In business, entrepreneurs and salespeople are lauded for being busy, taking on a million different tasks at a time, and logging long hours in pursuit of their dreams. While it’s important to be ambitious and work hard on your business, it’s also important to take time off to recharge.
Often individuals in sales spend so much time “being on,” that they have a difficult time shutting off and stepping away from the day-to-day demands of both their business and their clients. According to Parkinson’s Law, work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. So simply put, if you don’t draw the line somewhere, work will consume all of your energy, and you’ll inevitably burn out.
As much as we like to think to the contrary, we are not machines. We need downtime, rest and relaxation to not only avoid burn out, but to elevate our sales game.
In sales planning, we know routine, consistency and productivity are critical to success. Consistent daily action and scheduling high-payoff activities into your weeks can take your sales game to the next level.
Here are some tips to help you rest and re-energize so you can be a better salesperson:
1. Book Time Off: During these summer months, have you scheduled time off just as you would schedule all of your important client and business meetings? Do you have a plan to re-charge and reward yourself for the success you achieved so far this year? Commit to a plan to book time off and follow through!
2. Set your Sales Schedule Around it: The earlier you book your vacation, the easier it will be to plan and book your meetings and calls around it. Scheduling your vacation far enough in advance will increase the likelihood that you actually take time off.
3) Inform the Right Players: Let your boss, colleagues and necessary clients know about your vacation well in advance. They will most likely be more understanding than you may think and it might just inspire them to do the same.
4) Resist Working While Away: It may be very tempting to check work emails, return calls or work on that proposal while on your break. However, you booked this time off for a reason! Your work will be waiting for you when you return.
5. Do Something Different: Take the time to do something completely different from your normal activities and responsibilities. The less overlap between your hobby and your work, the better.
