Time Management Tips for Solo Entrepreneurs

Does it seem like everyone and everything is vying for your attention all at once? It can be hard for solo entrepreneurs to know what to do first, let alone try to find the time to get caught up. Here are some time management tips that will help you to stay on top of it all:

1. Put your to-do list in writing and prioritize it. Studies show that people who write their lists down are 90% more likely to complete their list than those who do not.

2. Be realistic about how long it takes to get things done. Block out a reasonable amount of time on your planner, especially if it's an appointment where there's driving time to consider.

3. Schedule time with yourself, without interruptions. If that means closing your office door and letting your voicemail take phone messages, then that's what you need to do. Do this at your most productive time of the day. Are you a morning person? Start your day out with some quiet time by yourself, when you're the most productive and focused.

4. Don't multi-task. That's right! These days, people have found that they're much more productive when they're allowed to focus on one task at a time, rather than constantly juggling a dozen different projects at once. Think about it ? don't you feel like you've actually accomplished something when you can cross things off your list?

5. Are you a "yes" person? Learn to say no. Sometimes adding just one more thing to your to-do list means staying at work an extra hour. Ask yourself if you really have the time and energy to handle one more task. Don't guilt yourself into it, especially if you'll feel resentful later, for having done it.

6. Do you work at home? Don't let common distractions sidetrack you. That basket of laundry will still be there at the end of the day.

7. Try to combine like tasks. If you have lots of phone calls to make and emails to respond to, make all of the phone calls first, then tackle the emails.

8. Keep all your contacts in one place, within easy reach. Do whatever works for you, whether you keep an address book in your day planner, in Outlook, or in your Palm. You need to have fast and easy access to phone numbers and email addresses.

9. Use waiting time productively. When waiting for an appointment or traveling, catch up on reading trade magazines, writing correspondence, or jotting down creative ideas for marketing your business.

10. At the end of each day, plan for the next day. Write down tomorrow's to-do list, prioritize it, and then clean off your desk.

Jean Hanson is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant. Discover how partnering with a virtual assistant will give you more time to do the things you love to do! Visit her at http://www.vaofficesolution.com. Jean is also the author of the eBook, Virtualize Your Business - http://www.virtualizeyourbiz.com.

In The News:

Powered by Feedzilla

PR That Entrepreneurs Often Overlook

If that sounds like you, here's what you may be... Read More

An Entrepreneur Is

An entrepreneur is an innovator. She sees a need in... Read More

The 5 Senses of an Entrepreneur

If you have seen me speak you will know that... Read More

Territory Limitations Policies for Franchised Companies

All franchised companies must have Territory Limitations to maintain the... Read More

10 Tips for Would-be Entrepreneurs

Every evening as the sun sets beyond the mangroves that... Read More

Ex-Yankee Pitcher Pitches Barter As Powerful Business Tool

Mission Viejo, CA - June 14, 2005 - Bob Meyer,... Read More

How Entrepreneurs Succeed - The 5 Qualities Needed For Business Success

What is it that sets a successful businessperson apart from... Read More

The Role of Statistics in Prospect Modeling

Identifying prospects has come a long way since the days... Read More

Six Steps to Guarantee Your Business Success

Many of us slave away for years for one uninspiring... Read More

How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur on the Web

Becoming a successful entrepreneur in the online world is no... Read More

Starting Up and Keeping Going

So you had that fantastic business idea, the one that's... Read More

Salon Marketing Using Wireless Broadband Internet Access

Our client in Chicago did, located right outside downtown too...a... Read More

Why Every Student Should Start a Business

With the economic downturn, students in all the major business... Read More

7 Lean Marketing Laws For The Inspired Entrepreneur

The following laws will provide guidance on how to act,think... Read More

Starting a Company on a Shoe-String Budget

A lot of people never start businesses because they believe... Read More

The Dirty Dozen

1) No Umbrella Business Plan or Strategy -- Without a... Read More

Confidence = Preparation + Courage

It always amazes me when I see someone on television... Read More

Entrepreneurs - 9 Top Mistakes to Avoid

1. Isolating Yourself When setting up a business, you can... Read More

The Business Leader as Ultramarathoner

Have you ever heard of an ultramarathon? A standard marathon... Read More

Compensating for Your Entrepreneurial Style-or Lack of Style

I recently took an entrepreneurial quiz which evaluated my answers... Read More

Goals and New Venture Creation

More and more corporate workers are leaving their jobs to... Read More

How to Start a Franchise

Franchising InformationFranchise oppotunities are all around us today. You may... Read More

Definition of Entrepreneur

EntrepreneurAn entrepreneur is a man who organizes and manages the... Read More

From Bank Clerk to Entreprenuer

What seems like a century ago, I left school and... Read More

Be an Entrepreneur

The Department of Labor predicts that the #1 employer in... Read More