Why Do a Weekly Sales Report?

Why in the world would you want to create and submit a weekly sales report if your manager is not asking for one?

Last week we released a podcast episode on this topic and wanted to highlight a few examples below.

You should check out the full episode #83 at?Apple,?Spotify,?Google, or?YouTube.

As a sales professional, you are not looking for more administrative work. In fact, you do everything in your power to reduce any administrative tasks that take you away from selling.

Again, so why would you do one?

The top sales performers are already doing this week after week. They may not always be sending it in, but they are absolutely doing the process of a weekly sales report.

Please continue reading to better understand why to do one and some tips on how to construct one.

How does it benefit you?

1. It forces you to slow down once a week and reflect on your business.
2. It forces you to slow down and think about the upcoming week.
3. Writing down your forecast and forecast construction once a week just keeps things top of mind.
4. Helps highlight where you need help or where there is a challenge. It makes it easier for your manager to have visibility on this.

We can get so busy during the week that it can be hard to step back from the business and work on the business. A simple weekly report can help you achieve it. If you are going to do the work, why not create a format that you can share with you manager?

One significant benefit is that you are preparing the topics that you will need to cover during a weekly 1:1. It makes the 1:1 conversation so much easier.

?There are two types of 1:1 conversation with your manager. There are the one where your manager drives and the one where you drive. When the manager drives. ?

Which one is more enjoyable for you??

When your manager is driving the conversation, you’ll find yourself in a more reactive mode which never puts you in the position to shine. It’s also more difficult for the manager. ?

While your job is not to make your manager’s life easier, you’ll definitely benefit professionally when you do. We are all working towards the goal of selling more and you owning the process will drive alignment between you and your manager.

Your manager will appreciate it and read it.

Do you want to be a manger?

You may have a goal of moving up from the sales ranks into a regional sales manager or sales Director. As a sales manager, this process of reporting on your business is a must have skill that you will be doing on a weekly basis.

By starting this now as a sales rep, you will get into the habit. More importantly, you will stand out as a leader in your business. ?

What should you include??

Upcoming week

• Start with your forecast or quota, how much have you sold, % of forecast.
• What are your big rocks for the week? These are the 1-3 action items that will have an impact on your business.
• Important meetings for the week.
• Depending on your business, what is forecasted to close this week.

?Prior Week

• How did you do on the big rocks last week?
• Outcomes of key meetings?
• What deals closed?
• What new pipeline or opportunities did you create?
• Things management should know.?

Keep it simple!

?There is NO benefit to overcomplicating the process. When it is too complicated, you won’t do it.

Keep it simple so that it is easy to do and repeatable.

Start with the very basics and as you get into a routine, you can layer in additional detail.?

WARNING – If you are going to start, don’t stop. Once you start doing your report, you are setting a baseline expectation with your manager. If you stop or become inconsistent, you are delivering the wrong message to your manager. For example, you are telling them that you are a rep that does not follow through.

?Summary

?This is extra work that will create less work overall. As you improve your process, you will find yourself focusing on the tasks that matter the most to your business, and you will become a more efficient seller.

To hear the podcast episode on this topic, check out episode #83 at?Apple,?Spotify,?Google, or?YouTube.