How to automate follow-ups

We all have a 'To Do' list. Most maintain it mentally. Some write down a list, or have 17 half crossed out lists scattered. You might use your software calendar to prompt you. Wrong place. The calendar is built for appointments and meetings only. Reminders make you look unnaturally busy.

Only a minority use their Task function, but even then only as a short term reminder system.

Look at Tasks another way. For long term persistency. Tenacity.

Most people in business are interested only in nurturing prospects that will do business with them instantly.  If someone is not ready to do business with you when you first meet, send out a proposal - do you forget about them, moving on to the next prospect?

This is where Tasks can make you a sales superstar. Helping you to remember to stay in touch, to follow up - every few months, every year. Until they are ready to do business with you.

Once you create a Task, on the appointed day at the appointed time - a small box will open on your screen telling you the Task is due. You can also set a recurring task and assign a task.

How can you use Tasks to raise the bar of your business performance?

To follow up:

• In the long term on quotes or proposals that didn't eventuate; when a client will need your services again (such as annual conferences, parties, meetings)
• On current quotes, proposals, emails you sent that have remained unanswered
• On customer service problems (especially if they are not expecting a future call/contact)

Remind:

• Staff when reports, items are due
• Yourself to renew - such as domain names, licensing, contracts
• Use recurring Tasks to remember to call important clients every 12 weeks or so.

With Staff

• Project management - including assigning Tasks to staff
• Following on from meetings- Task action items to the people who are responsible for them

In the cluttered mind space we all maintain today, Tasks / To Do is a place to park something, then let it go to free up your mind. Let your computer remind you when the time has come.

By Debbie Mayo-Smith best-selling author and  sought-after international speaker. For a free quick tip newsletter, vast collection of 'how -to' articles and other resources to help you work smarter and save time, come to www.debbiespeaks.co.nz

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