As an OOH sales professional, your tasks often fall into two distinct categories: those you enjoy and those you'd rather avoid. While the enjoyable tasks get checked off quickly, the less appealing ones can be easily postponed, leading to classic procrastination.
So, how can you rise above this habit and be consistently productive?
Here are seven strategies to consider:
1. Strategically Schedule Unpleasant Tasks: It's a common notion that tackling your most dreaded task first thing in the morning is the best approach. While this works for some, it's essential to identify when you're most energized during the day. If mornings are your prime time, go ahead and "eat that worm." But if you're more of a night owl, reserve your peak afternoon hours for those tasks. One rule: never leave them for the very end of the day; the temptation to push them to the next day becomes all too real.
2. Embrace Accountability Partnerships: Team up with a colleague or friend, aiming to hold each other accountable. Begin your day by sharing that one task you're least enthusiastic about. By the day's close, ensure you both report back on your progress. This mutual accountability can be a game-changer.
3. Adopt the 24-Hour Rule: As an OOH professional, remember: TIME KILLS DEALS. Commit to acting on any new actionable communication—be it emails, calls, or requests—within 24 hours. If feasible, initiate a step towards completion as soon as you're aware of the task.
4. Focus on the Finish Line: Rather than dreading the journey, focus on the destination. Visualize the satisfaction and relief you'll experience once the task is done. By immersing in the positive emotions of completion, you'll find the motivation to commence.
5. Publicize Your Commitments: Sharing your commitments can be a powerful motivator. By vocalizing your intentions—like the number of cold calls you aim to make in a day—you're less likely to fall short, given the natural desire to avoid public setbacks.
6. Break It Down: Complex or daunting tasks can be less intimidating when divided into smaller chunks. By focusing on one segment at a time and celebrating mini victories along the way, you not only maintain momentum but also fuel your motivation to see it through.
7. Seek Further Insight: If a particular task assigned by a superior or client seems ambiguous, it might be the lack of clarity that's causing the delay. Never hesitate to ask for a better understanding or more details. Clarity can often be the catalyst for action.
By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you'll find yourself not just avoiding procrastination but also mastering the art of consistent productivity in OOH sales.
Need help with sales skills or coaching to take your out of home company to the next level. Learn more about OOH Sales Mastery at oohmastery.com or Contact Dan Nausley at dan.nausley@sandler.com, 423.702.5579.
Lisa & Dan Nausley of Sandler Chattanooga have developed the OOH Sales Mastery Program after more than a decade of training/coaching scores of OOH Operators across the country in sales, leadership, and executive coaching.
