Assumptions and Assessment

Good morning!

Both this week and next have a common element … two, actually: Assumptions and Assessment.

First, I strongly suggest that you not make any assumptions about business. Your competition is sitting back right now thinking, “No one wants to hear from a salesman this week. Therefore I’m not going to call.” As such, you should make a call! Remember: If everyone else goes left, go right.

The second thing these weeks have in common has to do with what I will call, Assessment. That is, you should assess what you do and how you do it. I would strongly suggest you take a look at your work environment. If 2020 has taught us anything from a sales perspective, it’s how different things are going to be in the future than they were in the past on so many levels. You are likely spending more time at your desk than you ever have before. Take it from someone who is worked from home since 1982, your work environment need some extra thought. Improvements and upgrades will make a huge difference.

• Do you have a comfortable chair to sit in? Don’t go low bid on an office chair. The value of a comfortable and ergonomically-correct office chair becomes apparent shortly after you invest in one;
• Lighting. First, you want to make certain you’ve got solid incandescent (old-fashioned yellow light bulb style) lighting for your workspace. White lights, such as LED, might be less expensive but they are more wearing on the eye. Second, you need good lighting for your Zoom calls. Do some research and buy something that’s going to put you in the best light possible.
• Movement. It is completely possible to be in the seated position for hours at a time. Don’t do that. Don’t allow it. If you have an Apple watch, get up and move every time it reminds you at 50 minutes after the hour. As for lunch, don’t skip it and don’t just grab something quick. Have lunch and then do something non-work-related. Your mind and body need the break and it will actually help the quality of your work.
• Technology. Use this time to do a technology check. Review your computer needs, get to know what you don’t know about helpful gadgets, cell phones, improved modems, etc.

My personal recommendation is to invest in a pair of Apple AirPods Pro. They are noise-canceling and ridiculously comfortable. Like everything from that company, they are expensive but completely worth it.

I will be posting a special video on Monday, Dec. 28. It will serve as my 2020 holiday card. If you are taking time off that week, good for you! I look forward to a whole new way of delivering all of my sales content in the new year.

The entire FarkaBerry family wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The Sales Vault cometh! Check it out at BillFarquharson.com