Surfing and Email Time Wasting help!
It is not uncommon to spend 5 hours a day or more surfing,checking email, and getting carried away on tangents.
Is the internet the greatest tool, and the greatest time killer, ever invented?
As such it takes time away from prospecting…
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I am now sitting on the other side of the desk (client side)
Using printouts from my CRM (Salesforce.com) to make calls
I would be interested in hearing how you others are dealing with this issue?
Thx!
That’s awesome, never thought about that… Good job…
I shut down my computer and go off a printed sheet as well(clear my desk completely or I find myself reading stupid stuff)Don’t turn computer on until 25 contacts are made.
I set up a reward system where if I make XX of contacts and I reward myself with internet down time.
I find it easier just not to bother prospecting, plus its much more enjoyable.
[quote=Full Throttle]I find it easier just not to bother prospecting, plus its much more enjoyable.[/quote]
I like your style.
Full Throttle, I have to confess you speak the truth.
The computer needs to be a tool, not your master.
1. Change the time for when your computer checks for email. Email makes you REACT instead of proactive. 2. Never check email in the morning until after you've started on your day. Email is not a phone call out to a prospect or a phone call to your office. Accumulated emails can be handled in the evening and scheduled to be dealt with the following day. If it's really an emergency, they should have your phone number. 3. If it's really a big deal for you, you should get a "porn blocker" like K9 so you can block out the timewasting sites too. Get someone else to set the password and make your work computer only for WORK. You shouldn't be spending time on "youtwitface" during work hours. 4. If you're still having problems, just disconnect the internet from your computer until after you've accomplished the things you planned the night before. 5. Make sure you have a plan to implement the next day. No plan or agenda = time wasting future. 6. Go back to using a paper-based planner, printed lists and phone. The less time you're face-to-face with a screen, the more money you're gonna make. Tips provided by someone who is COMPLETELY addicted to the computer (me).Turn the computer and cell phone off. It’s the only way I can crank numbers. Otherwise my day is sucked away doing NOTHING.
Print a sheet and bang some dials out. After 5 contacts, go do your notes and any follow ups. Repeat.
Volt, do you have an office yet?
[quote=Mr.Blonde]Volt, do you have an office yet?[/quote]
Negative … 90 days out I suspect.
Nope, 5 years and 40 million. I was just curious about your ability to stay focused with dirty dishes in the kitchen sink?
Weak attempt at a joke, come stronger. I eat bitches like you for lunch.
What was that sound? The buzzer on the dryer, some clothes need folding Volt!
[quote=Mr.Blonde]What was that sound? The buzzer on the dryer, some clothes need folding Volt![/quote]
I pay your mom to do that…
In all seriousness, I shut my computer down, have a paper list, and tell my BOA not to interrupt me for anything.
Then I put my wireless headset on, take my phone off the cradle, unplug the handset and hand it to my BOA. I tell her I will be out in an hour to get it.
The computer needs to be a tool, not your master.
1. Change the time for when your computer checks for email. Email makes you REACT instead of proactive. 2. Never check email in the morning until after you've started on your day. Email is not a phone call out to a prospect or a phone call to your office. Accumulated emails can be handled in the evening and scheduled to be dealt with the following day. If it's really an emergency, they should have your phone number. 3. If it's really a big deal for you, you should get a "porn blocker" like K9 so you can block out the timewasting sites too. Get someone else to set the password and make your work computer only for WORK. You shouldn't be spending time on "youtwitface" during work hours. 4. If you're still having problems, just disconnect the internet from your computer until after you've accomplished the things you planned the night before. 5. Make sure you have a plan to implement the next day. No plan or agenda = time wasting future. 6. Go back to using a paper-based planner, printed lists and phone. The less time you're face-to-face with a screen, the more money you're gonna make. I'll take this challenge next week. I figure I could get get most of my work done in a 1/3 less time (or be more productive for the same time period) if it weren't for the computer and these forums (porn isn't the issue, its these forums). It may be too restrictive, but I downloaded the K9 software recommended and made it so I don't have access to the internet between 8am to 4pm when I should be seeing people or fighting to see people. In an emergency, I have a slow laptop I can always access if I absolutely need to (luckily I hate using it). This will also force me to have all my phoning lists, task lists with phone numbers from my CRM (online based), and any other information I need to look up on my computer written down before the day starts. Like Gordan said, I don't see too many (if any) emails that can't wait a few hours until the end of the day. Even if it cost me one relationship (which I fully expect it will not) , the productivity increase alone should more than offset it. We'll see how it goes next week, I might start shaking from withdrawls.Full, I’m with you. Thought about this post alot today. I’m planning my entire next week tomorrow and want to see how productive I can really be without screwing around for half the day.
The issue isn't the internet. We can always find something to get in the way. If it wasn't the internet, it would be reading the WSJ or doing client prep work. If your day was packed full of appointments, would you spend 5 hours a day on-line? Of course not. You wouldn't have the time to do so. In other words, the issue isn't that you are spending too much time on-line. The issue is that you don't have enough appointments. Get enough appointments and your internet problem will be solved.It is not uncommon to spend 5 hours a day or more surfing,checking email, and getting carried away on tangents.
Is the internet the greatest tool, and the greatest time killer, ever invented?
As such it takes time away from prospecting…
-------
I am now sitting on the other side of the desk (client side)
Using printouts from my CRM (Salesforce.com) to make calls
I would be interested in hearing how you others are dealing with this issue?
Thx!
I can still get done what needs to be done, fooling around just makes it take much longer than necessary. Starting the computer right when getting to work starts me off on the wrong foot.
Don’t mind anonymous, he is perfect.<span id=“userPro163909” =“showDropDown’userPro163909’, ‘proMenu163909’, 160, 0;” =“msgSidePro” title=“View Drop Down”>
She is perfectDon’t mind anonymous, he is perfect.<SPAN id=userPro163909 title=“View Drop Down” =“showDropDown’userPro163909’, ‘proMenu163909’, 160, 0;”>
[quote=Mr.Blonde] What was that sound? The buzzer on the dryer, some clothes need folding Volt![/quote]
Sorry Volt, it was funny.
Im not trying to be an ass, but where do ej guys that dont have an office meet with clients?
Nah, it was weak. I’ve admited I sit around in my boxers and watch porn most of the day.
We meet right around their kitchen table. Just like I did an hour ago when the client gave me a cup of coffee, two roths, and a nice fat rollover. I thought it would be weird when I first started but it isn't. Hardest part of working out of your house is making calls and staying focused. Dryer buzzers and all, ya know?She is perfect[/quote] Wow. You really got me good with those zingers. You must have spent all night coming with them.[quote=voltmoie]Don’t mind anonymous, he is perfect.<SPAN id=userPro163909 title=“View Drop Down” =“showDropDown’userPro163909’, ‘proMenu163909’, 160, 0;”>
Anon - You have to be fearful of the new breed of tough talking, high producing, registered rep threatening Edward Jones Brokers. They can’t be stopped and will be taking over the industry!
She is perfect[/quote] Wow. You really got me good with those zingers. You must have spent all night coming with them.[/quote] It is perfect?[quote=Takingnames][quote=voltmoie]Don’t mind anonymous, he is perfect.<SPAN id=userPro163909 title=“View Drop Down” =“showDropDown’userPro163909’, ‘proMenu163909’, 160, 0;”>
Chicken and the egg. You won't get enough appointments unless you fix your bad habits first.Get enough appointments and your internet problem will be solved.
BTW, if you use Firefox, you can use Leechblock to help you manage your time as well.
You’re right, Gordon, but the issue isn’t the internet. Reps had these same issues long before the internet came on the scene. The focus has to be doing what needs to be done as opposed to avoiding a specific bad habit. If the bad habit isn’t replaced by that good habit, nothing changes.
You’re right, Gordon, but the issue isn’t the internet. Reps had these same issues long before the internet came on the scene. The focus has to be doing what needs to be done as opposed to avoiding a specific bad habit. If the bad habit isn’t replaced by that good habit, nothing changes.
So let's follow your logic. We replace the internet with appointments and all is solved? Seems like we are missing a step. Picking up the phone and getting those appointments.
I of course get your point. If you replace the internet and don't pick up the phone you are no better off - but removing a major distraction from many peoples days seems to me a clear way to increase productivity if its replaced by the phone which is what we were all talking about. If we are on appointments all day we can't be on the internet :)
Yes, if we are on appointments, we won't be on the internet. However, appointments cancel and things happen. We need a daily game plan that keeps us doing what we are supposed to be doing. The problem with focusing on staying off of the internet is that it is so easily replaced with doing some other time waster. My point is that we should be focusing on doing what we should be doing as opposed to focusing on what we shouldn't be doing.
My easy system is that from 9:00-2:00, I do nothing but see people or fight to see them. So, if I'm not on an appointment, I am going to one, or calling someone or cold walking. I'm as guilty as anyone with time wasters, but not during those hours on work days.I get what anon is saying. If you have a bad habit, you replace it witi a good habit. It’s why so many reformed alcoholics become high achievers.
Or graduate from alcohol to cocaineI get what anon is saying. If you have a bad habit, you replace it witi a good habit. It’s why so many reformed alcoholics become high achievers.
[quote=buyandhold]I get what anon is saying. If you have a bad habit, you replace it witi a good habit. It’s why so many reformed alcoholics become high achievers.
Or graduate from alcohol to cocaine[/quote]
Are we back to talking about your family?
You again, shouldn’t you be cleaning your office, it is only a couple of steps away.
[quote=Full Throttle]The computer needs to be a tool, not your master.
1. Change the time for when your computer checks for email. Email makes you REACT instead of proactive. 2. Never check email in the morning until after you've started on your day. Email is not a phone call out to a prospect or a phone call to your office. Accumulated emails can be handled in the evening and scheduled to be dealt with the following day. If it's really an emergency, they should have your phone number. 3. If it's really a big deal for you, you should get a "porn blocker" like K9 so you can block out the timewasting sites too. Get someone else to set the password and make your work computer only for WORK. You shouldn't be spending time on "youtwitface" during work hours. 4. If you're still having problems, just disconnect the internet from your computer until after you've accomplished the things you planned the night before. 5. Make sure you have a plan to implement the next day. No plan or agenda = time wasting future. 6. Go back to using a paper-based planner, printed lists and phone. The less time you're face-to-face with a screen, the more money you're gonna make. I'll take this challenge next week. I figure I could get get most of my work done in a 1/3 less time (or be more productive for the same time period) if it weren't for the computer and these forums (porn isn't the issue, its these forums). It may be too restrictive, but I downloaded the K9 software recommended and made it so I don't have access to the internet between 8am to 4pm when I should be seeing people or fighting to see people. In an emergency, I have a slow laptop I can always access if I absolutely need to (luckily I hate using it). This will also force me to have all my phoning lists, task lists with phone numbers from my CRM (online based), and any other information I need to look up on my computer written down before the day starts. Like Gordan said, I don't see too many (if any) emails that can't wait a few hours until the end of the day. Even if it cost me one relationship (which I fully expect it will not) , the productivity increase alone should more than offset it. We'll see how it goes next week, I might start shaking from withdrawls.[/quote] The net result of day #1, I was much happier and productive. Its like an alcoholic taking a sip of booze, next thing you know he is driving down the road with a .25 blood alcohol level. Much easier to abstain completely. Even though I generally get done what needs to be done, I can do more and do what I currently do in less time at the office. Not turning the computer on today from 6am to 4pm was a huge accomplishment today and plan to keep the practice going to the end of the week (maybe indefinetly). Its a lot simpler when the only thing on my desk is a call list and prospect cards to stay focused.