Working remotely in outside sales can be challenging, but also rewarding. You have the flexibility to manage your own schedule, territory, and clients, but you also need to stay focused, motivated, and connected with your team and prospects. Here are some tips to help you succeed in this role.
One of the keys to being productive and effective in outside sales is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) for your daily, weekly, and monthly activities, and prioritize them according to their impact and urgency. Use a CRM system, a calendar, or a task manager to track your tasks, deadlines, and follow-ups, and review them regularly to adjust your plan as needed.
Set clear goals and expectations. Plan your day and prioritise your tasks. Be the first to add your personal experience. Use digital tools and apps. ... Take breaks and recharge. ... Seek feedback and support. ... Learn and adapt. ... Here's what else to consider.
Start your day with a clear plan. Set goals and prioritize tasks. Having a routine helps you stay organized and focused. Be in a comfortable place and fire up the dialing.
Para mantenerme productivo y conectado en ventas externas remotas, establezco una rutina diaria con horarios específicos para seguimiento de clientes, llamadas de ventas y reuniones virtuales. Utilizo herramientas como CRM para gestionar eficientemente actividades y me comunico regularmente con mi equipo mediante plataformas de mensajería y videollamadas. Además, aprovecho redes sociales y comunidades en línea para mantenerme conectado. Incorporo pausas activas para un equilibrio saludable entre trabajo y vida personal.
Working remotely can blur the lines between your personal and professional life, so it's important to establish a routine and boundaries that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, organized, and free of distractions, and stick to a regular schedule that suits your peak performance hours and your clients' availability. Communicate your availability and expectations to your family, friends, and colleagues, and respect your own boundaries by taking breaks, avoiding overwork, and disconnecting at the end of the day.
Having a dedicated work space in paramount to maintaining a division between work and home life. Another suggestion would be switching to separate devices for work and personal so you're not tempted to continue working once your day is complete. One thing that works for me is building a structure, but leaving wiggle room for some flexibility. Life happens, things change. The best way to be prepared for shifts in work and home is to leave space both mentally and in your schedule for changes that come unexpectedly.
Technology and tools can be your best allies in outside sales, as they can help you automate, streamline, and optimize your processes and communication. Use video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom or Skype, to conduct virtual meetings and presentations with your prospects and clients, and make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a good camera, and a clear audio. Use email marketing software, such as Mailchimp or HubSpot, to create and send personalized and engaging messages to your leads and customers, and track their responses and actions. Use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, to build your personal brand, network with your target audience, and share valuable content.
Leverage tools like email, video conferencing, and messaging apps to stay in touch with your team and clients. These tools help you communicate efficiently, even when you're not physically together.
Working remotely doesn't mean working alone. You still need to stay in touch with your team and manager, as they can provide you with support, feedback, and collaboration. Schedule regular check-ins and updates with your manager, and use them to report on your results, challenges, and needs. Participate in team meetings and calls, and use them to share best practices, insights, and ideas. Use instant messaging apps, such as Slack or WhatsApp, to communicate with your colleagues, and use them to ask questions, offer help, and celebrate wins.
Working remotely in outside sales requires you to be adaptable, resilient, and creative. You need to constantly learn and improve your skills, knowledge, and strategies, as the market and the customer needs change. Seek out opportunities to learn from your peers, mentors, coaches, or online courses, and apply what you learn to your own work. Seek out feedback from your manager, team, and clients, and use it to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Seek out challenges that stretch your comfort zone, and use them to grow and innovate.
Schedule in some time for self improvement. If you're beginning to feel stagnant, read a book/article etc. that challenges your perspectives. Put yourself in your client's shoes, evaluate what you know and what they need and see what gaps you can fill. Personal development is just as important as improving product/service knowledge. Atomic Habits (James Clear) has some tips that can be adapted to sales, Option B (Sandberg and Grant) also can help you learn how to be adaptive.