
It’s a fact of life. The expectations of our customers, our bosses and our families require us to do more, and do it faster. Juggling existing customers and incoming leads, negotiating with price conscious buyers, squeezing in new business development activity, completing a multitude of reports – all while leaving some “awake time” for family . The consistent question I hear from sales professionals and business owners is, “How do I find a way to manage my time so that I get everything done and keep everyone happy?” Overwhelmed is the new normal.
Many look at time management as the panacea. Yet, according to renowned neuropsychologist, Dr. Paul Pearsall*, “time management is a waste of time.” You see… it’s not about time, it’s about attention. Pearsall refers to attention as the new business currency and states, “until we learn to manage our attention, all the self-helpism, time management programs in the world will be useless.” And I agree with him.
A myriad distractions vie for our attention on a daily basis. So much so, that we forget we have choice over where we focus that attention. In fact by getting ruthless with our choices we will get more done, and free up time.
Here are seven insights to help you redirect your attention so you get more done in less time.
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Everyone has a “To Do” list. I was introduced to the concept of the “Stop Doing” list in one of my favorite books, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Over the years I have witnessed some frightening selling practices. And I’ve seen them used by sales pros with different levels of experience. It’s not because they’re bad sales reps. For many it’s habit. Some have been taught these “tactics” by well meaning sales dinosaurs. And others simply don’t know better.
I’ve named each of these behaviors. And created, in no particular order, my top ten “Harrington’s Horrors.” If you happen to recognize yourself in the list below then it’s time to create your personal “Stop Doing” list, and to retire each of the horrors that threaten to derail your sales success.
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The other day I had to pick up something at my local mall. I dislike malls. And so I was ecstatic to find a parking spot “spitting distance” from the main door. Ten minutes later, mission accomplished, I clicked my car’s remote door opener and jumped into the driver’s seat.
I was about to turn on the ignition when I realized, “This is NOT my car!” Worried the owner would appear and mistake me for Angelina Jolie (I wish) in the auto theft action movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” I scrambled out to find my car parked in the next bay. OK, admittedly the winter coat of dry snow and salt made both cars look that same shade of “blah.” But seriously – who leaves their door unlocked in Toronto?
And who doesn’t recognize their own car? Apparently me.
Good news is I’m not crazy. Nor am I turning to grand theft auto to make my next million. I made this mistake because, in that moment, I had been on “auto pilot.”
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"I can honestly say I learned more in 3 days than I had in 3 years of Business School! You put some confidence behind the potential and I can't thank you enough." Multimedia Advertising Consultant "Jill, you are truly making a difference in people's careers. I am sure you hear this all the time, but I have to tell you that you are brilliant at your profession. As an attorney, I have been subjected to countless hours of "training," and I can honestly say that your course was the most beneficial and enjoyable that I have ever taken... you have truly changed my perception of selling. Thanks for everything." Account Executive, "The combination of sales training, reinforcement clinics, coaching initiatives, coupled with Jill's contribution as a speaker at our national sales and marketing conferences, has raised the bar within our team in terms of how we look at our sales efforts. We have moved away from being task oriented sales people to becoming a strategic sales team. The sales planning and support tools were critical in the continuance of our learning and application of training after the sessions were completed. Overall, we became a better sales force as a result of this partnership." Managing Director of Sales, "Jill, I wanted to drop you a quick thank you note regarding the most recent CSP training. I have been getting glowing comments on how fantastic the training was and also on how wonderful the instructor was. Everyone I have spoken to regarding the training felt it was a valuable use of their time and that it would definitely help them advance their sales cycles. Thanks again for all of your dedication in making this program a success." Senior Director Sales North America, "Jill is an inspiration – her knowledge, style, energy and enthusiasm should be bottled and sold. By far the best sales training that I’ve ever been through, and I’ve done the Xerox sales training!!" National Account Manager, "Jill, just wanted to reiterate that the SalesSHIFT presentation that you presented today at the SITE Education day was absolutely fabulous and key to sales success. The topic, message and delivery were excellent! The message was simple yet so powerful that I walked away inspired, motivated and ready to implement the directives from the presentation. In fact, I'm following through on revisiting a client conversation to fully understand their point of view based on my learnings at your presentation... Thank you for delivering a strategic and vital sales message that is critical to the success of individuals and businesses.' Vice President, Operations, Canada, "I was less than enthusiastic to attend yet another 'sales training', as this was probably the 15th throughout my career. Jill Harrington’s qualities as a business person, a communicator and seasoned sales leader quickly turned things around for me. Without question, one of the best trainers I’ve ever met." Senior Account Manager "Jill is rock solid in her delivery and an expert in her field. The content is not only educational but extremely entertaining as well. If you are interested in improving sales in your organization, you owe it to yourself and your company to talk with Jill." Account Executive, "Jill has worked with our Sales and Service teams with fantastic results each and every time. Jill presents passionately, professionally and with great clarity. Her post-training follow up is exemplary and ensures that we get phenomenal value from each experience." Vice President, "Thank you again for taking the remainder of our team through the CSP training. Changing an individual’s process in a profession like ours is only possible when you gain absolute buy-in to the concept and you develop a deep rooted belief in the rep that applying this process will prove success in every outcome... Your amazing ability to send seven people back to me that were wholly committed to this program makes my job easier."
Retail Advertising Manager, "What’s changed for me is that for every important client meeting, I review my notes from your training just to remind me to always put myself in the clients shoes and to always focus on what is important to them so that I can do my best to satisfy their requirements…so far it has paid off more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve been selling in various industries for 16 years now…I only now feel like a true professional! Thank you so much…no BS, I truly attribute much of my recent success to your training!" Business Development Manager, "Jill has trained three of my teams in the past five years for various companies and she consistently delivers valuable, relevant and useful sales techniques and ideas. She is a true professional sales trainer who kept my goals and objectives in mind throughout the four day session. Jill’s approachable style will put the most fragile and non-confident sales people at ease and allow for true learning to take place. Within days of the training I observed first-hand the shift in my sales team and the wins that we scored. Thanks Jill- looking forward to a follow up refresher day in the future." Executive Director, Sales, “I consider myself a so called seasoned professional and let me tell you – I am enjoying your (webinar) training. Yes it’s reinforcing what I already know but I haven’t needed to do any new business development prospecting in a long time and frankly I’ve gotten rusty. The session on Friday was excellent. I immediately updated my LinkedIn profile following the meeting. Goes without saying – you can use me as an advocate for your training any time. Thank you.” Director Client Services, “Based on the feedback I received from John and a few of the attendees, it sounds like the session last week was extremely well received! Jill thank you for your hard work and thorough preparation. I had one of the Relationship Managers say to me, "she really knew her stuff!" … thank you once again for a "top shelf" experience!” Senior Relationship Manager, |