Pardon me while I make a few assumptions about you.
When a client wants to see you or speak to you, I’m assuming you don’t just commit it to memory right?
When you call a prospect and they agree to see you on Thursday at 3:00, do you tie a string around your finger or does it go into your calendar?
I’m assuming that when there’s an internal meeting you have to attend or the boss wants to review something with you at a specific time, these items make your calendar too?
Note: Sorry that last sentence was so long but I needed time to slip into my “Captain Obvious” getup so I could tell you this . . .
Those were all forms of appointments. Appointments that you are willing to grant others.
The sad reality is that many of us don’t give ourselves the same respect when it comes to 4 specific types of appointments
1) Appointments to Prospect: As obvious as this one is, most sales people don’t set the time aside to prospect. Prospecting is often an activity that is done if there is time left over after all the other activities.
Note: If you are blocking time to prospect, do you give that appointment the same no “wuss out” respect you give others?
2) Appointments To Think: You have to dedicate some after hours time to think about your business. Think about what’s working, what isn’t working. Think about upcoming appointments and how you can wow your existing clients. Bonus points if you spend some time thinking about an idea you can give a client to help them look like a rock star.
Note: If this isn’t on your calendar it does this real sneaky thing called “not happening”
3) Appointments For Family and Friends: I’m not talking about setting an appointment for “Uncle John’s Birthday” or your kid’s weekly soccer game because you probably do a good job with those things. I’m talking about the catch with your kid, a date with your spouse or making a point to break bread as a family at least once a week.
Note: Listen to the old Harry Chapin song “Cat’s in the cradle” and then come back and revisit #3 if you need to. Seriously dude!
4) An Appointment For YOU: You might be someone who has always wanted to learn a second language, play an instrument, take martial arts or even get back to something that once brought you a great deal of joy!
Note: This just in . . . “someday” has just arrived!
Once you set these appointments, make sure you give them the same respect you give your other appointments . . .
Don’t wuss out and cancel
Be on time
Be fully present
Any who, I gotta go set (and keep) some appointments 🙂
Carpe Diem!
Paul Castain is the Vice President of Jedi Mastery for Castain Training Systems where he works with organizations and individuals to achieve higher levels of performance. For more information on how Paul can help you and your company click here dude.
Today’s News: My friend Nathan Fultz wanted to share details of a webinar his company is hosting and had this to say:
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March 16
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/122176374
April 5th
