How To Be Effective, Not Busy

Entrepreneurs are notoriously busy. In fact the best sales people call on small businesses before 8am or after 6pm because they know, at those off hours, the owner will be there busy at work and will probably be answering the phone.

There is better way. Not for the sales people, but for you, the entrepreneur. And it all starts with a simple plan, not the "put out the fire" approach. Here is how you do it:

Schedule Fire Control

Instead of constantly jumping on problems from morning to night, schedule to only put out fires in the afternoon. Never before lunch time. This will be a hard habit to change initially, but you will find, over time, that the "fires" adjust to your schedule. This commitment is key, since it frees up your morning for the next step in the plan.

Do The Hardest Stuff First

You have the most energy and drive in the morning. Yes, it may take you an hour and a few hot cups of Joe to get going, but after that you brain is typically in its strongest, most energized state. Get to your desk and tackle the hardest thing now. It is the only time during the day that you will have the energy. The hardest thing DOES NOT include email... that is simply another fire to put out (so schedule that for the afternoon).

Finish The Day With An Appointment

Have you been telling everyone and yourself that today is finally the day you will be heading home at 5pm, but yet again you don't leave until 10pm? There is only one surefire way to make it happen, and it is with a firm appointment. Schedule a meeting with a colleague, or a workout with a partner, or a grooming for your dog at 5pm. With a firm appointment you break your routine of doing "just one more thing" and you are forced to complete your day.

There you have it. A three step plan to being in control of your day, and ultimately in control of your business. Have your own tips or experience to share? Please tell me what they are in the comments below.

 

By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur