Working at the Speed of Life!

Many associates we come in contact with have the common issue of lacking appropriate time management skills and the ability to weave work/life schedules together. Holding yourself accountable to a business commitment when life steps in the way is difficult for most independent contractors… especially those who have no one to hold them accountable.

What would you do if you are about to start an hour of scheduled prospecting and you get a call from a sick child who needs to come home from school…or your vehicle suddenly starts making a strange clicking noise? I know from experience most will push the prospecting aside and take care of the “barking dog” in your life. Don’t get me wrong…I am not suggesting you ignore either of these important issues which instantaneously popped up in your daily lives…you simply have to learn to “adapt and improvise”.

Your child is important…Your vehicle being in good working condition is also important. But your income is what feeds both of them… so it is also just as important…wouldn’t you agree?

Below are six tips on how to maintain a steady flow of new business prospects into your pipeline even when life’s improbabilities get all up in your face.

·        Don’t put off prospecting… merely postpone it. If an issue gets in the way of the time you have schedule to grow your business move it into the next available timeslot. If you put it off …you will never get that time back…trust me… I have seen it time and time again, even in my own life. Example: You miss a day of going to the gym…that is a day you will never get back. You rarely will “double-up” on the next block of time you have set aside for the activity missed.

Factoid: Missing two hours of prospecting time per week added up for a 12 month period equals 104 hours or 2.6 work weeks of time missed filling your pipeline with new business…How much business did you miss by blowing off 2.6 weeks? You will never know!

·        Use your time wisely by getting all the important things done by 10am… I call this “Get it in by Ten”.  The must make calls to clients, inspectors, attorneys, or lenders need to be put at the top of your to-do list.

·        Eat Your Frog First: Perform your most difficult task of the day first… calling a difficult seller about a price reduction or a repair negotiation may feel like eating a "live frog" sometimes… so get it done first and the remainder of your list will pale by comparison.

·        Take frequent breaks…walk outside for 5 minutes, or go grab a healthy snack to clear your mind. Try not to think of work or the stress of the day for 5-10 minutes several times throughout the day. This will reduce your total stress and you will come back recharged ready to tackle the next item on the agenda with vigor.

·        Don’t sweat the small stuff. If you can’t change it, or if in 2 months it will be insignificant to your life, your family, or your career …just let it go. Always remember you will never…ever…make everybody happy. No matter how good you are and how hard you try… you will only place additional stress on yourself and those around you.

·        Pick your battles wisely…know which ones are lost before they start. Learn to compromise or walk away in these situations and you will be a happier person in the long run.

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©2013 Eddie Brown