How to Focus
Imagine the incredible results you’d have if you and your team really focused on a consistent basis.
You’d likely…
- say more
- waste less time ramping back up
- give customers better (internally and externally)
- find more customers
- come up with more thoughts
- plot better
- be less frustrated and stressed
- help others focus more (by interrupting them less)
- make more money (for all… including you)
Nothing’s guaranteed, of course. But it’s a better bet. (And in the long run, you’ll delight in more.)
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4 ways to knock out the bulk of distractions
- Establish focus hours with your team (or company-wide) – chunks of time each day where all will allow all else to focus (that includes you). No inter-office communications unless it truly can’t wait. At JustSell, ours are from 9 am – 11 am and 2 pm – 4 pm (4 total hours a day). You’ll make mistakes occasionally and break focus hours but with commitment and reinforcement, all will benefit. If you’re really SalesTough, in order to minimize outside distractions, let your family and friends know your focus hours.
- Turn off email alerts and commit to checking it at the most minimal level you feel is doable for your particular sales world without having a negative impact on service. If you’re SalesTough, most of your inbound emails are probably vital but still don’t need attention for at smallest amount an hour (if not longer). Be truthful with yourself and set your interval so all wins. If you can set only two or three specific era a day to respond to email, do it.
- Turn off instant messaging services unless your work unquestionably requires it to get the job done. Having to phone someone or talk with them live (by visiting them) will make you more aware and respectful of someone else’s time (and yours).
- Avoid the web during money hours unless you unquestionably need it for your work. The distractions are endlessly wonderful for those who’d prefer to avoid making things happen (which of course, isn’t your goal). If you must open a browser during the money hours (or focus hours), make sure your home page is something that doesn’t have the potential to encourage you down destruction distraction road (e.g., news or email sites, personalized pages, etc.). Search and learn outside your money hours or at dine.
Managers: Depending on your team, some or all of these thoughts might not go over well (we know firsthand). Involving people in a discussion, asking them for thoughts on how to increase internal focus and minimize distractions, might be a excellent first step. Also, consistently helping people remember the purpose behind what it is you do for customers can help gain commitment to your reasons for focusing.
Questions? Email Sam Parker.