The Chronicle’s Business blog

To succeed in sales, map out your schedule for the day, your goals and to-dos.

The morning is a good time as it is one of the only quiet times you will have, says advertising sales manager Linda Sauls.

Plan each week in advance. You will use your time more effectively and efficiently.

To plan your week, Linda advises:

• Consult your Daily Sales Plan and Call Record. This should include prospects, their organization, phone/email, the purpose of your call, the result and your next action.

• Refer to your monthly objectives to determine which marketing and sales activities have highest priority.

• Review your Master Plan. See how well you are meeting your overall goals and what to do to improve performance.

• Write sales-producing emails and snail mail letters, depending on the prospect.

Write using a few basic rules:

• Keep them short and simple. Shorter letters are more likely to be read completely. A 1-page letter is best.

• Write the way you speak. Pay attention to your grammar and spelling. Write in a friendly, sincere and warm writing style.

• Use bullets for specific points.

Linda explains these steps and more in a new book “Maverick Entrepreneurs’ Million Dollar Strategies.” Autographed copies are available for $20 by calling Katie or Jewel at 803-359-7633.

Copyright 2018, The Bellune Co., Inc