Creating Success from the Inside Out: Tracking Sales Goals

I hate selling.  There, I said it.  It's awkward for me, I'm shy, and basically a dork.  That's why the internet has always been my salvation.  I can sell AND hide behind a curtain of code in the process.  This has its advantages and disadvantages.

But I wasn't always like that.  My Catholic high school (rock stars at sales, by the way) had me going door to door to sell $25 daily raffle calendars.  They gave away really cool prizes (okay, Champion sweatshirts - yes, I'm dating myself) for meeting different levels of sales goals.  And you know what?  Man, did I hustle for those sweatshirts.  I was one of the top sellers.

 

The highly coveted trend of the 80s - The Champion sweatshirt 

Before that, I sold everything from beach towels to greeting cards.  Granted, I had the "cute little kid is at my door, how do I make her go away" thing going for me which tends to rack up sales.  But I believe that what really helped me be successful is the fact that I had a goal to meet (a prize) and I was willing to hustle for it, tucking away my shyness for the good of the goal.

I was pondering this the other day after reading an article about the importance of setting sales goals.  In comparison to the sales experiences of my more youthful days, it dawned on me that I'm not using a similar approach in my business.  I do track my sales very carefully, but I don't often look at the total (usually once a year when doing taxes) and I only have one lumpy goal for the year (and no prizes!).

I decided that I'm going to set a sales goal for each month and I'm going to write that in a spreadsheet.  As I make sales, I will deduct it from the goal and track my progress in real time.  I think this is going to be a good way for me to associate directly what I do every day with the outcome of meeting a tangible goal.

If you already do this, then I want to hear more about your sales goal awesomeness -  please share your experiences and wisdom in the comments below.

If not, join me!  Set a sales goal today.  Think about all the ways you can make that sales goal happen.  Even determine what your "prize" or reward to yourself  will be upon meeting your goal.

If you happen to be a jewelry designer, Flourish and Thrive Academy is going to start a free "20 Sales in 20 Days Challenge" today (9/30).  Acclaimed jewelry designer Tracy Matthews and her marketing guru partner Robin Kramer are going to share a multitude of ideas/tips/tricks for getting more sales.  You can go here to join:  Flourish andThrive: 20 Sales in 20 Days Challenge

Happy Selling!