Time Management

Someone asked me the other day how did I manage everything, i.e. business, personal time, family, etc.  She really caught me off guard.  I had to stop and think about the question.  I don’t really consider myself an expert in Time Management.  My business ebbs and flows.  Sometimes I think I have more than I can handle on my plate, but then I keep chipping away at what needs to be done until I can breathe a sigh of relief that I am in control again.  I believe if you did a survey and talked to several people, each one would have somewhat of a different approach to how they manage their time.  I believe that you have to find what works for you and stick with it.  Even though I read many articles on time management and organization and even save them to my Pinterest board, I still come back to the basics of what works for me. 

So here is my list of what works for me –

•  I write it down.  Yes, I am an old fashion to-do list maker.  I’ve tried using electronic apps, but I am a visual person.  I write out my to-do list and have it right beside my computer so I can mark off what’s been done and I can see what needs to be done.

• I try and prioritize my to-do list.  What projects need to be done first are typically the ones that I’m getting paid to do.  Some are dependent on deadlines.  I put stars by the ones which need to be done first.  The more stars the more urgent.

•  I use a Month at a Glance calendar.  Again something I can write my appointments on and see all in one place.  Even if I add something to my online calendar, I transfer it to my hard copy calendar. 

• When I’m working I typically don’t answer the phone unless I’m expecting a call.  Incoming calls with no caller ID and/or out of state area codes can leave a message.  When I get a break, I check my messages and return calls. 

• I get a ton of emails every day.  I do selective reading.  I scan my emails and read those that are business related and/or need to be handled.  About once a month I do a massive deletion of emails from some months prior.  Typically if I haven’t read them, I evidently didn’t need them and they weren’t important.

• Since I work from home, when I do go somewhere, I try to do all my errands while I’m out.  Another reason I do this is, I’m out in the country, so the nearest major stores like a grocery store is 8 to 10 miles away.  So it’s just not easy to run out and pick up something.  So even my grocery shopping is coordinated with the day I go to my weekly networking meeting.  And yes I have a list for my errands and a list for groceries.

• I have created a grocery list that coordinates with my favorite store.  I keep one on the side of
  
  the refrigerator so that I can add things as I run out or hubby can.  This makes grocery shopping a little more organized.  I do coupon.  I keep them in an envelope that I take with me to the store.  I also go online and add electronic coupons to my loyalty card for the products I use.  Wished they would do all the coupons like that.

• My workday typically starts around 8am and goes to 6pm or so.  When I quit for the day, I quit for the day.  I leave my phone in my office.  After sitting in front of the computer all day, I feel I deserve some down time.  Whatever phone calls and emails after 6PM can be answered the next day.  There are some exceptions to this from time to time depending on the client and the project.

• I schedule time for me.  Sitting at a computer all day almost every day makes that monthly massage appointment a necessity.  I also exercise.  I am a runner, so I try to do a good run at least once a week if not more.  I’m a firm believer in use it or lose it and I definitely want to stay active and mobile.

So these are the things that works for me.  Would love to hear from you to hear what works for you.  What is your best advice for managing your time?   Please share.  Your suggestions and comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Sincerely,
Annette
PaintedLadyEnterprises.com
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Staying Organized

I recently took part in a discussion with a group of other ladies on tips that help us stay organized.  

Here are the highlights of our discussion on Organization.  

• Use apps that are available for smart phones and IPad, i.e. check lists, To Do lists, etc.  Great for repetitive lists like groceries, packing, weekly reminders, etc.

• Use color coded bags or monogrammed bags for different businesses, meetings, crafts, projects, etc.

• Use color coded file folders.  I like to use Red for Urgent/Priority, Green for money matters, etc.

• Toodledo app was suggested to use as a task and note manager.  There is a free version.  It will organize your to-do list and notes, and make you more productive. You can use Toodledo as a standalone application, or you can synchronize with Toodledo.com, one of the most popular online task managers.  I have started using this and it is wonderful.  I have it synced to my IPhone and IPad.  The image used here is from the IPad app.  Here is the website - http://www.toodledo.com/info/iphone.php. 

• Book suggested – ‘Getting Things Done’ – available on Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/p5ml7gw

• Make a schedule.  Make an appointment with yourself.

• Work with Vertical files and stand up papers that you are working on.  Makes papers more visible and easier to find until completed.

• Hire someone to do the things that are not our strengths.  It was also suggested to contact NAPO, The National Association of Professional Organizers, they have people who are working on their accreditation and would be willing to do work with you for free.  Here is their website - www.napo.net

•  Speaking of NAPO, each of their Professional Organizers usually have their own speciality.  I subscribe to two newsletters from NAPO POs and get great tips from both.  You can find local organizers in your area on their website - www.napo.net

• I also subscribe to a daily ezine from Unclutterer.com, which provides great organizational tips. 

• Pinterest is another great place for organizing tips.  You can use the search feature to find specific ideas for organizing and you can subscribe to different boards.  Here is a link to my board on organizing -   Pinterest.com/paintedladyent/organization/

I hope this has been helpful.  Please share your organizing tips.

Happy Organizing,

Annette
www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"