I love lists. God help me, but I love lists.
There. I said it.
I have business lists. Lists of goals. Personal to-do lists. Even my Christmas list has begun.
At the end of the day, as I am emptying my pockets, out come the credit cards, cash, coins, and receipts.
And typically three or four lists.
I keep blank scrap paper on my desk, in the kitchen, beside my bed, and in both of my cars (you never know which one of the girls will steal it so I need paper in both). Only my motorcycle is scrap paper-free. That's my two-wheeled oasis.
I take sick pleasure in not only creating a list but crossing things off the list.
The ADD mind, of which I possess, is like an iPod set to shuffle mode. It’s constantly active and constantly spitting out ideas and tasks. I need a home for them.
My Sales Challenge program was an idea that hit me at 2 a.m. one night in February, 2009. I shot up in bed and reached for the paper and pen.
Solutions to problems come to me and if I don’t have a list handy, I start a new one, then typically stuff it into my pocket.
To others, this seems mad or perhaps the act of a crazy man. I deny none of this.
Creating a list helps me to prioritize. I consider myself to be very efficient. I follow my 'Master To-Do List' faithfully and transfer all of the undone components to the next day. This allows me to arrive in the morning and know precisely what I need to do first and get to it immediately.
Here’s my suggestion for a list that would help you to sell more:
Take out a piece of paper and write the following heading across the top: Why I’m not selling more. Then, as your selling day goes on and you run into sales challenges, add them to the list. Then, either sit with your manager or call me and find some answers.
Get it out of your head. Get it all out. Make a list. Cross it off. Feel the nerd-like adrenaline rush.
Write the September 30 blog.
Check!
Ah! That felt good.
Bill Farquharson is a Vice President at NAPL. His training programs can drive the sales of print reps and selling owners. Check out his Sales Resources page and contact him at (781) 934-7036 or bfarquharson@napl.org
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- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Bill Farquharson is a respected industry expert and highly sought after speaker known for his energetic and entertaining presentations. Bill engages his audiences with wit and wisdom earned as a 40-year print sales veteran while teaching new ideas for solving classic sales challenges. Email him at bill@salesvault.pro or call (781) 934-7036. Bill’s two books, The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever and Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How? as well as information on his new subscription-based website, The Sales Vault, are available at salesvault.pro.