Video Mystery Shopping Tip: Time Management? Is it really possible in the land of New Homes Sales?

Let’s face it; there are just NOT enough hours in the day. That’s a fact…and unfortunately, one that we can’t change. If you are a manager in new home sales, this probably comes as no surprise to you. In your role as sales manager you wear many different hats and have various tasks to accomplish each day. You KNOW that your time is best spent in the field with your sales people, but how many days a week are you actually able to do that?

And, when you do get out in the sales offices, how often are you distracted by phone calls, e-mails, texts, etc.? It is very difficult to focus on doing your job well when you’re constantly being pulled in a million different directions! What about taking personal time for you? Your sales offices are open and operating seven days a week……………are you doing the same thing???

So, here’s the question: how can you manage all of these roles, be the most effective sales manager you can be and STILL have a life?

Here are a couple of time management tips for you. Now, they won’t add more hours to your day, but they will help you navigate and make the most of your day!

Designate 2 or 3 days per week your field days. Let the office staff, division president and everyone else know that these are your designated field days and that you will be checking e-mails and voice mails only at specific times. Change your voice mail and your e-mail auto-responder to reflect what time you will be returning calls. You owe it to your sales team to give them your full undivided attention when you are with them. Finally, DO NOT go into the office on your field days if at all possible.
Learn to delegate and/or let go of tasks that are not really a priority. I know most sales managers no longer have the “staff” they once had, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t delegate. Talk to the other managers (Purchasing, Operations, Accounting) and see if they would be willing to let you *borrow* a support staff person for a couple of hours per week. Also, learn to let the non-priorities go.
Be proactive with your time. Schedule certain times during the day to return calls, answer e-mails, and do other administrative tasks. I find it most effective to do this twice per day: In the morning and before you leave for the day. Schedule this time in your calendar! Treat it as you would treat an important meeting. After all, it really is!
Be careful of ‘Manager Meeting Mania’. Because New Homes Sales managers touch so many areas of the new home process, oftentimes they feel a need to sit in on every meeting that comes up. Back Log, Model Merchandising, New Community Planning, Managers Meeting, Sales Meetings, Land Acquisition, Sales Training, etc…..you could make a full-time job out of attending meetings! Remember, your time is valuable. Only you know what the highest and best use of your time is; however, I can guarantee you it isn’t sitting in meetings 8 hours per day.
Work Hard, Play Hard. In the 25 years I have been in the new home sales industry I have seen many EXCELLENT New Homes Sales Managers burn out and leave the industry. Why? Because ‘all work and no play’ does not equate to a balanced life. Trust me; I know how hard it is to ‘turn it off’. But, if you don’t give yourself a chance to recharge, you will burn out.

Your team is counting on you to be the best you can be, and that means making time for YOU!