“I’m Regularly Asked How I Get So Much Done!”

We’ve all heard that time is money, and that’s true. More importantly, you need to view time AS money. Let me put it to you this way – let’s say for example you own an electrical store. And everyday you observe a particular individual stealing from you. In fact, it’s obvious he’s literally decking out his whole home with your electrical goods. First he steals a flatscreen TV, followed by a DVD player, sound system, microwave, fridge, and even has the audacity to steal a washing machine.  

That may sound ridiculous, but I’m trying to make a point here. The point is he’s not really stealing electrical goods, he’s stealing money from you. What about that same individual who comes in every day and bails you up to talk about all the problems he’s got in his life, what’s happening at home, why he can’t pay the bills, all the bad news in the newspaper… you get my drift. If you work in an office you probably know one of these individuals intimately, seeing as every office has one.  

Takes them an hour to start work and stops you getting anything done also. The reality is, stealing your time is akin to stealing your money. No different to the electrical store owner. But unfortunately, you don’t see this thief, this money-sucking vampire in the same way you would see a thief that steals directly from you.

Anyway, let’s give you a few examples in no particular order what I do that ensures I get more done than most would think is possible. Remember, no particular order. 

-          No drama at work:

There will be a direct correlation between the amount of time you spend dealing with drama at work to how financially successful you are. More importantly, that time spent dealing with drama should be spent marketing.

-          Surround yourself with people smarter than yourself, and delegate!

All my staff perform their tasks better than I could do them. So do almost without exception outside vendors. An example that comes to mind is I don’t always write my own copy, it’s come to a point where this is a poor use of my time even though I am good at it. What I prefer to do is pay a copywriter to do the bulk of the work and then for me to do my ‘thing’ with it. (Peter Godfrey does most of it by the way.)

-          Put an urgent deadline on everything.

Although not always popular with staff, needing to stick to deadlines is a surefire way to get things done on time. Deadlines are like goal posts in a footy match, if you didn’t have them there would be mayhem. You’ve got to love deadlines.

-          Don’t touch your emails in the morning.

Heck, I don’t even read mine. Andy does and lets me know what I need to deal with when it’s RIGHT FOR ME to deal with. Email has spawned a relatively new set of expectations and rudeness. People think email should be answered as instantaneously as they are sent. Worse still, people read their email 20 times a day. Can’t wait to do it first thing in the morning, last thing they do at night.

-          Don’t allow other people’s problems to become yours.

Email is a classic example of this. In my case, someone who is entitled to a critique of their marketing and advertising might want me to look over their Yellow Pages ad, and they need it done now because the Yellow Pages deadline is tomorrow. Imagine if I allowed this type of interruption to railroad the use of my time. It would be full of constant interruptions, being at the beck and call of someone else’s problems.

-          Have a to-do list.

At the end of each day, I religiously write a list of things I want to achieve tomorrow and almost without exception at the end of the day there is a line through everything on the page. In fact, the last thing on the to-do list is to write tomorrow’s to-do list.

-          Block out time for particular tasks.

Those of you who have tried to book an appointment know how the system works. Importantly, there is a system and depending on what level of coaching client you are will determine how and when that appointment will take place. Money can buy you speed and interruption. Another example is that I only allow appointments on certain days ensuring that other days are dedicated to money making proactive tasks. That said, I’ve heard people say they’ve tried to block time and it hasn’t worked. That’s because they don’t vigilantly apply it.

-          Do something proactive every day.

Everyday I try and do something that will create a client. Makes perfect sense when you understand that all the value of a business is in the client, your reputation with them and what you are known for. It’s never been more important than it is today to build such a herd. Mine has fed me in fine fettle for many years.

-          Don’t be a perfectionist.

Born a perfectionist I am proud to say it’s far from my M.O. these days. There is little or no benefit in your next product, your next speech, your next book being perfect. In fact, the sooner you get it “out there” the sooner it will get close to perfection. If only by sheer osmosis, testing and measuring. Close enough is good enough. However, I am not advocating poor products. Just that if you wait for it to be perfect it probably never will be.

-          Don’t have a revolving office door.

Clearly it’s important to have a distinction between work time and play time, although I do my best to briefly “pass the time of day” with staff and clients. I quickly turn to the task at hand and jealously guard against time theft. Heck, I even advocate making and keeping appointments with yourself.

-          Finally, be disciplined.

A little discipline can avoid years of regret. All of the above requires a level of discipline most individuals are not prepared to commit to or comply with, irrespective of the obvious rewards.  

Remember, time IS money so treat time AS money.  

Committed to Multiplying Your Profits and Guilty of Conspiracy to Committing Capitalism,

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