Forecast Characteristics

I had this brilliant realization yesterday when talking with my sister who was struggling with some college financial forms she had to fill out.  

“I don’t do forms, I hire someone for that.” I said.

I have a hard time commiting any numbers to a box. Words, numbers, money, anything.  That’s probably why I stay clear from crossword puzzles- because they require I drop a letter into a box- equally as regimented for me.

 When salespeople forecast their numbers, it requires they walk a thin line between accuracy and hope. Here are some typical forecasting blunders sales reps make. Do any of these forecasting characteristics sound familiar?

1. Lowdown- The salesperson sets their sights low and seems satisfied with underperformance.

2. Overly Ambitious- Salesperson wants to keep reaching higher but tends to be unrealistic with their numbers.

3. Shy Sandbagger- They don’t share their strategy until the end- then they seem to pull in the deal when least expected.

4. Unpredictable- They lack focus and work on many opportunities at once; they are difficult to predict.

5. Bingo- They are consistent each month and you can count on their numbers.