MWBE Success Strategy: Effective Time Management

{3:25 minutes to read} In Part 1, I shared the first 3 tips to help more effectively manage your time. Below are 3 more tips on successful time management.

4. Set boundaries.

Set boundaries for yourself and your clients, and stick to them. I’ve recently found that creating boundaries for myself has had a liberating effect on me. I used to be the person who responded to all kinds of client requests at all hours of the day. With hindsight, I now see that overextending myself made me less effective and caused confusion for clients.

Today, I am very clear with customers, acquaintances, and business associates about my boundaries. I have specific dates and times to work on client projects; clients know what they can expect from me and when. This small change has increased productivity for me and my team while concurrently improving customer satisfaction.

5. Use technology.

There is a lot of great technology out there that has allowed me to better manage my time. One that’s been available all along is Microsoft’s email program, Outlook. By working with my business manager, I have learned how to better structure my Outlook to use rules and alerts. Emails from clients are in a particular folder; high-priority items are highlighted in a specific area; and other, less-important emails are archived and still available to me for review. It’s another way to reinforce “first things first.” We’re also using technology with online scheduling, meeting and project management tools to reach more clients in a timely and efficient manner.

6. Schedule downtime.

There are numerous studies which confirm that working to an excess actually decreases productivity, yet most people will tell you that in order to get ahead you must work around the clock. Working around the clock results in burnout, fatigue, and could lead to chronic disease down the line. It’s important to find balance while working toward your goals. Small changes such as taking a walk for lunch or leaving a little early to spend time with your family can have a tremendous impact on your health and wellbeing, which will ultimately be reflected in your productivity.

As business owners, we easily fall into a catch-22 of overextending ourselves. Keep burn-out at bay by using your time wisely, and don’t forget to schedule time for yourself—because, without you, there’s no business.

Please contact me with questions or comments.