When to swallow a toad (or something)

Posted Sun, 22/07/2007 - 18:00 by emily

As promised, here's my feedback on the time management seminar I went to in the week. It was an excellent event with an amazing speaker. A lot of it was things I already knew, but the real benefit of going to something like that is that it makes you think about what you're doing (or how you're doing it) a lot more. I'm pleased to say that I'm not having to give up my to-do lists, hurrah! Here's what I've taken away from it:

- I mustn't let email rule my life. I'm going to keep it switched off when I'm concentrating on an important job so that I don't get distracted.

- It's ok to use to-do lists but I need to prioritise them more so that I don't fall into the trap of ticking off a load of things that aren't 'important'.

- I'm going to log my time for the next week so that I can review how I'm spending my type (I know, on admin!) and see what I can do to work more effectively.

- I'm going to start the day by swallowing a toad! Erm, basically that means that if there's something you need to do that you're not so keen on doing, get it over and done with at the start of the day so that it's not hanging over you.

- Use my best time more effectively. I'm definitely a morning person and tend to get up early (6.30ish) to get a head-start on the day. This is good because it's also the part of the day that I'm least likely to be interrupted. What I need to do is spend the first part of the morning working on something that requires most concentration rather than answering emails.

I've made a good start by prioritising my list and working through as many quick jobs as possible (I know, I'm naughty I shouldn't work on Sundays, but I've realised something today - Sunday is a good day to get things done because there are less distractions...).

If anyone is interested in looking at the notes from the seminar they can be downloaded here: www.wwfp.net/events.html

Emily

work: www.webfooteddesigns.co.uk
blog: www.marblecake.org.uk

work: www.webfooteddesigns.co.uk
business books blog: www.brilliantbusinessbooks.co.uk

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Comments

what about...

by funkyoldcortina - 23/07/2007 - 17:59

Hi Emily,

Thanks for posting that great advice and sharing it with us all!

one other thing i found out the hard way was just to ask when people really need it by! they tend to look gone out at you at first but they realise you are just being organised and accept it then.

it can make so much difference when you get people to think about when they really need something instead of asking for it tomorrow! (or yesterday in my old bosses case)

also have you thought about using a virtual PA to do some admin for you if it is the sort of stuff you can farm out, or a book keeper to do some of the boring stuff on accounts ( i hate that bit)

any way hope that helps

Dave

PS ive recovered well from my break-down!! for those who have heard the podcast - im fine its just everbody else thats mad

Time management

by annasmedgard - 29/07/2007 - 11:57

Great advice Emily! I like the toad bit ;) Might just use that one myself too... It's far too easy to put things off if they are boring to do. It is great to have a time of day when you don't get disturbed too.

Dave, we knew you were alright really. hee hee.

Anna
Moderator, flyingstartups.com

Podcast

by emily - 30/07/2007 - 08:10

I really must find time to listen to the podcast - sounds intriguing.

I'm glad you both found the advice useful. I only managed to keep a time log for a couple of days - was finding it a bit too restrictive having to write absolutely everything down. I think I managed to spend a bit more time on projects rather than emails though. Will let you know how it goes.

Emily

work: www.webfooteddesigns.co.uk
blog: www.marblecake.org.uk

Virtual PA

by Sparkatrician - 05/08/2007 - 06:54

Hi,
Dave we are glad you've recovered from your break down.
I use a Virtual PA and while shes good and i need a PA i having trouble finding work for her so far she does calls for me, follow ups to estimates, work completed (to make sure my customers are happy) and chasing payments, getting my database together.

What i really need and want is a proper office (I'm still operating from the dining room, with a kitchen work top for a desk which is not great, as its cramped and there are too many distractions!!!!) So i can have a PA come in and do the books, Go into quick books to find the people who owe us (currently i email her the debtors info) and also invoicing, since i use QB to invoice it would be hard for her to do it since i would have to send her all the info by which time i could ve done it myself!

So my next goals are get an electrician on board find a small office and get a part time PA-Bookkeeper.

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
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Paul Jennings - Entrepreneur www.ThePaulJennings.co.uk

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Virtual PA

by Sparkatrician - 05/08/2007 - 06:54

So my next goals are get an electrician on board find a small office and get a part time PA-Bookkeeper.

Take care

Paul

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS
Design, Install, Maintenance.
Domestic & Commercial

www.electrical-concepts.co.uk

call 0800 458 9118

I felt really good to read

by liza - 16/10/2009 - 05:07

I felt really good to read all of your advices regarding this critical aspect of everybody's life. i think it is great if employed in real sense. we put focus on all but this is the only thing that we normally lack in our lives. thanks a lot for this remarkable post that is worth practicing.

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