Does it seem like everyone and everything is vying for your attention all at once? It can be hard for solo entrepreneurs to know what to do first, let alone try to find the time to get caught up. Here are some time management tips that will help you to stay on top of it all:
1. Put your to-do list in writing and prioritize it. Studies show that people who write their lists down are 90% more likely to complete their list than those who do not.
2. Be realistic about how long it takes to get things done. Block out a reasonable amount of time on your planner, especially if its an appointment where theres driving time to consider.
3. Schedule time with yourself, without interruptions. If that means closing your office door and letting your voicemail take
phone messages, then thats what you need to do. Do this at your most productive time of the day. Are you a morning person? Start your day out with some quiet time by yourself, when youre the most productive and focused.
4. Dont multi-task. Thats right! These days, people have found that theyre much more productive when theyre allowed to focus on one task at a time, rather than constantly juggling a dozen different projects at once. Think about it ¬ dont you feel like youve actually accomplished something when you can cross things
off your list?
5. Are you a yes person? Learn to say no. Sometimes adding just one more thing to your to-do list means staying at work an extra hour. Ask yourself if you really have the time and energy to handle one more task. Dont guilt yourself into it, especially if youll feel resentful later, for having done it.
6. Do you work at home? Dont let common distractions sidetrack you. That basket of laundry will still be there at the end of the day.
7. Try to combine like tasks. If you have lots of phone calls to make and emails to respond to, make all of the phone calls first, then tackle the emails.
8. Keep all your contacts in one place, within easy reach. Do whatever works for you, whether you keep an address book in your day planner, in Outlook, or in your Palm. You need to have fast and easy access to phone numbers and email addresses.
9. Use waiting time productively. When waiting for an appointment or traveling, catch up on reading trade magazines, writing correspondence, or jotting down creative ideas for marketing your business.
10. At the end of each day, plan for the next day. Write down tomorrows to-do list, prioritize it, and then clean off your desk.
About the author:
Jean Hanson is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant.
Discover how partnering with a virtual assistant will give you
more time to do the things you love to do! Visit her at
http://www.vaofficesolution.comJean is also the author of the
eBook, Virtualize Your Business –
http://www.virtualizeyourbiz.com