Want to conquer you task list faster and more effectively? Then read on…
Sometimes the 4-D System (Do. Defer. Delegate. Delete.) isn’t enough and other methods are needed to regain time and control. Below we share 5 great time management strategies to help YOU boss your week (and beyond!). From limiting your time social medias to having set office hours, you can take back control of your time and achieve more.
Tip #1 - TIME TRACK.
Start using Toggl, it will change your life! Okay, maybe a bit dramatic but it is good (this blog is in no way affiliated to the app, we just really, really like it).
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?
· Time Tracker - Tracks how long you spend on each task (this helps keep you focused).
· Set Office Hours – A running total of hours is shown so whether you work 5 or 8 hours a day you’ll know when to stop.
· Client Management - Each time entry can be added to a particular client/project.
· Transparency - Each client can have a set hourly rate attached so you can track costs.
Flexibility - Reports can be created in ways that work best for you. We create weekly, monthly and tailored reports (depending on the client) to send out so clients can see what we’ve been working on.
Tip #2 - BLOCK TIME
A way to force yourself to stop one task and move on to the next is by blocking time. When you tackle a single task within a set time block you avoid distractions and instinctively work faster to achieve completion.
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?
It allows you to focus solely on one task for a set period of time before forcing you to move on to the next. The result – you work more efficiently and achieve more! You can take it a step further by knowing when you work best on different tasks. For example, some people find it best to work on more challenging tasks first thing in the morning and easier, less brain consuming, activities in the afternoon. You can divide your day into time blocks and organise your tasks to suit your best working times.
Tip #3 - TEMPLATES
If you send the same email to different clients more than three times a week, it’s time to make a template. If you need the same form more than once, it’s time to make a template.
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?
You will regain control of your emails and your book keeping! No longer will you be daunted by every ‘ping’ meaning a half hour response is needed. From emails that accompany invoices, payment reminders and due dates to appointment reminders, disclaimers, feedback forms and commonly asked questions, there are so many reasons that you might be repeating yourself. Templates will save you time and saving time saves you money!
Tip #4 - BATCH CONTENT CREATION
Batch create social media templates to work from!
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?
This will save you hours. Once you have on brand templates set up, all you need do is pop in your text or picture each time you create a new post and BAM, content done! To ensure your templates flow together use your brand colours and fonts, we recommend make around 12 -14 that you can recycle time and time again.
Tip #5 - SILENCE NOTIFICTATIONS
That’s right, we’re telling you to silence your social media and email notifications!
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?
By only looking at these during designated time blocks (we recommend once in the morning and once in the afternoon) you omit distractions and regain focus. Of course, limiting your time online isn’t always possible but even just two days a week can see an increase in your productivity.