So this is going to be one of those blog posts where I tell you brutal truths about myself and hope that you don’t judge me too harshly. So get ready.
As you might know, Bill and I are launching a new training series called “Tuesday e-Workshops.” The first one starts next Tuesday and centers on time management. We’ve spent quite a lot of time talking about why time management is important and what it means to a salesperson to have good or bad time-management skills.
I’m going to share with you my own battles regarding time, and see if any of these issues apply to you. Then, you can decide whether you need to do something about it (like I obviously do).
So remember, the following applies only to me with regard to how I deal with time, and the obstacles and consequences that come along for the ride.
1) I lack focus.
With 2.5-year-old twin girls to contend with (and very little babysitting help), I find it almost impossible to get anything done during the day while they are awake. Nap time is always a good time to squeeze a task or two in, and I can always turn an episode of the “Little Einsteins” into some productivity, like I am doing right now.
Typically, though, when nap time comes around— IF nap time comes around—I am so exhausted that I fall into bed and spend some quality time with my TV. This current situation does not bode well for the growth of my practice, let alone give me time to articulate what my practice even IS. BAD.
2) I lack motivation.
Today, the adequate functioning of my household and the wellbeing of my family is not dependent on the income that I bring in. And I know that makes me lucky. My income goes for things like the care and upkeep of my hair and nails, meals out, and adding important dollars to our kids’ college savings—and maybe even a vacation fund.
So the consequences of me not working and being successful are that my nails look like crap, I am using a spray hair color to cover my grey roots, and we haven’t been on a vacation lasting even one night in over a year. Dinners out? Forget about it.
The more I reflect on these brutal truths, the more I KNOW that I have to do something to change my current situation. I’m not happy, my hair and nails aren’t happy, and I want to get away so bad I can taste it.
3) I lack accountability.
As an independent business owner, I answer to no boss, owner, or manager but myself. And let me tell you, that can be good and bad.
While I have all the freedom I can stand, there is no one asking me how it’s going or what the heck I do all day. I have a neighbor in a similar situation, and I am very seriously considering partnering with her so we can hold each other’s feet to the fire with the hope that we will BOTH get more done.
If you are having trouble with any of the above, or any other issues with regard to time, please share them with us here and see if we can’t all help each other out.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Blogger, author, consultant, coach and all around evangelist for the graphic arts industry, Kelly sold digital printing for 15 years so she understands the challenges, frustrations and pitfalls of building a successful sales practice. Her mission is to help printers of all sizes sell more stuff. Kelly's areas of focus include sales and marketing coaching, enabling clients to find engagement strategies that work for them and mentoring the next generation of sales superstars.
Kelly graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science and, among other notable accomplishments, co-founded the Windy City Rollers, a professional women's roller derby league. She is also the mother of two sets of twins under the age of ten, so she fears nothing.