style will build your brand as being “the one salesperson to trust” and, on many levels will help you increase your sales and clientele.
This advice also relates to your priorities. They should always be in check. Once you have your long-term vision in place and a plan in place for achieving it, projects should be prioritized. That is the big picture for your business. However, on a day to day and weekly basis, another good practice is to highlight the “must-do’s” for the week, and the “must-do’s for each working day. This way, when interruptions arise, and you just need to relax for a moment, you know precisely what still needs to be done before end of day and what may wait for tomorrow.
Operating in this manner, you will be headed for a very Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results” and “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”. She provides team sales training, private coaching and business retreats to grow you business, and an inspiring keynote for your next convention. Elinor is available upon request for consultation.
