To end this series, let’s talk about the last component of getting things done – finding the time. 

An activity that helps me is to track your activity by the hour for 7 to 14 days  – write down what you do between 9-10, 10-11, etc.  Just general things like “check email and make phone calls” or “client meeting”.  Evaluate what you are currently working on (or maybe what you are not working on) and determine how those activities fit into your goals.

Now, create a time structure where you have time to focus on improving the business.  The key here is to respect your own time and one way to really make sure you do it is to find an accountability partner – your business coach, a co-worker, etc. 

I hope you have enjoyed this series.  It is has been fun to write!  If you have found it compelling, a reminder that we are offering a cool new class on September 7^th on How to Make Outlook Work for You.  Check out our Facebook Fan Page events to register or call our office.

  Last week we talked about when to work on getting things done and how critical calendaring is to success in this area.  Today let’s talk accessories!  No, not bracelets and scarves…but calendar accessories. 

Here are some that work.

• To Do Lists – you have to have one and it has to be visible every day.  Not to actually do something with it, but to keep all those things keeping you up at night on a list.  Believe me, you will sleep so much better.
• Weekly review (I recommend 2 hours) – if you dedicate time on your calendar to working the To Do List, you will actually get it done and have such a great sense of accomplishment.
• If you use Outlook you can do some cool tricks:

               –         Drag Emails into calendar events
               –         Drag Emails to Tasks to create a to do
              –         Use the Notes in a calendar or task entry to outline what needs to be accomplished
              –        Color Coding helps you really see what you day/week looks like.

Speaking of Outlook – we are offering a cool new class on September 7^th  on How to Make Outlook Work for You.   Sue Zepeda, our organizing queen, has put together this really powerful workshop.  I took it and it changed the way I get things done.  You should come!  Check out our Facebook Fan Page events to register or call our office.

   Last week we talked on how to work on things we need to get done.  This week let’s talk about when to work on them. 

Calendaring is key to your success.  It can be electronic or paper – whatever works best for your lifestyle.

On the calendar there should be meetings – meetings with clients, internal to your business, external where you are meeting other, and marketing events.

Now you also need to include a meeting time with yourself!  You need to put an appointment on the calendar in which you will work on getting the things done we have been discussing for the last month. 

And most of all, you need to respect that appointment like any other.

Last week we talked what to work on.  This week I want to focus on how to work on them.  I learned this technique from one of my gurus, Chet Holmes.

It is called the Six Things I must do today – the number can be 2 or 5 or whatever you have time for that day…but six should be your limit.  Here are some key components:

• Commit you will not stop working until all six are completed
• It gives you daily accountability
• If you have trouble getting them done, ask yourself “What is the worst thing that will happen if you do not?  What is the best thing that will happen if you do?”
• If you need it, give yourself a reward when you do this exercise for 30 days, then a bigger reward at 100 days.

Ask your accountability partner (your business coach, a co-worker, your best friend) to make sure you do these every day.  Comment here how this works for you!

  Last week we talked focus and commitment.  This week I want to highlight an exercise that really helps my clients identify goals and put definition around getting things done.   

 WHAT

–         Objective you are committed to achieving

–         In the next 30, 60, 90 days

WHY

–         Why is this a priority

–         Who else will benefit

–         How will it feel

–         How will you grow, what new habit will you have

HOW

–         Specific actions (down to the smallest actions needed)

–         Dates to be completed

–         How will you know it is done

You should never have more than three of these going at one time.  Try it, you’ll like it!

  Last week we talked about how to identify what you want to work on.  This week I want to focus on commitment and an exercise that really helps me get to exactly what I am going to do.  

First I look at this:

• What is broken/needs to be fixed
• What needs to be perfected

I create no more than three of each in my business.  So if last week we were looking at sales and marketing, what are the things that just don’t work in your business and then what works, but could be so much better.

The commitment comes that you will work them until they are done.  You can’t add a new one until these are done.  Then the key is to schedule time on your calendar (just like an appointment) to work on them.  

So try that today – what are the three (maximum) things you need to fix and the three you need to perfect.  Stay focused on those and you will get so much more done than you could imagine.  

Next week – an exercise to put definition, focus, and commitment on the “what to work on”.

  When I work with clients we often start with identifying what parts of the business need some work.  The first thing that will help is to determine what you want to work on.  A simple exercise that facilitates this is to look at the three major areas of your business: 

• Sales/Marketing
• Financial Aspects
• People (including yourself)

This helps stimulate the brain for where you want to focus.  Think about if there is an area in increasing revenue (sales and marketing) that you need to work on.  Or is there a place you can be more efficient such as expense (finances).  Or maybe your time management or an employee that needs to be replaced (people).

And if you have multiple parts to your business or a new function you want to launch you can find what you want to work on there.

Next week – a method to nail down things in those three areas