What are the best time management tips for Outside Sales?

1 Prioritize your activities

One of the key skills for outside sales is to prioritize your activities according to their impact and urgency. You can use a simple matrix to categorize your tasks into four quadrants: important and urgent, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, and not important and not urgent. Focus on the tasks that are important and urgent first, then move on to the ones that are important but not urgent. Delegate or eliminate the tasks that are not important, whether they are urgent or not. This way, you can avoid wasting time on low-value activities and focus on the ones that generate revenue and results.

3 Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is essential for outside sales, as it helps you measure your progress and performance. You want to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, instead of saying "I want to sell more this month", you can say "I want to sell 10% more than last month by making 20 calls and 5 visits per day". By setting realistic goals, you can motivate yourself, track your results, and adjust your strategy if needed.

4 Use technology

Technology can be a great ally for outside sales, as it can help you automate, streamline, and enhance your work. You can use various tools and platforms to manage your contacts, leads, opportunities, and deals. For example, you can use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to store and update your customer data, track your interactions, and monitor your pipeline. You can also use a sales automation software to send personalized emails, schedule appointments, and generate proposals. Additionally, you can use a video conferencing tool to conduct virtual meetings, demos, and presentations when you can't meet in person. By using technology, you can save time, improve communication, and increase efficiency.

5 Take breaks

Last but not least, one of the best time management tips for outside sales is to take breaks. While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually boost your productivity, creativity, and energy. You need to give yourself some time to relax, recharge, and refocus, especially after a long or stressful day. You can take breaks by doing something you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, meditating, or exercising. You can also take breaks by socializing with your colleagues, friends, or family, as they can provide you with support, feedback, and inspiration. By taking breaks, you can prevent burnout, improve your mood, and enhance your performance.