Measure Twice, Cut Once……….
(Subtitle: Do Your Research)
As in the saying, “Ready…. Fire….Aim…..” – being prepared is critical to your best-ever Q4. Carpenters use the adage, “Measure twice, cut once” to remind them about being sure before they execute. The same is true when preparing to meet that CEO or president of a company – or when you are speaking to a group – or meeting individuals at an event.
Sales Professionals have a bit of a bad rap when it comes to preparation (or lack of). One immediate thought for improvement for many is in preparing for a sales presentation much as an athlete would practice and practice prior to “game day”
Most of us have a story about someone who didn’t do their homework in advance and either walked into an important opportunity meeting unprepared OR even wasting attendees time for calling an unnecessary meeting.
We talked about this before – you can make more money but you can’t reclaim your time. Respect others’ time as well.
Do you prepare, or are you a nightmare?
Your Turn – Self assessment on your preparedness
Do you have a plan in place for prospecting, for meetings, appointments, and follow up?
Do you work this plan the same way each time, and there is no way something can fall through the cracks?
Are you often surprised and not prepared about many different things in your life or business environment?
Have you lost time looking for things that were misplaced, and do you always have the information you need at your fingertips?
Systems can be put into place that are simple and HELPFUL. Based on your answers to the assessment above, you may be a good candidate for process improvement. Look inward, and ask others.
