This is part 1 of 2 on balancing creative thinking with focus and productivity. It’s crazy what you can learn from Instagram…
@richardbranson How do you balance creative thinking with focus and productivity? As a dyslexic, I’ve struggled with this balance in the past, but have taught myself ways to find the focus I need to implement energetic ideas. Here are a few things that tend to help me:
- Write lists, and make sure you stick to them!
- Concentrate on one task at a time.
- Work out a daily routine, and stick to it.
- Figure out when, where, how and why you work at your best, and create a sort of ‘productivity toolkit’. This might include a list of certain processes, tools, places, systems and spaces where you find the most focus and productivity.
- Work to your strengths and make sure you collaborate, delegate and outsource as much as possible when you feel out of your depth. Leaning on a business mentor is really useful here too.
As well as the comment from
@captainchris All 5 of your recommendations come down to 3 words, action, determination & routine…
I’ve been thinking about this since I read it the first time, and I keep coming back to the fact that Richard Branson finds creative thinking EASY.
Inside sales success requires creative thinking, yet from my perspective most of the inside sales professionals (individual contributors, managers, and leaders) are more comfortable with focus and productivity.
Any job has its daily grind. For inside salespeople, it’s making calls, sending emails, and chasing leads. Inside sales leaders are attending meetings, sending emails, and chasing their team’s pipeline and forecasts.
Let’s face it, sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a loop. Same script, same tasks – different day. Here’s the thing: everyone you work with can sense an “oh great THIS again” attitude.
They can tell when you’re just going through the motions, and guess what? They tune out.
Creative thinking is your ticket out of this rut. It’s what turns a good rep into a great one and a standard leader into an inspiring one.
3 Tips to Practicing Creative Thinking in Inside Sales
- Mind Mapping: One of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing is through mind mapping. This technique helps you visually organize information and explore connections between ideas.
Start with a central concept—like a new sales strategy or a challenging prospect—and branch out with related ideas, questions, and solutions. Don’t worry what COULD work or what you SHOULD do – let the ideas flow before you edit and decide what you’ll actually do.
- Role Playing: Step into your prospect’s shoes! Role-playing is a fantastic way to practice creative thinking by simulating real-life scenarios. It allows you to experiment with different approaches, anticipate objections, and refine what you’re going to say.
Sales managers & leaders… role playing is a great technique for you to use before having a difficult conversation or to practice coaching.
- Outside Inspiration: Sometimes, the best ideas come from looking outside your bubble. Seek inspiration from different industries, disciplines, and even art forms. Like me finding Richard Branson’s post which kicked off this whole topic…
NOW ask yourself; how can I adapt these ideas to my sales strategies?
Creative thinking isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. It’s what sets top-performing reps and leaders apart from the rest. Embrace it, nurture your creativity.
Then unleash your creativity and watch your inside sales success soar!
Keep pushing boundaries,
Lynn