Kick-Start Your Work Day

If you are in sales or in any business that depends on interacting with clients and prospects, then you already know that your attitude is often more important than your aptitude. For me, getting my day off to a good start is imperitive.

I've gone through periods when I've tried to be at the office extra early to get a jump on things. Although this can be useful in terms of catching up on paperwork and administrative tasks, I've come to realize that the best place to be first thing in the morning is not necessarily my office. Sometimes when I do this, I find that sometimes it's 10 or 11:00 and I haven't even spoken to a real human being yet!

I always feel great when I start out by interacting with other positive, like-minded people before getting to the office. There are a few ways to do this:

- Schedule your networking meetings for early mornings. If you're out there trying to drum up business and make connections, nothing beats an early-morning meeting over coffee or breakfast. Perhaps you need to build relationships with attorneys, accountants and other related professionals. These early "get to know you" meetings get you talking- and, just as importantly, listening- right off the bat. If you're a caffeine fan, you can get your fix at the same time. Whenever I have these meetings, I can't wait to get to my office and schedule more for next week.

- Hit the gym. If you've never been to your gym at 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning, you might think it's a quiet, dreary place. You may be surprised to find out that many gyms and health clubs are absolutely buzzing while most people are still sleeping! I've found that most of the people working out before work are among the most enthusiastic and dedicated members at my gym. If you are there for conversation and comraderie, you'll find it; but if you just want to get your exercise in and head to work, you can do that too. There's nothing quite like getting your blood flowing and that "natural high" that comes from a hard workout. By the time you're done, you're ready to take on the world!

- Attend formal networking group meetings. Many of the best, most active networking groups meet before work, not after. Sure, there's no cocktails, but there is sure to be a bunch of ambitious professionals all looking for the same thing as you- to increase their revenues. An effective group will bring you business as well as get your day off on the right foot. You'll meet kindred spirits in a positive, supportive environment. My best, most productive work days tend to be on the days of my networking group meetings- Wednesdays for me. I get to the officed charged up and ready to make calls and see people.

If you have other ways to kick-start your work day, let me know!