Salespeople face unique challenges that can quickly derail productivity and impact their revenue generating activities. When salespeople are efficient with their time, they contribute to the overall success of the sales organization. We’re breaking down the common challenges salespeople are faced with on a daily basis, why time management is important, and the best hacks to save time in your day. We close up with how Pod can help sales people sell faster - let's go!

Time management challenges salespeople face

Only 28% of a seller's day is spent on actually selling. Days easily get swallowed up by these sorts of activities:

• Trying to keep up with deal statuses: Sales professionals often spend a significant amount of time tracking and managing prospects or deals through different stages.
• Attending (non-sales) meetings: While internal meetings and collaboration is important to any sales org, overdoing it means less time to actually sell.
• Responding to emails: It’s like inbox zero is an impossible goal to achieve because emails never stop coming. Chances are, they aren't all about actual deals!
• Admin tasks: Updating CRMs, creating reports, processing paperwork, it’s essential but timely.
• Research: If you don’t have an effective way of doing research, it could take way longer than needed to put together what you need for your next call or meeting.

Time management hacks for sales professionals

Conduct a time audit

If your days constantly seem like they are flying by, and not in a good way, you might want to assess the situation. One of the most effective ways to improve your time management is to conduct a time audit. This involves tracking how you actually spend your time over a typical week or two.

To conduct a time audit, use a time-tracking app or simply keep a detailed log of how you spend each hour of your workday. Note everything, from sales calls and meetings to administrative tasks, breaks, and anything else that occupies your time. Be brutally honest with yourself during this process.

By doing this, you can identify your biggest time-wasters and areas where you may be losing focus or productivity. Some common red flags in a time audit could look like long period of low productivity, frequent distractions, or spending too much time on low-value tasks.

Batch low-value tasks

Productive procrastination may seem counterintuitive, but it’s highly effective. By delaying, batching, or delegating low-value tasks, you can channel your prime resources toward high-priority sales activities and achieve better results in less time.

• First, identify any tasks that are not essential to your goals. If possible, eliminate these tasks from your schedule entirely to free up time for more important activities.
• For tasks that are necessary but not the best use of your time, delegate them to someone else. This allows you to focus on high-impact sales activities that require your expertise and attention.
• Instead of delaying low-value tasks indefinitely, batch them together. For example, handle all your administrative busy work in one block of time during the afternoon when your energy levels are lower.
• Dedicate your peak hours—when your mental energy is highest—to activities like prospecting, pitching, or negotiating deals.

Leverage AI

AI in sales is enabling a lot of automation for time-consuming data entry, pipeline management, or repetitive tasks. It’s to your benefit to leverage the tools out there that help you save time and shift your focus on more productive tasks, like selling.

With Pod, sellers are able to save time managing their pipelines. Pod offers features like deal prioritization, task organization, and automated data entry, reducing administrative work. Plus, it provides guidance on the best next actions, helps with meeting preparation, and offers insights into sales patterns. Now you can make decisions faster by using the AI-driven insights and recommendations for the best course of action. Pod makes selling easier, try it for free!

Learn to say no

As a sales professional, your time is your most valuable resource. Guarding it fiercely is crucial for success. Become a master at politely declining low-impact commitments that drain your productivity. When you receive a request that doesn't align with your priorities, don't automatically say yes out of obligation or fear of disappointing. Take a moment to evaluate the request's true value and impact on your goals. If it's not a high-leverage activity, have the courage to respectfully decline and explain your reasoning. Saying no isn't easy, but it's a vital skill for effective time management. Remember, every time you say no to something insignificant, you're saying yes to your highest priorities and long-term success.

Time is money

You’re responsible for your own time, so start optimizing it! By being smart with where your energy and focus goes, your productivity can reach new heights and land you more deals. This means prioritizing tasks that move you closer to closing deals, such as following up with leads, nurturing client relationships, and honing your sales pitch. With efficient time management, your productivity can reach new heights, allowing you to handle more prospects, close more deals, and ultimately increase your earnings.