11:45 Meeting Summary - Planning Workshop Results

In this week's 11:45, Zach Coddington presented findings from the recent planning workshops and survey of top producers. The session focused on identifying effective planning methods used by successful consultants at Kimmel & Associates, with particular emphasis on when and how top performers organize their work. Data collected from leading producers revealed consistent patterns in planning approaches that contribute to higher performance.

Key Takeaways

Planning Timing Preferences: Most top producers create their plans the day before implementation, with a significant number of VPs and high billers following this approach.

• Survey results showed the majority of respondents prepare their plans at the end of the previous workday
• Some consultants plan weekly or the morning of, but day-before planning was most common among high performers
• No successful consultants reported doing no planning at all, confirming consensus that planning is essential

Documentation Methods: Paper-based planning dominates among top performers, with yellow legal pads being the most frequently used tool.

• VPs and highest billers predominantly use simple paper-based systems rather than digital solutions
• Some consultants use multiple tracking methods, combining paper plans with Outlook calendar or phone alarms
• One consultant reported using browser tabs as a planning method, while a few utilize Excel spreadsheets

Organizational Approach: Task-specific planning rather than time-blocking emerged as the preferred method among successful consultants.

• Most top producers organize their days by specific tasks to accomplish rather than hourly time blocks
• This contradicts some training recommendations that emphasize hourly planning blocks
• Multiple planning methods are sometimes used by the same consultant depending on weekly circumstances

Planning Horizon: Day-to-day full-day planning is the most effective approach according to survey results.

• Top performers plan their full day but only one day at a time, maintaining flexibility
• No respondents reported planning a full week in advance with complete daily schedules
• This indicates the importance of adaptive planning that can respond to changing priorities

Next Steps

Zach Coddington will be sending a follow-up email offering a 30-day accountability partnership for consultants who want to establish stronger planning habits. Participants can email their daily plans to Zach with no judgment or critique, providing a structure for consistent planning practice with minimal accountability support.