The Essentialists motto is “less but better.” Essentialists pursue life and business in a very disciplined way. The way of the Essentialist is living by design, not default. How can Essentialism increase building product specification opportunities?

In his book Essentialism, author Greg McKeown describes a systematic discipline to determine what is absolutely essential in life and business. By using more selective criteria, building product manufacturers can reclaim precious time and energy and increase their specification opportunities.

In a previous blog, we discussed how essentialism can help manufacturers focus on product specification by eliminating unproductive activities and executing successful ones. Today, we will review strategies that can help manufacturers achieve their goals.

Focus On The Most Difficult Thing First

According to McKeown, employees should tackle the most difficult task first. Establish a routine to complete the most difficult job early in the morning. When you get to your desk with your cup of coffee, sit down and focus on the most difficult task of the day. That task might be creating a new AIA course, preparing for a virtual meeting with an AEC firm, or rallying your sales and marketing team to promote a  new product.

Create Small Wins

Although you may tackle the most difficult and pressing activity every morning, McKeown recommends creating small wins for your company to build momentum. A series of small wins can help propel a product rep to greater success. There’s an old saying that there is power in steadiness and repetition.

Figure Out What The Most Important Thing Is Now

Every day we are bombarded by emails, calls, meetings, etc. and can be pulled in many directions. This can cause stress and anxiety. When faced with a mountain of tasks, stop. Take a breath. And then ask yourself what is most important right now. Not what’s important tomorrow or in a week, but what is important at that exact moment.

How does your team manage time effectively? What strategies does your company use to keep employees focused and successful?