--------------------------> SUCSESS TIPS <--------------------------
Bow Out Gracefully
Learn to say no graciously. If you can't squeeze another
engagement into your packed calendar, thank the other person and
compliment his idea, but explain that you simply don't have the
time. Be careful with "maybes," which will only make it harder
to say no.
Source: Ann McGee Cooper, "Time Management for Unmanageable People"
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Just Do It!
When you find yourself procrastinating, divide the undertaking
into manageable steps. Then, start with the toughest job first
and jump in. You may be surprised at how simple it is.
Source: Lisa Rogak, "Smart Guide To Managing Your Time"
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Nobody's Perfect
If you're a perfectionist, you're probably your own harshest
critic. Give important projects your best effort, but allow others
to get by with less attention to detail. You will most likely be
the only one who notices.
Source: Lisa Rogak, 'Smart Guide To Managing Your Time'
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Know Your ABCs
When you receive a task, assign it a level of importance. A tasks
must be done right away, Bs should be done soon, and Cs can wait
awhile. D tasks can be delegated and E tasks eliminated.
Source: Brian Tracy, "Focal Point"
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Set the Pace
When in a meeting, set guidelines immediately by saying, "We have
an hour for this meeting, and it is imperative that we discuss
A, B, and C." Then, stick to your agenda.
Source: Ann McGee Cooper, Time Management for Unmanageable People
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Stay Focused on the Phone
Before making an important phone call, jot down a list of things
you want to discuss. This will ensure that you don't forget
anything and that the call stays on track.
Source: Jan Jasper, "Take Back Your Time"
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Stand Up for Your Time
If you know someone who constantly interrupts you and is prone to
rambling, stand up when he or she enters your office. If you are
standing, that person will subconsciously get the hint to hurry up
and won't be as tempted to waste your time.
Source: Jan Jasper, "Take Back Your Time"
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Follow the 80/20 Rule
Remember this rule: 20% of your activities generate 80% of your
results. Focus on that 20% to boost your productivity.
Source: Brian Tracy, "Focal Point"
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Prioritize
When you're asked to do a favor, request 24 hours to think it over.
Before making a commitment, consider how much time fulfilling the
favor will take, and weigh the task against others that you wish
you had time to do. By saying yes to someone else, you often say
no to yourself.
Source: Ann McGee Cooper, "Time Management for Unmanageable People"
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Bunch Your Tasks
Do several similar activities all at the same time. By writing
all your letters or preparing all your expense reports one after
the other, you move along the learning curve and become better
and faster each time.
Source: Brian Tracy, "Focal Point"
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Be a Sleeping Beauty
An extra hour of sleep each night can mean the difference between
shuffling groggily through your day and performing at your
optimum level of productivity. Devote an extra hour to a good
night's rest--you'll feel the results.
Source: Lisa Rogak, "Smart Guide To Managing Your Time"
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Make Organizing a Game
Stock up on colorful pens, stickers, notebooks, and Post-it notes.
To prioritize your to-do list, write each item on a Post-it.
Arrange the most important tasks on one page of your notebook.
After completing them, reward yourself before moving to the next
group of tasks.
Source: Ann McGee Cooper, "Time Management for Unmanageable People"
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Reward Yourself
Every time you finish a step in a big project, put a dollar in
a jar. When you've completed the project, treat yourself to
something luxurious with the money.
Source: Lisa Rogak, "Smart Guide To Managing Your Time"
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Divide and Conquer
When drafting a proposal or letter, collaborating with others can
give you the best results. Compose the first draft, let someone
else edit it, and ask a third person to compose the final draft.
Read it over before sending it out.
Source: Ann McGee Cooper, "Time Management for Unmanageable People"
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Don't Leave It for Later
Handle paperwork in one of three ways--address it now, file
it for future reference, or throw it away.
Source: Lisa Rogak, "Smart Guide To Managing Your Time"
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Get It All on Your First Date (Book)
When you schedule an appointment in your date book, include all
pertinent information, including the name, address, phone number,
and directions to the meeting, as well as an agenda or list of
ideas.
Source: Lisa Rogak, 'Smart Guide To Managing Your Time'
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Do What You Do Best
When you tackle tasks that tap into your skills and talents,
you'll accomplish a lot in a short period of time. Delegate and
outsource projects that fall in others' areas of expertise. By
focusing on what you do best, you will improve the overall quality
of your work.
Source: Brian Tracy, 'Focal Point'
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Stop Playing Phone Tag
Rather than allowing phone calls to interrupt your work, set
aside a scheduled time each day for answering and returning calls.
Leave an outgoing message on your answering machine that alerts
others to your hours of availability.
Source: Lisa Rogak, 'Smart Guide To Managing Your Time'
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Use Your Work Time to Work
If your coworkers are constantly stopping by to chat, hang a
"Do Not Disturb" sign on your doorknob when you are busy. You
can also set up a certain time every day when you will be
available to meet.
Source: Lisa Rogak, 'Smart Guide To Managing Your Time'
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Pest Control
Does a particular coworker hog your time? Next time he stops by
to chat, hand him some busy work and say, "As long as you're here,
you might as well help." He might help you complete your work,
but next time he'll think twice before dropping in.
Source: Lisa Rogak, 'Smart Guide To Managing Your Time'
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Look--And Act--the Part
Strive to cultivate a professional appearance at all times. Make
sure you maintain good eye contact and an open stance, avoid sloppy
dress--even if the code is business casual--and steer clear
of too much cologne or chewing gum in public.
Source: Marjorie Brody, 'Professional Impressions . . . Etiquette
for Everyone, Every Day'
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Delegate Wisely
Design a chart that depicts every function that must be performed
in order for your business to run smoothly. That way, you can be
sure that each team member is doing what he does best.
Source: Carol Lee, "7 Steps to Building an Effective Team"
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Play to Your Team's Strengths
Streamline your business so you only perform the functions you do
best. Bring in people to fill the voids in your team, and leverage
your most valuable assets.
Source: Carol Lee, "7 Steps to Building an Effective Team"
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Develop a Practical Business Plan
Establish a system that involves weekly, monthly, quarterly, and
annual planning sessions with the team. Set goals for each member.
If everyone is involved, the team will be more cohesive.
Source: Carol Lee, "7 Steps to Building an Effective Team"
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Focus on Your Goals
Reviewing your mission statement each morning helps motivate
you to kick off your day productively. The more you review your
purpose and goals, the more clearly you'll be able to articulate
them to your clients and prospects.
Source: Nicole O. Coulter, "10 Musts for Maintaining Your Practice"
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Watch Your Mouth
Avoid swearing in any type of public or work setting--even if other
people curse in your office. By avoiding foul language, you help
maintain a high level of professionalism--and you're also
assured not to offend anyone.
Source: Hilka Klinkenberg, founder and managing editor of Etiquette
International
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Mind Your Manners
Simple gestures--saying "please" and "thank you," opening doors
regardless of gender, introducing yourself and others, and bestowing
genuine compliments--will improve the quality of your relationships
by demonstrating to your clients that you are a master of etiquette.
Source: Marjorie Brody, "Professional Impressions . . . Etiquette
for Everyone, Every Day"
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Play to Your Team's Strengths
Streamline your business so you only perform the functions you do
best. Bring in people to fill the voids in your team, and leverage
your most valuable assets.
Source: Carol Lee, "7 Steps to Building an Effective Team"
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Create a Support System
Develop a Mastermind group of like-minded individuals, and meet
regularly.
Joseph Lukacs, "3 Ways to Put Personal Development in Your Life"
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Play Mind Games
If you are avoiding a dull task, pretend that it is your first day
at work, and approach it with the same eagerness you would feel as
a new employee. See it as a fresh challenge rather than the usual
drudgery.
Source: Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews,
"Motivating Yourself When You're Stuck"
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Visualize to Energize
Visualizing yourself successfully performing the task you need to
do can bring on the same physiological boost as successfully
completing the task would. Picture yourself triumphantly performing
the task, and savor the feeling of success.
Source: Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews,
"Motivating Yourself When You're Stuck"
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Implement a Time-Blocking Plan
If your previous time-blocking efforts have failed, here's a tip:
the secret to effective time blocking is flex time. When you're
blocking out your time, keep several slots open.
Source: Steve Saenz, "Time--The Most Important Asset You Manage"
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Keep Learning
Block out your calendar and attend workshops, seminars, and
educational classes. If you spend a lot of time in your car, invest
in tapes and listen to them as you drive.
Source: Joseph Lukacs, "3 Ways to Put Personal Development in Your
Life"
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Find Action Plan Feedback
Make sure to share your action plan with your manager or with an
experienced colleague who has skills that are relevant to your
goal. It never hurts to get a few pairs of trusted eyes on a
planning document.
Source: Miriam Lawrence, "Take Small Steps to Achieve Big Goals"
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Surround Yourself With Positive Influences
Develop mutually motivational relationships. Some people are
especially good at giving you a mental jump-start, while others can
be counted on to deliver a Mom-sized dose of comfort. To narrow the
field, look for people who are warm, caring, trustworthy, and
respectful of your confidentiality.
Source: Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews,
"Motivate Yourself, Energize Your Team"
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