On Limited Time?
Make Time for the Right Stuff
I was recently talking to a client who struggled with getting stuff done in her business due to the distractions of real life and priorities getting in the way. She’d set up her schedule for the week and hoped to get some extra business-building stuff done…but time always ran out.
I think many of us have been there. It’s easy to feel stalled when there are so many things in our busy lives that we need to attend to.
If this happens to you, here’s a few tips that might help:
- Focus on Conversion-Boosting Activities. Sometimes we get into a routine where we think we have to do certain things, but our time is better spent elsewhere. For example, some people might put a heavy priority on keeping their blog up-to-date, but neglect conversion-boosting activities (like improving/testing sales pages, tweaking autoresponders, etc.). A blog is an important tool, but you need all the connecting pieces of the puzzle to make it work. Coming up with a strong offer is crucial to ensure your blog and other relationship-building tools are productive.
- Work Shorter, But More Focused: If you try to work with the kids underfoot or are constantly distracted by domestic tasks…it’s time to restructure your schedule. You will absolutely get more done in a shorter period of time if you can work without interruptions, so carve out that time. Negotiate with your spouse, a neighbor or family member…whomever. If you’re distracted by laundry, lawncare or tooling around in the garage, get outside of the house to work. As you know, I started taking my work outside the house and it works like a charm. Now, you don’t have to go out and get office, but get yourself to a wifi spot and get to work.
- Plan your schedule. I’ve said this many times before, but it never goes out of style. Planning your schedule and knowing EXACTLY what you’re going to do when you turn on the computer ensures you get ‘er done. And remember, there is the free online business planning calendar right here.
And some other quick tips:
- Check your email less frequently. Get a Virtual Assistant to take care of the more urgent customer service tasks, so you can focus on work.
- Turn off the Facebook, Twitter, forums, etc. until you’re done. Reward yourself when your to-do list is complete.
- Checking your stats is not a multiple times daily activity. The end result will still be the same, no matter how often you check.
- If you can’t get everything done, be happy with doing less (but more productive stuff). When you pile on the tasks and you don’t get them done, the only person who is likely to notice is you. Give yourself a break.Â
Well, I’ve got just 2 days to work this week (remember, often less ISÂ more)Â and this is one of them. I better get back at it.
About: Alice Seba
Alice Seba earns a full-time online income as an entrepreneur and loves to help others achieve the same. With a focus on using content to create relationships, loyalty and results from the written word, she co-owns both a ghostwriting service and a private label content business. To get more tips for your content marketing, visit Contentrix.com - your free resource with plenty of tips and strategies.Freebies
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Cassie
I’ve been trying to follow all these tips and they really have made a huge difference, but I’ve found the biggest factor for me is having someone who can keep me accountable (since I suck butt at being my own boss). I have a “partner”, we met in a WAHM forum a few years ago and we talk daily on MSN. We go over our plans and brainstorm some ideas, then make sure we each achieve our goals.
Alice Seba
That’s a very good idea. Having a partner, a mentor or someone you can report to and show you’ve done what you intended to is important for many people.
Cindy Bidar
The thing I have the hardest time with is focusing on conversion-boosting activities. I try to remember to ask myself every time I sit down to do something: “Is this the most efficient use of my time right now? Or do I need to be doing something else?” Otherwise I end up endlessly changing the color scheme on my blog and not making any money. I think your planning calendar is going to really help with that. I’ve been looking for a tool that will help me see the big picture, so thanks!
Tishia Lee
Twitter: tishialee
As a VA busy with client projects working on my own business stuff always takes the back burner. And I know that’s something I have to change. I’ve never scheduled in my own business building projects but that’s all about to change – it’s obviously time to revamp the schedule!
There are some great tips here. I’ve bookmarked the page so I can come back to it!
Suz
I get so easily distracted by stuff that I find to read which leads to another article and another! Aaaahhh!
I try to stick with having a to do list with only 6 things on it, the 6 most important things I have to do keeps me more focused, but I could do better!
Thanks for your list, and now I am back to do some work.