Managing your time

David · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 51

Being a new business owner, I've found one of the great advantages to owning a business is the ability to set my own hours. This can also be a burden. :cry:

Since I no longer work for someone, there is less pressure from another person to work. I have to motivate myself.

I was wondering what others do to help manage their time, and get things done.

Tamari · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 6

List, List and more Lists. And don't forget to read them

Guest · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 12:55 pm Post subject:

Most definitely LISTS! I live with these every day. Not having them would mean neglecting important things in my schedule. Also, datebooks. I have three. One I carry with me at all times. Then there's my desktop version, and a huge wall calendar on which I pencil things in daily. Comes in handy if you're downstairs and your desk calendar is upstairs.
PRIORITIZE! This is most necessary in running your own business.

I've been doing my own gig for over 10 years now, and have become very good at utilizing the little "breaks" I have in my schedule to fit in what's most important to me(i.e. the preparation of good food & exercise). Albeit my schedule is quite irregular, I always manage to work in what I really want to get done during the day(besides business!).

begle · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 1

I have a Notepad list I keep on my desktop. It contains a list of "do every day" things, and whenever I think of another idea or must-do, I add it to the list. After doing the every day list, I prioritize the rest.

I end up with a feeling of accomplishment every day, even if I don't get past the everyday part.

The everyday part consists of checking my emails, follow up letters, checking my sales and affiliate signup statistics, adding one article and one link to my website...that sort of stuff.

The rest is major marketing strategy stuff like rewriting website text, changes to the website, and weekly or monthly tasks.

The more organized you are, the less you are apt to forget something major. And the less you are apt to lose enthusiasm and momentum.

Also, I don't focus on quantity but on quality. The late Earl Nightingale had some sage advice: you are X number of steps away from your goal of financial freedom. Each day well spent is one step closer. So focus on one day at a time. It's when you spend too much time thinking about how far away the goal may be, that you get discouraged.

David · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 51

I have so many things going on at once. I'm thinking of buying a big peice of furniture with a bunch of "Cubby Holes", and then making a cubby hole for each project I am working on.

cocodrilo · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Kurashiki, Japan

David wrote: I have so many things going on at once. I'm thinking of buying a big peice of furniture with a bunch of "Cubby Holes", and then making a cubby hole for each project I am working on.
I think that big piece of furniture you 're in need of is known as a "file cabinet!" :wink:

Jonathan · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 35

:lol: :lol: :lol:

cocodrilo · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Kurashiki, Japan

Honestly, files are great! I confess as I don't have the room in my studio at the time, I don't even HAVE a file cabinet, but have DOZENS of file boxes. They most definitely keep me organized!

squirrel · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 43 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I have to confess I am also using lists of "to do" things... but I forget to read them! So I have this Date Manager on my desktop and use it! It is of great help!

Hank · Joined: 26 Sep 2004 Posts: 1

When I started my own business, which I run out my home, I hired a professional organizer who specializes in home offices. She helped me set up a filing system, a tickler file, a todo list, and office procedures. Also, she designed the layout of my office and helped me pick out office furniture. Since she runs her organizing business out of her home, she knew everything about setting up and operating a home-based business. Now, she returns every 3 months for a couple hours to help me do filing and make any necessary modifications.

You can find an organizer in your area at:
http://www.napo.net/

Jonathan · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 35

Welcome to the Business Forums Hank! :D