Has this ever happened to you? At the last minute, a client cancels or a conference call is delayed — you were prepared for the meeting that now is not taking place. What do you do with the “extra” time on your hands?
View this as an unexpected bonus … a golden opportunity that has come your way out of the blue … and make the most of it. While many may see this time as the possibility of doing something less important such as: a phone call to a friend or a chance to try a new restaurant, this may be a chance to get a meaningful task completed that will bring you closer to your goals.
Aha! This is where your daily to-do list comes in handy. You have already decided the 3 tasks that must be done for the day. (That was done the night before or at the start of the day.) Choose the task that you can accomplish during this period of time and get it done in this block of newly found time. Stay focused throughout the period of time that would have been spent in a different way, if things had gone as planned.
How have you used time that was freed up unexpectedly?
Last week I was invited to speak to Georgia State legislatures about how to use their time most effectively. Their days are packed — several showed me their planners which they carry with them at all times so they know where they are meeting and with whom. Their planners are filled with activities and appointments from early morning until late in the evening.
We talked about making a powerful to-do list and how that will help them accomplish their projects and goals. And, the best news is that it reduces your stress levels.
Some of the tips I recommended too the Georgia State legislatures are:
Does your to-do list ramble on and on for pages? If so, try cutting it down so that you can accomplish everything on it. Think how great it will feel when you walk out at the end of the day with it all completed!
We constantly hear about the perils and horror stories of partnerships – well, I for one, vote yes to a good partnership that is based on honestly, trust, and the willingness to listen. It’s almost like a marriage. It’s a two way street. Always remember to say, “Please,” “Thank You,” and “Great Job.” Continually ask yourselves, “How can we make our partnership stronger?”
One benefit of a partnership is that even when you are unable to work, your clients’ needs will always get met. Whether it is a meeting, phone call or presentation your partner can communicate with the client or prospect if you are not available. Sometimes it is decided to reschedule and other times your partner takes over. Either way you know your client is in good hands. Note: This is also a good reason to introduce your partner to as many of your clients as possible.
Another benefit is accountability – who better than your partner to keep you on task! Whether it is sticking to our agenda or time checks throughout the day, we support each other.
Brainstorming is a huge benefit that is often overlooked by partners. Leslie and I value each others’ strengths and constantly brainstorm – two heads are definitely better than one.
I have been unable to work for over two weeks. My recovery has been faster because I was able to concentrate on my health as I knew Leslie was taking care of our business. I am sure our clients got top-notch service. Whether it is home emergencies, health issues, or needed vacations, a partner handles work while you are not there.
Strong partnerships take time and effort, but the benefits are worth it.
Time is finite and a limited resource so we want to make good use of it. We can spend it as we choose. Over the next month and a half we are providing training to a financial management firm on how we can help them become more productive and use their time as productively as possible.
Think of time as an investment. We all want the best possible return on our investments — strong time management skills directly contribute to maximizing our time and accomplishing our goals.
Think of time as a rate of return. When we spend our time in areas where there is a high rate of return, we are managing it well. For example, if you are spending time with clients or taking a class that will improve your productivity skills, that’s a good ROI. If a skill took four hours and now takes 1 hour, that’s an excellent payout. Even if you are currently productive, there are always ways to improve it.
However, what if you are spending time on work that you can delegate or reading a publication that is interesting but perhaps not educational? These might be a low or negative rate of return.
Here’s a suggestion to amp up your productivity:
1) Revisit your activities, daily tasks and how you handle large projects to make sure that you are maximizing your time.
2) List what you need to do to change this situation including the sstart and due date, and the specific activity.
3) Then add it to your planner. The chances that you will implement the change are much greater if the task is written down on a specific date.
4) Assess the outcome. Is it making a difference in how you are using your time? If so, continue to improve upon this new habit. If not, evaluate what you did and how you can make it work.
It’s worth it, we promise.
If you are like the rest of us, there are projects that don’t fit into our current priorities. You want to do them but can not get to them right away. One of our clients recently told us that she would like to write a newsletter but other goals are more pressing at the moment. Still, she does not want to forget about the idea.
If not all of the projects you want to accomplish in 2012 fit into your goals, here’s good news. They do not need to be abandoned. Instead, create a someday/maybe list where you can review and reassess their viability often.
Below are some suggestions for how and where to save your someday/maybe projects for a later time:
1) Write them down. List them on paper or electronic folder.
2) Label the folder “someday/maybe” or any name, for that matter, that speaks to you.
3) Check the folder every week to two weeks to make sure you still want to do the projects.
Consider storing the list in One Note, Evernote, Outlook’s notes section or in a file folder in your inbox. If it’s a paper folder, place the file folder in a location where you will see it often.
Once the information is stored electronically or in a paper file:
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Do you have a someday/maybe list and, if so, what’s on it?
Most everyone finds it challenging to keep track of the sheer bulk of paper even in this electronic age. If you are not happy with the mess of paper on your desk or if you can’t find what you need quickly, you may be delaying making decisions. These tips will help guide you through the maze.
First, schedule several hours of non-work time to organize papers in your office.
Follow the F.A.T. System for sorting paper, notebooks, files, and binders.
Imagine doing this same process daily except, of course, on a much smaller scale.
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As efficiency gurus, we’re all about saving time. One way is by being more efficient with your email.
Email is the #1 problem almost every business person deals with daily. It’s too easy to become so engrossed in email that you ignore today’s must-do list. We recommend using a timer or your phone to keep track of time. How do you manage the time you spend on email? Let us know.
How is your desk looking today? Are your papers in order or are you having difficulty finding what you need?
buy dapoxetine approvalSometimes a messy desk just means that you’re not tidy and that you can still find what you need quickly. Or,
sometimes it indicates that you avoid making decisions.
Which one are you?
Here are a few reasons why you may put off handling those piles:
… I’m too busy. I’ll do it later. I’m not sure what the paper is.
… I don’t know what to do with it.
… I am not ready to handle it until I can do it perfectly.
… I don’t have the right tools.
… I’m not sure what the answer is.
… There is no clear cut action.
Tell us why you think you delay decisions and what your thoughts are about co-workers who have piles of paper in their office?
Read tips on planning ahead and making your next business trip a success. Although business trips can be exciting, the logistics of traveling can be stressful. By planning before, during and after the trip, you can lessen this stress.
Before you leave …
On the plane …
At your meetings …
When you return …
Make your next trip smooth-sailing and a first-class business experience.
Leslie Walden is quoted in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 28, 2010, about how to manage e-mail efficiently. She provides tips on how to reduce the number of e-mails in your inbox, how to write an effective e-mail, and how often to check e-mail.
Liz White, the publisher of Atlanta Parent Magazine and Leslie Walden’s client, was interviewed for the article. She spoke about how Leslie helped her make decisions about e-mail and the ways to reduce the number of e-mails in her in-box. To learn more about how It’s Time To Get Organized can help you be more productive, go to buy cheap dapoxetine.
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