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The Master
January 2008 - Volume 7/Issue 1 |
Time Management Boot Camp by Liza Tzotzos
 In
the military, soldiers apply the skill of time appreciation in all
they do. Aptly named, time appreciation is the calculation of how
long it takes to complete a task/mission given the steps and skills
required to complete it. Soldiers value time, not just manage it
because in combat the ability to meet a timing means life or death.
In business, a person's life may not be in jeopardy but timelines,
riddled with obstacles, are forever looming. Below are some tips
to help run your business with military precision without having
to go to boot camp.
In This Issue
(Click on the links to go to that question.) What can I do
to improve communication with a client?
Write It Down
and Schedule Everything
People waste time when they forget what they need to do. If you
are one of those people, make a list. Use a pen and paper, PDA,
computer or day timer. The important thing is to actually write
a list and use it. The visual cue of seeing tasks get crossed off
is a great sense of accomplishment motivating you to continue on
a path of successful serial listing.
Schools run on schedules to ensure students know what to do, where
to do it and for how long. The same is true for business. Make a
schedule of your day to include meetings, phone calls, checking
email, doctor appointments and even lunch. You are less likely to
neglect a task you scheduled because that dedicated block of time
places a level of importance on getting that task done.
Learn To Say
No and Remember You 
Volunteering on committees, speaking at conferences and heading
up associations inspires a sense of achievement. Yet, it is possible
to give away time too freely and end up with none for your business.
Extra activities can multiply and eat into time used to do business
with existing clients or in securing future clients. Evaluate what
extra activities you currently do. Calculate how much time you dedicate
to your business and personal life then determine how much you realistically
have left for the extras.
Give something up or start practicing your polite, "Thank
you for considering me for this committee but I will have to decline
right now," line. Do it for your sanity, the sake of your business
and the ever important family/personal life you are trying to maintain.
You look after business. Who's looking after you? Before you end
up on Bravo's show, "Intervention," start looking after
yourself. If blocking personal time into your daily schedule (remember
tip 2?) is the only way you can do it then get on it! Schedule a
fitness class, play time with the kids, a golf game, a weekend away
or even an hour of reading.
Be Realistic
and Stay Organized 
This is where time appreciation comes into play. Set deadlines
and make lists that are realistic. Know what each task involves,
the steps required to complete it and the materials needed to get
it done. Pre-planning allows you to set reasonable goals and schedules
that are successful.
Has a whirling dervish taken refuge in your office leaving everything
in chaos? Clear the clutter! You will be more productive if your
workspace is organized by spending more time working and less trying
to find your work.
If you are in a vicious circle of cleaning, making a mess and cleaning
up again, seek professional help or at least re-assess the functionality
of your office. Adding more storage and filing solutions will make
a world of difference! Money spent on organization is an investment
in your success.
If you feel overwhelmed by the information provided, pick one tip
you can easily introduce into your workday. Be consistent, believe
in it and soon it will become second nature. Gradually, introduce
new skills into your time management arsenal until you become a
well oiled time appreciation machine.
Brought to you by Liza Tzotzos, principal of Doubledogs Virtual
Assistant Solutions.
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Brought to you by
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www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
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