Coping with quotas

For us working men and women, meeting quotas form a major part of the daily grind dreading this task from beginning till end. Meeting the quota is in fact serious business but there are however a few ways to make sure that not only do we meet it but we beat it! 

Be in control. 

Take charge of your quota, don't let it control you. They are inevitable and is something we all need to face head on. It creates a frightening illusion for a lot of people leaving them immobilized till it becomes too late. Neutralize your nerves by accepting that quotas are a part of your reality and that they can be managed through proper planning and follow through. 

Get a head start. 

Visualize your day before going to sleep the night before. Imagine yourself working through your list and ticking each client off one by one eventually reaching your goal. Don't wait till the last minute to start kicking off. Plan your call routine carefully and try to fit in as much work as you can in the morning. Nothing beats a good head start. 

Think pareto. 

If you are into sales you would need to have an intimate knowledge of your numbers and more importantly where those numbers should come from. Save yourself some effort by applying the old 80/20 rule and finding out key clients that could deliver a good part of your sales target. Reviewing account histories of your previous clients can be a good start so begin spinning that rolodex and catch that big fish. 

Stay on track. 

Keeping up with quotas can be a whirlwind activity. It is therefore important that you maintain your focus throughout the day, continue crunching your numbers keeping track of your deficit and where exactly you could still pull it off. Your ability to cope with quotas may spell the difference between making and breaking your career. Remember that quotas are inanimate concepts that can and should be managed and should not be feared.