How Can You Effectively Manage Business Calls in a Busy Household?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges and strategies participants face in managing business calls while balancing family life. Participants share their personal experiences regarding scheduling, making contacts, and adapting to new living situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions struggling to maintain a consistent number of contacts due to changes in their household schedule and poor cell reception.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making six new contact calls every other day, fitting their business activities around family commitments.
  • One participant expresses a goal of becoming a champion but acknowledges difficulties in making contacts during the previous week.
  • Another participant humorously notes the absence of a "like" button, indicating a light-hearted engagement with the thread.
  • A participant offers encouragement, noting that developing consistency takes time and suggesting that adjusting schedules can be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies for managing business calls, with no clear consensus on a single effective approach. Participants acknowledge the challenges of balancing personal and business responsibilities.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences that reflect their individual circumstances, including family dynamics and personal schedules, impacting their business activities.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for relatable experiences and insights on managing business calls amidst family life may find this discussion relevant.

Bren706
Gold Member
Messages
2,380
How is everyone doing? Are you having any results?

I have to confess that I am not completely up to 3 contacts a day yet, but I have made an improvement on my calls, but not to the point that it is consistent. It is very challenging to make the calls at the time that I had grown accustomed to and I need to find a way around it. I have always done the majority of my calls between 7-8pm. Now that we are living with my SIL and MIL, we are not eating dinner until close to 6:30, and by the time we eat, and I clean up, it is almost 7:30. On top of that, my cell phone does not get very good reception here, and my MIL is on the land-line phone a lot (she loves chatting with her friends). My quiet place to make calls (without noise distractions from kids, etc. is in the breezeway, but it is starting to get quite cold out there now.). Alright, who am I kidding. I could just use that time period to block out 15 minutes using the land-line from 7:45-8:pm. I just need to MAKE the time and stick to it.

I have taken most of the classes. I have a couple to catch up. This week flew by for me.

I did do a booth yesterday, and have about 9 booking leads (will make those calls tomorrow. Today was a day spent at the pumpkin patch and a playdate with more friends), and 1 very good recruit lead that I am meeting with tomorrow.

I sent out an e-mail with the 50% rebate promo, and did get a response from a prior lead. She was interested in signing up now. We corresponded via e-mail and I let her know that the promo is only good thru today, so I am hoping that she goes ahead and signs up.

How is everyone else doing?
 
I'm doing "catch up SUYB" meaning I'm about 2 weeks behind. LOL

I'm doing 6 new contact calls every other day and do my follow ups/host coaching on the in-between days. (Took Sunday off) This is just because it fits my family's schedule better. Sometimes 6 contacts means 20 phone calls!! I'm also leaving old catalogs around town.

I've now booked two shows for November in the last three days and I have two "maybes". I'm sending out those hostess packets tomorrow. Both are past hosts so I feel like they have the "Get more sales than last time" goal incentive already and I've already started what I feel is pretty great host coaching.

I also found a Festival for later this month that isn't taking any more vendors but they allowed me to sign up as an "alternate" for free so I've done that in hopes that it pans out. I wont have more than a 3 day notice for this so I'm trying to be ready in advance without the possibility of it being a waste of time.

I'm not taking any recruits right now for personal reasons but I'm trying to book November and December as full as possible.
 
I am very close to being a champion for week one I just need to do my out of the blue call and listen to the customer care. As far as week two it went by to fast and I did horrible at my contacts but I am picking up where I left off and am trying to schedual out a specific time to make contacts.
 
Where's the "like" button??? LOL
 
Hi there! It sounds like you have been busy with your booth and playdates, but still making progress on your business. Don't worry about not reaching 3 contacts a day yet, it takes time to develop consistency and find a routine that works for you. It's great that you are still making improvements on your calls, and it's okay to adjust your schedule to fit your current living situation. Maybe you can try making calls during your lunch break or during a quiet moment in the afternoon? It's all about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Congrats on the booking leads and potential recruit lead! Keep up the great work and don't be too hard on yourself. Every little step forward counts. Wishing you continued success in your business!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I schedule business calls around my family's activities?

To effectively schedule business calls, create a weekly calendar that outlines your family's activities. Identify time slots when your household is typically quieter, such as during nap times or after dinner. Communicate your schedule with family members to minimize interruptions during these designated times.

What strategies can I use to minimize distractions during calls?

To minimize distractions, choose a quiet space in your home where you can close the door and limit background noise. Use noise-canceling headphones to help you focus on the conversation. Additionally, inform your family members about your call times so they can help maintain a quiet environment.

How can I prepare for calls to ensure they are productive?

Preparation is key for productive calls. Before each call, review your agenda and any relevant materials. Make a list of key points you want to discuss and questions to ask. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time, even if interruptions occur.

What tools can help me manage my calls more effectively?

Utilize scheduling tools like Google Calendar or scheduling apps that allow you to set reminders for your calls. Consider using a dedicated business phone line or a virtual meeting platform that can help you manage calls more efficiently. These tools can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss important calls.

How can I balance my business calls with family time?

To balance business calls with family time, set clear boundaries for when you are working and when you are available for family activities. Communicate these boundaries to your family, and try to schedule calls during times that do not conflict with family events. Additionally, consider involving your family in your business by sharing what you do, which can help them understand your commitment.

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