Each day will be composed of those three items.
So what will your business look like next year, in 3 years, in 7 years or way out there in 20 years?
Start by CARVING OUT SOME TIME this week to sit down and write up your career business plan so you can get started on it. In order to have a better chance of reaching your career goals, begin with a plan of action items you need to start working on each week. It is important that you include time for your family’s success in this life plan; one without the other might not seem so successful.
Notice we said “CARVING OUT SOME TIME” because TIME MANAGEMENT for most DSRs is something sales managers talk about all the time, but is a huge challenge for most DSRs.
WHY is “mismanaging time” more the rule than the exception? Because a big part of any good DSR’s job is to be reactive to the unpredictability of HOW MANY patrons are coming in to eat and WHAT FOOD ITEMS are being ordered at each of their customer’s establishments. So many times an unscheduled bus load of folks stops in to a restaurant because the folks are hungry, or 25 more people than expected showed up at the Duck’s Unlimited banquet (that’s trying to raise money), so they let them in. If a DSR does not take care of those customers by getting product to them, they won’t have that account very long.
No matter how good your time management is, distractions and exceptions are a part of the daily routine. But your understanding that the situation “is what it is” and how you handle those distractions dictate how many hours you work and how successful you will be.
Tips on DSR Time Management from Hall of Fame DSRs:
- WRITE DOWN notes (on paper/Day-Timer, old school) or TYPE notes (computer, phone, pad) as the day unfolds on action items that need done. Take five minutes after each call to make notes on next steps.
- 20 percent of your thoughts, conversations and activities produce 80 percent of your results.
- Teach your customers how you manage your phone by telling them when you will answer, and when you won’t. Be consistent with your system and customers will respect it.
- Schedule interruptions to your schedule, because there always will be.
- Block out distractions that don’t generate business, but have a clear path for your family matters (block in time) because you’re always working and you must make time for family.
- Plan vacation time and prepare your customers and your backup team by having order guides up-to-date.
- Schedule ONE DAY each week to plan your week, even though you know it will change.
- Schedule at least two times a year when you will adjust your career plan.
- If you do come up with extra time in any day because there were no distractions or interruptions, spend the time you allowed for that on making new calls or learning about new products your customers don’t know they need yet.
DSRs, Be a Resource…and Sell Something!
