How Women in Sales Can Get Organized for the Next Fiscal Year
The start of a new fiscal year is the perfect time to reassess your strategies, streamline your workflows, and set yourself up for success. For women in sales, organization is key to staying on top of tasks, meeting targets, and maintaining a work-life balance. Here are actionable tips to help you organize your tasks, optimize your workspace, and use technology to boost productivity.
Organize Your Tasks
Set Clear Goals
Start by reviewing the past year. What worked? What didn’t? Use this insight to set realistic and specific goals for the coming year.
Break your annual sales goals into quarterly, monthly, and weekly milestones.
Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. Use a prioritization method, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to identify high-impact activities.
Urgent and Important: Focus on these first.
Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these tasks for later.
Urgent but Not Important: Delegate if possible.
Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate or minimize these tasks.
Create a Daily Schedule
Plan your day the night before to hit the ground running.
Allocate specific time blocks for prospecting, follow-ups, and administrative work.
Build in buffer time for unexpected tasks and breaks.
Tip: Allocate an hour (or half an hour) a day for “emergency” time to better address the unexpected.
Use Apps to Boost Productivity
Task Management Apps
Trello: Organize tasks using boards, lists, and cards. Perfect for visual thinkers.
Asana: Manage projects and collaborate with team members seamlessly.
Todoist: Keep track of your to-do lists and deadlines with simple, intuitive tools.
CRM Tools
HubSpot: Track leads, manage customer interactions, and automate follow-ups.
Salesforce: A robust CRM platform tailored for managing sales pipelines.
Time Management Apps
RescueTime: Analyze how you spend your time and identify areas to improve productivity.
Focus@Will: Use music scientifically designed to boost focus while working.
Communication Tools
Slack: Streamline communication with your team and keep conversations organized.
Calendly: Simplify scheduling meetings with clients or colleagues.
Organize Your Office Space
Declutter Your Workspace
A clutter-free workspace promotes focus and reduces stress.
Remove items you no longer use or need.
Use organizers or trays to keep your desk tidy.
Label drawers and files for quick access.
Optimize Your Desk Setup
Invest in ergonomic furniture and accessories to boost comfort and productivity.
Monitor Stands: Keep screens at eye level to reduce neck strain.
Adjustable Chair: Support your posture during long workdays.
Desk Organizer: Store essentials like pens, notebooks, and gadgets within arm’s reach.
Create an Inspiration Board
Use a corkboard or whiteboard to display:
Your sales goals and milestones.
Motivational quotes or images.
Visual trackers for progress.
Build a System for Tracking Progress
Regular Check-Ins
Schedule weekly or bi-weekly reviews to assess progress toward your goals.
Analyze your sales pipeline and address bottlenecks.
Adjust your strategies based on performance and feedback.
Tip: Set up a bi-weekly meeting with the support team to discuss the client. Discuss activity, challenges and goals to ensure team is alligned and collaborating effectively to achieve goals.
Document Your Wins and Lessons Learned
Maintain a journal or digital log to record:
Major achievements and closed deals. This will be important for annual reviews as well as to include on your resume for future sales positions.
Challenges faced and lessons learned. By being able to identify and articulate challenges and adversity you had to overcome, makes you a stronger candidate in future job interviews as well as in future sales cycles. “Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue”
Celebrate Milestones
Reward yourself for hitting key milestones to stay motivated and focused.
Network and Seek Support
Join Sales Communities
Connect with other women in sales to share strategies and experiences.
Look for local networking events or online groups.
Consider joining organizations like Sales Squad Foundation to connect with other like-minded women.
Find a Mentor
Join Sales Squad Foundation to seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide insights and help you grow.
Invest in Professional Development
Stay ahead of trends and sharpen your skills with:
Webinars and online courses.
Sales conferences and workshops.
Books and podcasts focused on sales and personal development.
