Like many people who run a small business, I'm a juggler. The to-do list only ever grows, and you can easily forget which 'hat' you're wearing (accountant, marketeer, customer service, sales etc) at any given point in the day. It is easy to lose focus, and spend all day being busy, without actually achieving anything.
Time management is a constant struggle, and there are lots of tips and techniques available out there to help us to manage our time better. Indeed, I even offer a session on it. But sometimes, time management isn't enough. Sometimes we have be ruthless with our time, and make some tough decisions about how we spend it.
Today, I made my own rules. I looked at my to-do list, and couldn't even see where to start. So, I have only done those things that will either:
- increase my income
- reduce my costs
- add value to my existing customers
- attract new potential customers
- get me in a lot of bother if I don't do them (like paying due invoices)
My to-do list reduced by about a third.
I realised that I sometimes get distracted with other 'nice-to-do' stuff, which doesn't actually take my business forward.
So if you feel you are running to stand still, take 10 minutes out to apply my ruthless rules, or make your own and channel all your energy where it will make the biggest difference.
Good luck from Power Hour
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