Salespeople often feel like there’s not enough time in the day. From prospecting to meeting with current clients to entering data into a CRM, it can feel nearly impossible to get it all done.

John Boe, a sales and customer service expert, says that time is money, and it’s critical to act like it. How can you treat time like your most valuable resource? Boe has a few tips.

Keep reading this issue of PromoPro Daily, where we highlight his hacks for taking back your sales day.

  • Plan the day before. When you’re not in control of your schedule, Boe says it’s easy for stress to fill the void. Take time to organize and schedule for the following workday, prioritizing the most important tasks.

  • Watch those time bandits. They could be social media scrolling, long breaks or unnecessary meetings. Recognize and modify old behavioral patterns regarding the improper use of time, Boe says.

  • Create a schedule. According to Boe, your daily or weekly schedule should include tasks like prospecting, following up, meetings and administrative tasks. When these tasks are planned, it’s easier to say no to time wasters like long lunches or lengthy chats with co-workers.

  • Use time blocking. Boe advises blocking off time for specific tasks or types of activities, like answering emails or making calls. He says this technique can increase productivity and minimize distractions. Identify the most important tasks that directly relate to your sales targets and focus on those first.

  • Practice the two-minute rule. If you can complete something in two minutes, do it right away. This way, you won’t keep putting off those small tasks. It will boost your morale to get things done and you can also avoid a pile-up of smaller tasks.

  • Say no sometimes. There’s a time to collaborate and a time to decline requests or tasks that don’t align with your sales objectives.

  • Learn to delegate well. What can you automate or what tasks can you delegate to a virtual assistant? Delegation is an important time-management hack because it helps you free up your time for prospecting and client appointments.

  • Frequently assess and adjust. Boe suggests setting aside time at the end of every week or month to review your time management strategies and their effectiveness. Look for improvement areas and adjust your approach accordingly.

It matters how you invest your time during the workday. If you notice yourself frittering away valuable minutes or hours, get yourself back on track. This could require saying no to some things or intentionally blocking off time on your calendar for prospecting or other necessary work.

When you apply the time-management tips above, you can lower your stress, boost your effectiveness and create room for new opportunities.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: John Boe is an entrepreneur and internationally recognized authority on sales and customer service.