So many business owners get so busy, have so many things to do and are bombarded with so many requests from staff and customers that their days often simply fall apart.

Hands up how many have started the day with a clear purpose of getting something achieved and at the end of it you’ve achieved nothing.

It’s not like working for a big company where you’re paid for one specific purpose with a clearly designed job description and targets.

Owning your own business means you do everything and your day gathers its own momentum depending on what crisis or concerns appear.

That all has to change and, if you can relate to this scenario, you need to start building some structure into your day.

Here are some tips to get started;

. Get Up On Time;

Get your day in order right from the start.

I find coping with a busy day is all about routine. The most common question I get asked is how I cope with my schedule and my response is always “routine”.

I get up at 3.25am, in the car by 3.50am, at work by 4.20… and it goes from there.

That first hour of the day sets me up for the rest of it.

. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

All the nutrition studies show this is the most important meal of the day because it provides the fuel to produce all that energy critical for a successful day. The worst thing is to hit the snooze button and sacrifice a good breakfast for an extra 15 minutes in the cot.

It is worthwhile visiting a local nutritionist for advice on this area. They will determine your metabolic type and tailor a diet suited for your individual needs.

For example, I’m more of a protein body type while an overload of carbs does me more harm than good.

So my breakfast every morning is a non-dairy omelette with vegetables and ham. I stick to that religiously and can feel my energy levels subside if I don’t.

. Plan Your Day;

Arrive at work 10 minutes before needed and use that time to plan what needs to be achieved during the day.

The old fashioned To-do list is a great way to start. How many make up this list every day?

The list should also prioritise the items in to “essential” and “on-going” so the most important stuff is focussed on first. Being aware of what needs to be done at the very start of the day helps with your focus.

I must admit I cheat a bit on my To-do list. I always put an easy item first which I can achieve almost immediately so I can cross one off quickly. It gives me a sense of momentum and getting things done from the start. I know it’s weird but that’s me.

. Minimise Interruptions;

You cannot be on-call with staff and customers at all times. In this day of 24/7 communication there is an expectation that phone calls, emails, Facebook requests and queries must be answered immediately.

Don’t be pressured.

Set time each day where you are simply not interrupted. Tell staff you’re not to be disturbed, divert the phone to voicemail, don’t even look at your inbox.

This is focus time. Quiet time to concentrate and get stuck in to the essential items on that daily list and get them completed.

You will be amazed at how the staff can cope, and make decisions on their own, during that time and how it doesn’t really matter whether a customer gets an answer an hour later rather than in a minute.

. Stay On Track

But a lot of this depends on discipline. On your discipline and focus.

Some people love interruptions because it distracts them from things they don’t like doing… even if it’s important. So they build their own pressure and create their own chaos.

Don’t be sidetracked. Don’t peek at your inbox during your quiet time, don’t check the internet or voicemail.

You can do it.

Now send me the best tips for organising your day.

Comments  

 

0 #7 Julie 2013-01-14 09:24

My Pet Services small business will be operational from next week & I am putting aside personal time for myself with Aerobics, Gym & swimming sessions still during times in availability. Is so important to keep having balance between personal & professional time through the day with longer working days in running your own small business. That is my "ME TIME"! Also have set hours for contact times by phone (except in an case of emergencies) & hours of availability.

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+1 #6 Bill Lang 2012-05-21 16:04

I also heard Paul Anderson (former CEO of BHP) speak of tackling the most unpleasant task on the lists first.. I suppose what counts is getting started and generating a feeling of "achieving something first up" .. if you are not one to dread the unpleasant it would not matter when it gets done, as long as it does!

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+1 #5 2011-02-16 21:13

Set yourself up with a daily method of operation, be persistent,cons istent and in action - I work for myself and I make sure I complete all my daily "must do" requirements before I close off each day. Being organised & consistent in my approach I achieve so much more personally and professionally & I love what I do.

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0 #4 2011-02-10 13:04

I get up early and go for a 40 minute walk - I find that if I leave it to the end of the day - I am too tired - It also gives my mind some time to process things I need to

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0 #3 2011-02-10 11:23

I set an alarm for my "office" time. I segment it into 45 minute increments. When the alarm goes off at 45 minutes, I get up from the desk, get a glass of water, go for a wander outside and forget about the office for 5 minutes. Then when I sit back down I spend 5 minutes checking my emails and phone messages etc. If there are pressing issues I deal with them before I start my next 45 minute block. I find it really helps as the allocated time is not too intimidating and I am always amazed at how much I can get done when I set this time.

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+1 #2 2011-02-10 09:47

Hi,

I ask myself what would be a treat today? Then I set my goal and if I achieve it I can reward myself with this treat. I.E Treat =Swim at the beach & buy my fave magazine... Goal=if I finislise my marketing strategy that I keep putting off. Thats todays goal anyhow.

Jennie

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+2 #1 2011-02-10 09:18

I will always remember one of my old bosses said "always do the hardest thing on the TO DO list first".. don't procastinate over it or it hangs over your head all day and you spend the day dreading it. Its much easier to bite the bullet and get it done first, then you feel better for the rest of the day

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