Are
you working a "day job" while building your home-based
"dream business"? Do you find it difficult to manage
your time? Follow these seven tips to get more done growing your
business, and have the time for other important things in your
life, too.
(1) Make and use a 'to-do' list daily.
It's easy. Write down the tasks you need to do for today (or for
tomorrow). Now, do them. Any that don't get done are placed at
the top of tomorrow's list. Seeing that list at the end of the
day with everything scratched-off is a great feeling.
(2) Schedule your time for the day.
Make note of your 'free time' (non-day job time) and set a block
for each major thing that you need to do. Save the most involved
tasks for your more fresh, alert time of day. Try your best to
adhere to the schedule, but be flexible. Don't stress out when
you run out of time and are off schedule. Over time you will know
how much time a task will take to complete, and can plan for it
better. Remember, this is only a tool for you to set time for
what you need to do. It's not intended to have a negative effect
on you, but it could if you don't be realistic.
(3) Do not disturb.
Make sure that your most productive, task-filled period is free
from interruptions. Close your office door if you have to. Plan
to use this work time when household distractions will be at a
minimum. When the kids go to their grandparent's house. When your
husband shoots pool with the guys. When the wife goes shopping.
If you have to hang a sign on your office door, do it. You'll
be surprised how much more you get done.
(4) Make time for the family.
Quality time with your family should not be sacrificed in order
to build your home business. If you make time regularly for your
spouse and kids, they will be able to deal with your 'no disturb'
sign without feeling neglected. Don't be the parent that the kids
never see.
(5) Take your work with you.
If your day job leaves you with slow periods when you do little
or nothing, use this time to your advantage. Lunch breaks or smoke
breaks can add up to some valuable time at the end of the week,
too. Always carry the tools that you need to do your work with
you. Don't go anywhere without a notebook and pen, and a small
voice memo recorder. Be prepared.
(6) Automate tasks.
Computers and the internet allow you to automate certain tasks
that were once time-consuming manual chores. Use autoresponders
to deal with repetitive email questions and replies. Use modern
accounting and word processing programs that are multi-featured.
Use a list management service/program to make it easier to contact
and follow-up with your prospects and clients.
(7) Time to relax.
Don't kill yourself trying to work a day job and build a home-based
business at the same time. You need time to totally escape from
your daily duties occasionally. Exercise is one of the best things
you can do for yourself, while managing stress at the same time.
Don't sacrifice your health for business sake. Take that drive
to the beach. Play basketball with your friends. Read that new
mystery you've been wanting to read.
If you try, you'll see that it 'is' possible to solve "the
time crunch". Be organized and know what your total work
load
includes. Maybe spend less time watching television, or on other
useless activities. Don't forget your family. Even though you
are working hard, make sure you are having fun. If you don't love
what you are doing, don't do it.
Enjoying life is what it's all about, anyway. Right? You bet.
How
do YOU get results online with little or no business experience?
Get Ken Leonard Jr.'s new mini-course,
"7 Essential Steps To Business Success". End your frustration,
get going in the right direction!
www.kenleonardjr.com
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