With the worlds’ growing multimedia, we are expected to be able to respond faster and handle more responsibilities than ever before. We are no more than a buttons’ push away from further advancements in IT that can lead to an increase in productivity, but also an increase in distractions such as emails and phone calls constantly pulling us away from out duties and splitting our focus.

To be an entrepreneur means having good time management skills or risk losing sight of what is important, working around the clock, or even failure. But good time management is not some high art form that is unfathomable to the average person. It is a logical but personalised method that can be understood and practiced by anyone.

Step 1 – The To Do List

Never go to bed before knowing what you need to do tomorrow. A simple ‘to do’ list for your day is an easy but practical way to set daily goals to be recorded on your desk diary, outlook calendar or PDA.

When it comes to compiling your lists, make sure it is comprised of things you can actually get done that day. Any bigger aims should be broken down into smaller manageable chunks. For example, if you aim to hire a new accountant, you could break this into several sections including writing an ad for the job, speaking to a recruitment consultant, first interviews, second interviews, check references, make offer. Obviously all this could not be achieved in one day, so breaking them up is a logical way to monitor your step-by-step progress.

Step 2 – Prioritising

There are two types of priority – urgent and important. Urgent things have to be done right now, where as important things need to be done as soon as possible, but can wait a while. Anything that is both urgent and important should be top of your list. Work on the urgent things until none are left, and then set about the important things and your time management will most likely improve greatly.

Step 3 –Avoid Distractions

If anyone distracts you, be assertive, but never rude. We have office assistants and voicemail for a reason – so we can focus on urgent and important tasks and deal with less important things later. Some business managers hate the idea of not answering the phone straight away in case that business is taken elsewhere. But, it is more likely you will retain business if you grow your company in a way that prioritises on what’s urgent and important.

Top Tips

1 – Always plan your ‘to do list’ at the same time each day so that you gain a sense of method about it

2 –find a logical method for you. Some use numbers, others symbols, it doesn’t matter as long as it works for you.

3- Delegate where possible. You’re the boss; give your staff something to do!

What Do You Think?

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