Sales Tip of the Week from Mike Leeds – Pro Sales Coaching
Five Effective Tips for Working Remote
1. Create a permanent work-space
Determine a work area that you can refer to as "your office" with a desk and desk chair. I strongly recommend that you don't work from the kitchen table unless there is no alternative and you live alone. Working from the table may lead to more distractions as well as closer proximity to the refrigerator (more on this later). Don't work from your sofa and coffee table. The sofa is probably too comfy and the work angles with the coffee table are not ergonomically ideal. Using a spare room is the best situation. When you're in the office, your family knows it's work time. If you're on the phone or can't be disturbed, close your door to advise family members to hold the noise down. In our current environment, people expect to hear some background noises or dogs barking – but we can at least try to minimize it. Creating a separate office work-space also enhances work/life balance on your off time.
2. Have the right tools and setup
It all starts with a great internet connection. If possible, have your modem and router in your office. I recommend using a headset for phone calling as opposed to using your speaker phone. You may want to invest in a larger monitor and separate keyboard if you're working from a laptop. Have any reference material you may need for your job easily accessible from your desk. If you work with a team, use calendar sharing applications. For video conferencing, you may not like the camera angle from your laptop so consider a stand-alone camera. Make sure your background is conducive for conducting video calls. Important note: Let other family members know when you’re on a video teleconference; I've heard many embarrassing stories about family members who didn't know they were captured on video.
3. Establish work hours
Whether it's 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or splitting your work hours up into a couple of time blocks for family needs, this can help build a routine for you to complete your work. If your job supports a different time zone, you can work those hours. Either way, think of the time you save from not commuting. Make sure you schedule a lunch break as well as some other breaks throughout the day. Limit your trips to the refrigerator to your break times. Consider creating a morning routine to prep for work, like you were commuting to the company office. Be dressed accordingly, especially if a last-minute video teleconference comes up.
4. Time blocking
Even if you work alone, time blocking on your calendar is a great way to maximize the chances of your work being completed. This could be time for prospecting calls (using the most productive call times for the time zones you're calling into), as well as administrative tasks that need to be done (during the least productive times). As mentioned earlier, you can block time for a lunch break to eat and take a walk.
5. Stay social
If most of your work is internet or email based, pick up the phone and call a co-worker from time-to-time. Make some personal calls on your breaks or have a video coffee break with a friend. Working remote can be lonely, and this tip can put a smile on your face which will improve your well-being in addition to your productivity.
Have a productive sales week!