Time Management Tips

Why do I compare many of my topics to dieting?  Maybe it’s because I have spent a lot of time over the years on the subject. I have often joked with my friends that my diet plan usually starts on a Monday, but falls apart somewhere around Thursday night, (fries and gravy at the rink will do it to me every time) and then my plan of attack resumes again the following Monday. My dieting focus has been much better the past 16 weeks, thanks in part to a limited intake of fries and gravy due to a shorter than usual hockey season and a lot of self control and exercise.  It’s also because I implemented a plan of attack. The first few weeks were difficult and took focus to stick with it until I got into a routine. Now the plan is in motion but still needs some review, adjustment and focus in order to reach my target.
Small business management follows a similar pattern. You set goals, you plan a course of action and you adjust the course along the way when necessary.  One important key to successful implementation is
TIME MANAGEMENT.

Many small business owners find themselves stretched for time in an economy that has often pushed them into a “do more with less” mode, which when interpreted can mean “do more myself”. More than ever, now is the time to practise good time management habits so that everything that needs to be done to achieve the hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual goals gets done.  Time Management tips are everywhere. When reviewing time management techniques with folks, I don’t think I ever “opened the door of darkness and let the light shine in” about the topic. Just like dieting, everyone knows when they need to focus on it.  The key is being motivated to get with the program! Here are 5 time management tips to help you stay organized and make the best use of your time. I’m only listing 5 because your time is valuable and any more might be considered a “time waster”.

1. Prioritize by importance not by enjoyment. This is hard to follow! It’s human nature to do the things we like and leave the less appealing for later.


2. Log everything in one place that works the best for you. Just because everyone is keying all of their appointments into their smart phone doesn’t mean you have to. Does traditional “write it on the big calendar” work best for you? If so, then keep going with it!

3. Delegate. Think outside the traditional idea of delegating small tasks and look at each aspect of your business that involves your time. Why do small business owners feel they need to do it all themselves? Weigh the cost of delegating against the cost of doing it yourself. Get away from the mindset that “your time is free” and the delegation decision may be a no-brainer. (Just make sure you pick the right person to delegate to).

4. Don’t Procrastinate. Do you procrastinate? It’s easy to say stop procrastinating and hard to actually stop procrastinating! Don’t we all procrastinate sometimes? Find out why and stop the action before it goes on too long.  If you have scheduled a project for a special time, try your best to stick with the plan. You’ll feel better once the scheduled event is out of the way. Use your “JUST DO IT” mindset to jump the procrastination hurdle!

5. Review. Schedule time to review your time. Look at the last entire month of activity and identify time wasters or tasks you could have delegated. They say hindsight is 20/20! Reviewing your progress and actions will help you prioritize your future activities. Review your time management program regularly to see if it is accomplishing what you need it to.

If you are a pro at time management, then share your own best practices with your staff.  If it's not your greatest strength, don't be too hard on yourself.  Like many routines, everyone falls off the time management truck sometimes. The trick is jumping back on and moving forward.

Wishing you the best that today can bring!

Barb

Need a time management refresher session for you, your staff or your business members?  Contact me today for more details.
service@myradius.ca
705-927-5953