#HandmadeChat: Organizing Your Day For Maximum Productivity

by La Shonda on July 20, 2012

Are you tired of running the rat race? Spinning your wheels feeling like you  are going no where in your business? With so many hats to wear while running your business organization is crucial to operate a successful business.  So then why is it so hard to be organized for maximum productivity.

This weeks #HandmadeChat discusses just that and provides solutions to help stop spinning, spinning, spinning and going no where. Mary Humphrey, the owner of Annie’s Goat Hill Natural Soaps was the co-host for the evening!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK YOU DO DAILY TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS RUNS SMOOTHLY?

Mary Humphrey shared: Planning. Plan ahead! Do not operate without a game-plan. Time is money.

Donna DeRosa shared: I always make to-do lists for the next day, week, etc.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH TASKS TO PRIORITIZE WHEN THE LIST IS SO LONG?

Donna Maria Coles Johnson shared: For business, I generally prioritize the tasks that lead most directly to money :)

Mary Humphrey shared: Determine which tasks are vital to the successful operation of your business. Schedule (maximize) tasks by importance, i.e. production, website maintenance, newsletter, blog, social media.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR DAYS SO YOU CAN WORK *ON* YOUR BUSINESS INSTEAD OF *IN* IT?

Mary Humphrey shared: A decision has to be made from the beginning-how much time per week/day can you allot to your business. What tasks do you need to accomplish to keep your business in production? Most often it is not the fun tasks. Commitment to the most important tasks to successfully operate your business is key.

Maia shared: Make sure at least one of your daily tasks helps your biz with a long term goal so you keep the big pic in mind.

Alyssa Middleton shared: For me once I made the commitment that my biz was a priority, productivity and profits increased.

For the full conversation and transcripts you can download them here. Enjoy reading and don’t forget to join us for the next #HandmadeChat on Thursday, 7/26 at 8pm EST, where Melissa Rivera will co-host and chat it up about “Attracting Companies To Sponsor Your Website”.

  • http://www.anniesgoathill.com Mary Humphrey

    I enjoyed the chat!

    I love how you said “solutions to help stop spinning, spinning, and spinning.” It certainly does, and can, feel like we are spinning our tires. It helps to chat with others and share tips for better traction to move down the road of productivity.

  • http://www.indiebusinessnetwork.com Donna Maria

    This was a great topic, one of my favorites — because it has been an issue I struggled with in past lives. As Alyssa’s comment shows, it really starts with us stating to the world at large (and often to family and friends) that our business is a priority and we will treat it like one. That’s a hard pill for many entrepreneurs to swallow because so many people feel guilty about it, especially if kids are involved. In my view, as the mom of young children, there is no guilt in telling my kids that they have to entertain themselves for however long because I have to work to provide for the family. It’s an honor to be in a position to do that, and I want my children to appreciate it — and also to be prepared to do it for themselves when the time comes. But kids or no kids, it starts with the leader inside of you. Tell yourself what must be done to sustain your business, and then do it day by day, moment by moment. You will settle into a rhythm and it will be both fun and profitable. Love that!

  • http://HighWireinHeels Alyssa

    This was a great chat, wasn’t it? I think these chats keep getting better and better and that I love how they’re filled with tips that are applicable to everyone, no matter where they are in their business. Nice job with the recap!

    Alyssa

  • http://www.naturallygoodsoaps.com Melissa

    La Shonda, your picture of the hamster in the week is so me on many days. This chat helped me refocus my priorities and how to manage my time more wisely. Social media does take up a chunk of my time but it is all a learning process. Great chat ladies!

  • http://handmadesoapcoach.com/members/admin/ La Shonda

    You are not alone. I often feel like the hamster too but I am working toward less running on the wheel and better organization of my time. I have started using Outlook Calendar and breaking down all the pieces of my life. What I have found so far is I now see where I have spaces of time every day where I can fit regular slots to put tasks into.

    It’s definitely a learning process and it takes time as old habits do die hard.

Previous post:

Next post: