07/01/2022
Previous | Next | Issues Home | Career Corner | Health | Personal Finance
If you're busy all the time, you may think you're much more productive than you really are. But how do you know?
Being productive never means just being busy. You might be busy doing the tasks that lead to the result but depending on how you have your work set up, this doesn't have to mean you'll be busy all the time or work 24/7 just to show how productive you are.
Instead, you're going to do things that lead to a result.
Stop Multitasking
No one can multitask. Some jobs require a lot of "multitasking" but the truth is, people are bad at it. Instead, try to focus everything you have on the task at hand. It can help to give time limits and do every task on a schedule within a system, using a process that you set up and tweak to perfection as you grow your business.
Turn Off Distractions
If you really want to be good at something, it's imperative that you turn off distractions such as social media notifications, the television, and even the phone ringer when you truly need to focus.
Fill Out Your Calendar for Work and Personal Time
One way to bring some balance to your life is to schedule it. Fill your calendar out with your family plans first. Add your work around that, then add in social plans too. It helps a lot of people to be more productive when they add in everything they do, including lunch.
Set Up Systems and Processes
To be more productive, systems and processes will help. If every time you onboard a new client they go through the same steps, it'll become more of a habit to you and feel extremely professional to the customer. Also, set up a process for everything you do regularly, including checking your email.
Don't Say Yes Right Away
When someone asks something of you, don't automatically say yes. Tell them you will think about it, then go look at your calendar. Determine how much time and effort doing what they ask will take before you say yes or no. When you do say no, don't feel as if you must give a reason. "I can't do that right now, but please ask me again" is a nice way to respond—assuming you do want them to ask again.
Learn to Outsource and Delegate Better
Everyone has the same 24-hour days, but you can extend that time if you outsource and delegate. This can happen with your business, at work, and at home. For example, in your business, you can hire someone to handle your website, social media marketing, writing and a whole host of other things. At work, you may be able to delegate to someone else, and at home, you can outsource housework to someone else.
Set Up Performance Metrics
One way to know if you're performing how you want to perform and being as productive as you think you are, is to set up performance metrics that you can look at to see the data and know what is working and what is not working. Perhaps if you're a writer, you have a word count for the day. If you're creating a new offer, perhaps today your goal was to get through making all the graphics for your new course. Whatever it is, choose the measure and then check up on it.
Real productivity is when you set things up right from the start and build income for the future that you worked on today.
Source: Ezinearticles
Jon is a professional with over 26 years experience working within the advertising and marketing communications industry. He has practical knowledge, understanding, and experience for a wide range of business disciplines including the financial services, legal, commercial services, retail, online, charitable and civil service sectors.To learn more on how to improve and automate your business productivity, download his free checklist, A Guide To Business Systems And Automation at https://jonallo.com/biz-systems
© 2022 Jon AlloThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.