Hello friends!
Have you ever worn yourself out working on a project for work or home, only to discover at the end that the blood, sweat and tears that you put into the job would have been lessened greatly if you had approached the work from a different perspective, or used a better tool?
I had to re-learn this valuable lesson recently when working on a home repair. If only I had remembered the invaluable mantra, “Work Smarter, Not Harder,” and spent more time analyzing the problem and thinking of the most efficient way to solve it before jumping in, I would have saved myself hours of work and frustration.
I resolved to remind myself of this more often because I truly believe that this approach can transform not only mundane physical tasks, but professional success as well. We are indeed creatures of habit. Our “auto-pilot” tendencies inevitably steer us down outdated or impractical paths of familiarity, even when a more efficient solution might be hiding in plain sight.
As the direct selling channel continues to shift, adapt, and reinvent itself, I believe this “work smarter” philosophy can be particularly valuable to both executives and field members.
With changes in consumer behavior emerging at the same rapid pace as advances in technology, there has never been a better time to reevaluate strategy and consider smarter, streamlined methods and tools for personal as well as organizational success.
Whether it be alternative methods to survey product interest, innovative sales team training and productivity tools, or new technologies to streamline supply chain management, there are often better solutions waiting to be utilized. The key to finding them is maintaining a mindset of curiosity. Turn off the auto-pilot and form a new habit of always asking yourself: Is there an even better way to do this?
Wishing each of you a successful and efficient month ahead!
Warmly, David Bland!