Top 5 Tips for Effective Time Management

One of the questions I am frequently asked is, “How do you get it all done?” Time management was not always one of my strengths, but over the years I have developed my time management muscle and you can do the same thing by applying the tips I am about to share!

But before I do that, I want you to take a quick assessment of yourself. How is a lack of time management negatively impacting your business? How is it holding you back? Write down your answers. What would your business and your life be like if you completed everything you wanted to complete every day?

My guess it is would be really different! Although time management feels like work, it is really the KEY to having more Freedom in your business. Christine Kloser, my former coach and author of The Freedom Formula, helped me understand that better time management would give me the time I desired to have the business of my dreams. And she was right!

My days don’t always go as planned, but by following the tips below, I am able to get my “to do’s” done so I can get to the things I love to do! And, I am able to sell MORE so I can live the life that I choose.

My Top 5 Time Management Tips Are:

• #1 Create your Ideal Schedule

You’ve heard me say it before, and I will say it again. You MUST have an Ideal Schedule. Without it, you are like a ship lost at sea, waiting for the next “thing” to beckon to you. An Ideal Schedule will allow you to take control of your sales results as well as your life. Most importantly, be sure to schedule time off as well as time to do business!

• #2 Make Selling a Priority

Once you have an Ideal Schedule, then you can make selling a priority. Selling is the first thing we like to procrastinate on because most people don’ t want to pick up the phone and make calls. But just by putting it on your schedule, you will be MUCH more likely to do it!

• #3 Turn E-Mail and the Internet Off

We all know this, so why do we keep our email open and our internet on? I think, deep down, we would rather be distracted then make sales calls or focus on what we need to do, so it is tempting to keep it all available. But if you want to increase your productivity, turn it off. Enough said.

• #4 Take Breaks

Add breaks to your Ideal Schedule. If you don’t, it is easy to just work, work, work until you can’t work anymore. But that’s not healthy and you already know that. So, take breaks when you need them, just time them so you know when it is time to get started again!

• #5 Have a “To-Do” List

Statistically your productivity goes up 25% when you use a “to do” list. So, why wouldn’t you? It’s an easy way to begin managing your time and to get those things done that need to get done.

Action Item: Print this list out and keep it in a spot you will see it daily. Review it whenever you feel overwhelmed or are procrastinating!

Things aren’t always to go as planned. But if you don’t have a plan in the first place, then you are planning to fail. Create your Ideal Schedule and follow it. I also recommend that you share it with your family so they know what you are up to. I promise you it will make a big difference in your business—and in your life!

Ursula Mentjes, M.S., ACC is the founder of Sales Coach Now and the author of Selling with Intention and One Great Goal. Ms. Mentjes has helped clients double and triple their sales revenue in as short as two months! If you want to do the same, then visit her web-site at www.salescoachnow.com and subscribe to her e-zine by clicking on the sign up box and typing in your email address. You will receive a FREE downloadable MP3 recording, "7 Ways to Sell More in a Doom and Gloom Economy". Or, join her at Sales Coach Now—LIVE 2011 for the re-release of Selling with Intention through Morgan James publishing! She will be sharing the stage with Loral Langemier, Craig Duswalt and other experts. www.salescoachnowlive.com. Ursula currently serves as the NAWBO-CA Vice President of Corporate Partners and Economic Development, is Past President NAWBO-IE and Past President of NAWBO-U (Inland Empire).