As a solopreneur there is always an endless list of
projects that we want to work on or need to complete in
order to grow our business. If we don't plan properly and
build in time to work on these projects we can very quickly
become overwhelmed, and in the end we don't complete
anything.
This first quarter I've launched two products, revamped my
website, hosted a teleclass series, and launched a new
service, all of which have been achieved without
sacrificing client work, and without staying up until the
wee small hours of the morning!
So, how do I achieve all of this, and still manage to have
some free time?
Quite simply, I plan! And today, I'd like to share with
you my top five tips for planning for success!
1. Create a Project Planner. I have my own one-of-a-kind
List Building and Marketing Workbook that I use to plan
which projects I am going to work on and when. This
spreadsheet is at the heart of my business; I keep it handy
so that I can refer to it often, and I update it on a
regular basis.
It sets the scene for projects that I want and need to
complete for the year, although I don't necessarily plan
out the whole year in advance! I plan by quarters. That
makes it much easier and more achievable than trying to
plan out the whole year, although I may add projects to my
planner well in advance!
2. Create a Timeline For Your Projects. Are there some
projects that you can't complete or begin work on until
you've completed a previous one? For example, one of my
projects this year is to set up and run an affiliate
program for my products; however there is really little
point in me working on the affiliate program until I have
some products to sell! So first I need to create and
launch the products, then work on the affiliate program.
So when planning for this, I know that I can add affiliate
program set up for at least six months ahead.
3. Set Aside The Time To Work On Your Business. I have one
day a week that I set aside for business development and
marketing activities, such as developing info products,
writing my newsletter, submitting articles, or some other
activity on my List Building and Marketing Workbook. On
this day I don't do any client work (if a client has an
urgent project then I may have to rethink) but as a general
rule this is the day and time I have set aside to work on
my business.
4. Plan The Time For Client Work. Set aside specific
days/time each week that you are available to work on your
client and income generating activities so that they do not
get overlooked. Put this time down in your calendar so
that you will stick to it.
5. Do Not Allow Yourself To Get Distracted. The truth is
I only have a very limited amount of time during which I
can work with my clients and work on my business. The time
I do have I protect it closely and really focus on what it
is I need to do, whether that's client work or working on
my business. During this time I won't let myself get
distracted by going off and reading emails, becoming
involved in discussion groups, or even running personal
errands.
By really focusing and making the best possible use of the
limited time you have available, you can can achieve A LOT!
I know I do!
----------------------------------------------------
Online Business Manager & Virtual Assistant, Tracey Lawton,
teaches professional speakers, coaches, and authors how to
operate an efficient, organized, and profitable business.
Learn how to create an efficient and organized office in 7
EASY steps, and receive free how-to articles at
http://www.OfficeOrganizationSuccess.com
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