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Ten Ways to Get Tough on Time
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot," said Michael Altshuler.
Are you flying your plane into the ground, or roaming the skies, or are you on the path to reach your destination? As pilot of your airplane you are in charge of your time. If you're tired of not using it wisely, now is the time to get tough on time.
In his book, No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs, Dan Kennedy lays down the law for getting tough on time. His book is "the ultimate no holds barred kick butt take no prisoners guide to time productivity and sanity." No B.S.
He lists the 10 time management techniques really worth using.
1. Tame the phone. This is the number one distraction for most people so you must free yourself from the grips of the telephone, the fax, your e-mails, your Blackberry, etc. Answer the telephone when you want and return calls at your convenience.
2. Minimize meetings. How much work really gets done at a meeting anyway? If you must have them, keep them short and to the point.
3. Practice absolute punctuality. Enough said.
4. Make and use lists. Mr. Kennedy doesn't use an elaborate system or rely on fancy computer programs. He relies on four basic lists:
1. Schedule for the entire year, day by day.
2. Things to-do list. This list is organized by the month, week, and each day, prioritized by A, B, and C.
3. People to call list. Prioritize this one alphabetically.
4. Conference planner. He has one page for each person he interacts with often on which he keeps notes of their activities.
5. Fight to link everything to your goals. Ask yourself this question: "Is what I am doing, this minute, moving me measurably closer to my goals?" Of course, we all need down time, leisure time, etc, so Mr. Kennedy says that anything beyond a 50% "yes rate" keeps you on the right track.
6. Tickle the memory with tickler files. This system reminds me of the old-fashioned way dentists would keep track of hygiene recall. The author uses a simple filing system similar to the bill paying folders many people use in which there are slots for every day of the month. Into these slots go the follow-ups and to-do's for that day. He also has separate folders for each of his follow-up clients which he uses in the same way (the folder goes into the slot). For those who prefer, there are numerous computer contact systems also available.
7. Block your time. "By blocking time for important, high-value functions you perform, you prevent demands of others from moving your highest and best-value activities from number one to number ten on your list, over and over again," says Mr. Kennedy.
8. Minimize unplanned activity. Plan your day in half hour intervals and work against the clock and deadlines. You will get more done that way, verses whatever will be will be.
9. Profit from "odd-lot" time. Listen to educational CD's and audio-cassettes in your car, plug into your MP3 player, and carry with you reading material, pen and paper so that you will keep busy when you're stuck in traffic, waiting on the dentist, or delayed at the airport.
10. Live off peak. Know when the highways are most crowded, the mall is packed, the grocery store and bank are busy, and avoid those times. Didn't you ever wonder who is at the grocery store at 3 am?
If you B.S. your way through the day, wonder where all your time went, and are concerned that you haven't accomplished much meaningful, then it is time to get tough on time. Follow the ten tips above and you will see your productivity increase. No B.S.
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