Planning

A planner is an ideal way to set out your goals and plans for the year and help you keep on track of the day-to-day tasks you need to complete. Options include:

Zoho Planner - for an online organiser.

Outlook - there is an option in your folder list called 'tasks' - it enables you to enter and keep track of tasks with due date reminders as well as the facility to sort by due date, completed tasks, etc. You can also use it to keep track of the amount of time you spend on any particular task as well as change the status of the task as appropriate. If you would like more information about how to make the most of using tasks on Outlook then just drop me a line at info@asklilach.co.uk.

Task Anyone - an online version of what Outlook offers but you can also send tasks to others via the web, with information stored in a central log. It's a useful tool if you are working with people based in different locations and want to keep track of activity.

De-clutter

A sure way to help you get focused on what is coming up is to de-clutter your office. Giving yourself more space to work and knowing, instantly, where to lay your hands on vital information will save you time as well as reduce the stress levels.It's useful to get into the habit of working out what to do with information as soon as it arrives - just decide whether you need to action it now (or within a specified timeframe), file it for information, or delegate it to someone else. Using a simple colour-coded system with post-it notes can be quite effective for sorting out paperwork as it comes in.

Get yourself organised

Time and project manage are valuable skills. Often, the key is in getting organised and planning out how to approach the project. If you would like some top tips on project management, including how to tackle procrastination, working out the time of the day when you are most productive and what to focus on, then download the article on the website - Keeping Time and Project Management on Track. It's also useful to think about compiling your 'to do' list at the end of each day ready for the next. That ensures you are focused and ready to work as soon as you get to your desk.

When helping businesses with their sales effort I often get asked what is the best sales book. My answer is always quite simple, don't read sales books read books about how people "buy", after all this is what you need to understand as a sales person, how is the person "buying", what would you do in their place, what would you be thinking about, what would be important to you?

Matt Jefferson is Managing Director of Jefferson Sales Consultancy Ltd, a business to business sales consultancy helping companies with all aspects of sales, www.jeffersonsales.co.uk, Tel. 020 7096 2005