4 Steps to Small Business Success - Move to The Next Level

7. Stick to the Plan

Try not to get sidetracked from your plan. One of my friends has a motto: "A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for me". It's a smart one to live by.

Unless it's a true emergency, or you're being paid "rush" time, you probably don't need to squeeze a last minute request in today. Also, by assigning yourself project deadlines, you can keep on top of projects and avoid those dreaded last minute emergencies.

8. Choose an Inspiring Place and Time

We're all "built" differently. So it's a good idea to do the tasks that require the most "brain power" at those times when you're at your prime. Are you a "morning person", or do you work best burning the midnight oil?

Create for yourself the ultimate work haven -- one that's clean, distraction-free, and inspiring. My office overlooks my flower garden and is right in the heart of family activity. As I glance to the right, our Angel fish "Spike" proudly parades across the fish tank. Above me, Monet is painting a vivid portrait of his flower garden. In the living room, my son is softly singing the Spiderman theme to himself - music to my ears!

9. Bundle Like Tasks Together

As you work through your daily list, try to chunk your tasks into groups that contain like activities. By creating a separate "chunk" of time for answering email, invoicing, making return phone calls, etc. you'll save time and mental energy.

10. Avoid Interruptions

Trying to do the same thing over and over again with interruptions can be maddening. Once you start a task, try to finish it to the end. If something comes up that you need to remember or do, unless it's urgent, simply add it to your list and continue on with your current project.

11. Be Organized

When things are tidy, it saves you time and frees you to focus on the task at hand. Digging through a pile of papers and finding a squished Twinkie instead of that all-important invoice isn't very conducive to productivity. Follow your own organizational style with:

Phone Lists

For instance, I arrange my phone lists into groups according to how I use them: friends, family, doctors, my children's playmates, etc. I also list people that I talk to on a first name basis alphabetically -- by their first name -- in my phone book. For instance, I list my mom under "M" and my brother Troy under "T". "D" has a list of all my doctors. This works for me, because it reflects how I think.

Emails

Another time saving idea is to color-code your emails. In my personal color scheme I use one color for clients, one for newsletters, and another for my coworkers. You can also group your emails using categories and folders.

One Calendar Meets All!

Keeping track of work appointments, Boy Scout meetings, and committee meetings can be very difficult. My secret to keeping on top of family and work appointments is to schedule them all on one calendar.

Day Timer

Create a special section of your daytimer just for special interests, hobbies, or kids. I have a special kid section with phone numbers for Brownie leaders, playmates, doctors, school contacts, bus number and other items.

Schedule Your Success

Why wait for success when you can literally schedule it? By mastering your time, you can accomplish much more with less effort. Be choosey about how you spend your time, and focus on activities that most closely match your goals. By taking time to monitor, measure, and manage your time, you will enjoy an abundance of success and happiness.