Ensuring a Profitable Sales Day

You all know how much I love a good time management tip! Today sales trainer Colleen Francis shares several tips she put together after working with a sales team that made a commitment to do proactive, outbound sales prospecting everyday from 9-11 am. Here's how they stick to it:

1) Print out a list of at least 30 names to call the night before you leave the office, so you don't have to turn on your computer first thing in the morning (and risk checking email).

2) Make your calls from a meeting room rather than the open cubicle area so other employees can't bother/interrupt you

3) Put the phone on do not disturb

4) Keep cell / mobile device in the car during the "calling time"

5) Have a weekly contest to see who can make the most calls / appointments and sales during this time

6) Instruct receptionist to put all inbound calls directly into voice mail.

7) Turn off email and web browsers. Only use CRM during this time. If this can be done at the source by IT, all the better!

8) Create your "to do list" or "to call list" the night before.

9) Arrive at work 30 minutes early to get settled before "call time starts".

10) Block other employees from entering the sales area during this time with a banner that reads "Do not enter. Earning your salary"!

11) Send prospecting emails to prospects at the end of the day rather than during the "call time".

"While some of these ideas are fun, some are serious, and some are outrageous, they all work," says Francis. "I am sure you have some ideas to add to the list as well. At its core, sales success is all about demand generation, lead generation and prospecting. No prospects, no sales. Knowing that, what are you doing everyday to ensure prospecting for new business remains a top priority on your team?"

Colleen Francis, Sales Expert, is Founder and President of Engage Selling Solutions. Armed with skills developed from years of experience, Colleen helps clients realize immediate results, achieve lasting success and permanently raise their bottom line. Start improving your results today with Engage's online Newsletter Engaging Ideas and a FREE 7 day intensive sales eCourse: www.EngagingIdeasOnline.com.