All of us have only 24 hours in a day and few of us want to
spend all of them working.
So being able to manage your day effectively will determine
not only your business success but also your quality of
life.
Here are seven ways to make every minute as productive as
possible.
1. Manage your day with time limits
One of the most effective ways to take control of your time
is to block out specific segments of your day to work on
particular tasks.
Some people work well in short bursts completing specific
15-minute tasks before moving on to the next one. Others
prefer longer sessions of 45 or 60 minutes. Using a timer
keeps you on track.
2. Make sure you control your email instead of letting it
control you
Email is now an essential business and communication tool.
But sometimes, it can turn out to be a real productivity
killer.
One recent survey showed that most of us spend at least a
quarter of our working day responding to emails. While
obviously some of that is important, we can free up a lot
more time by managing our email more effectively.
3. Take steps to avoid interruptions
Interruptions can show up in many forms ' phone calls,
emails, people dropping by unannounced or just about
anything that distracts your focus from what you are
involved in.
One way you can deal with this is being aware of likely
interruptions and deciding whether they are necessary.
You have to ensure that while you are focusing on managing
your own time that others don't perceive your dedication
negatively. So make sure you let them know when you will be
available.
4. Set up your working area for efficiency
A well-ordered office or desk helps you achieve your time
management goals. Arrange your office so that it is
convenient for you to work comfortably ' and clear your
desk of clutter. Whatever you need in the course of your
workday should be easily accessible.
The right colors, the right furniture to keep you
comfortable, the right storage can all go a long way in
keeping you working in harmony.
5. Answer the phone because you want to ' not because it is
ringing
If you know how to use the phone to increase your
productivity, it can go a long way in saving you time.
Rather than emailing someone and waiting, sometimes it is
far quicker to interact over the phone and get your answers
immediately.
6. Surf the web productively
The Internet is a wonderful resource. But, unless you are
disciplined, it's extremely easy to find yourself aimlessly
surfing the web when you should be working. Studies show
that many people waste two or three hours surfing the web
without purpose.
Rather than being sucked into this massive time waster, set
aside a specific time for conducting Internet research or
browsing for information. Then focus on your goals and do
your best to resist the urge to surf. This one change will
make your efforts a lot more focused and productive.
7. Make use of automation
There is a wide range of technology available for carrying
out many tasks. Whether it's using automated software to
send out your emails or to keep your website up-to-date, or
automating the issue of your invoices, it can save you
considerable time and money.
Also consider creating standard emails that you can issue '
perhaps automatically ' in response to specific inquiries.
And, if you have a web site, make sure you publish the
answer to common inquiries there to minimize unnecessary
questions.
The more effectively you can manage your working day, the
sooner you will finish and the better your lifestyle will
be.
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Robert Greenshields is a marketing success coach who helps
business owners and independent professionals who are
frustrated that they're working too many hours for too
little reward. Sign up for his free tips on earning more
and working less at http://www.MindPowerMarketing.com
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