How to Take the Weekend Off

Good morning!

I can’t believe I need to say this.

The title of this sales tip is, “How to take the weekend off.” I mean, really? And by, “really?” I mean,?are you really working over the weekend?

Look, there are times when business is going so well that you need to put in some extra hours and, yes, that involves weekends.

But…

This should be the exception and not the rule.

I am writing this sales tip on a Monday morning after a weekend of zero office time. I golfed. We shared some amazing lobster rolls with friends Saturday night. I watched some football. I took a nap. I did some yard work (which led to another wonderful nap). In short, I did what you are supposed to do on a Saturday/Sunday stretch: I recharged.

At no point did I feel like I was missing work. At no point did I feel like I needed to check my emails. Noone got angry with me for not replying. I did not feel missed.

The world did not stop turning.

Hear this: You will improve the quality of your work if you learn to draw a solid line between end of business Friday and start of business Monday and then not cross it.

First, commit.

Set your mind to the idea that this is important, healthy, and good for your sales.

Second, picture yourself arriving at your office Monday morning. You sit down and there is an agenda for the day in front of you. It shows all of your appointments, tasks, and important phone calls. There is a list of priorities which need to get done first and foremost.

Now…

What do you need to do in order to make that happen?

The answer to that question comes down to one word: Preparation. You are going to need to think ahead, review your schedule and your tasks, and make a list. That’s it. It truly is as simple as that. You are now set up for success in all that’s left is to discipline yourself to not check email.

Gang, this might not seem like an important part of sales, but I assure you, it is. Call it “mental well-being.” You cannot be effective in sales if you are constantly living in the stressful state sales puts you in. You need a break and you get the opportunity every weekend.

Take it.