Making the Sale

Making the sale is very important for your financial well-being. It is not so important that you should risk your life and the lives of innocent people while you are chasing that next lead or referral.While talking on your cell phone while driving is dangerous (and there are studies that show even using hands-free devices doesn't eliminate the distraction factor), texting while driving is much more dangerous.A recent survey conducted by Harris for CareerBuilder.com found that more than half of those who use a smart phone or similar device admit to checking it while they drive. But by profession, sales people come in even worse, with nearly two-thirds responding they use their smart phone when they are behind the wheel.Some feel they are pressure by their employers to risk their safety in order to check their phones the second it rings, vibrates or beeps; nearly one-in-five admit this is the case, with 18% saying they are required by their jobs to be accessible after office hours. The survey also found 14% of respondents felt the need to stay in touch with their workplace because of the economy.But as the survey results found, it is more than just the texting while driving issue that the always-connected worker has with being tethered to the device. It impacts their work/life balance.The survey asked in what places do you check in with your office. During a meal garnered a 62% response, followed by on vacation with 60%; while in the bathroom, 57%; in bed at night, 50%; at a play or movie, 25%; on a date, 18%; in the gym, 17%; at your child's event or function, 17%; and at religious services, 11%."It is challenging for workers to maintain a good work/life balance when they are constantly connected to the office, so turning their devices off is important for their health and safety," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. "The lines between work and life can be very blurry these days - 17 percent of workers said they feel like their work day never ends because of technology connecting them to the office. To reduce burnout and avoid potentially risky behavior, workers should allot technology-free time when away from work."As for using the smart phone while driving, she suggested if an urgent matter or conference call comes up, pull over to the side of the road to safely handle the situation.