7 Tips For Better Time Management

Wasting time hurts your business. Constant interruptions, FaceBook addictions, e-mail pings and other time wasters keep you from focusing on what matters: your business, and accomplishing your goals.

1. Social networking. Repeat after me: Playing Mafia Wars on FaceBook is not networking. And neither is FarmTown. I'm not saying it's bad, just that there's a time and a place for everything, and collecting hidden cell phones or playing a round of Bejeweled Blitz, even for a moment, is a time waster. Save it for the end of the day, or for your lunch break. The same is true of other fun but distracting sites, such as YouTube.
    
2. E-mail interruptions. Whether your inbox pings when a new message hits or you keep one eye tuned to the bottom of your screen, flipping back and forth to your inbox wastes time. If your inbox looks like mine, very few of those e-mails require immediate attention. If they did, I would most likely also get a phone call. I know, I know: Easy for me to say. Reward yourself for an hour of work or for project completion by taking 15 minutes to read your e-mail all at once.
    
3. Ban instant messaging. There's nothing like an instant message for some instant gratification in the middle of a project. Instant messaging may seem like a quick diversion, but those stolen minutes add up. If you can't disconnect completely, set your status to "busy" for a good portion of the day. This should help deter frivolous chatter. Then, if someone bothers you with nonwork-related chitchat, let him know you are in the middle of something and will get back to him as soon as you can.
    
4. Ignore the phone. It's possible. That's why we have caller ID and answering machines. Glance at it to make sure it's not the hospital, your top clients or the kids' school--then just let it ring. Save your phone calls for the last hour of the afternoon.
    
5. Poor planning. No matter your business, some aspects of your job aren't much fun. Whether it's billing, dealing with a difficult client or tackling a demanding project, it's tempting to do the easy work first. But that means the hard stuff doesn't always get done, even though it's important. The problem is, if you don't prioritize at the beginning of the workday, you'll find yourself drifting. Your work will be scattered and disjointed, and you won't have time to invest in your priorities.
    
6. Disorderly desk. Whether it's a desk covered with client contracts or computer files saved in no discernable order, looking for necessary files and papers wastes valuable time. Take 15 minutes at the end of the day to put your paperwork and computer files in order and make them ready for the next day. You'll thank yourself later. Some new habits and conscious choices can make you more productive than ever.
    
7. In-between time. Got a conference call in 15 minutes and don't want to start your next big project? Pick something on your list of things to do that can be accomplished quickly. Write a thank-you note to a new client. Add a new blog post. Skim through your latest industry newsletter. Keep a running list of ideas so you don't waste those extra minutes. By being proactive with your time and keeping an updated to-do list, you'll find yourself being more productive, and you'll end your day on a positive note, knowing you've used your time wisely.