Knowing where to start when you have a home business is not always about just selling a product. Its all the tasks that need to be done in order to sell that product. For that you need a To-Do-List. Having a diary of some sort in business is essential. Over the years I have found I have moved from a paper diary to online diaries because I use my phone for everything these days and it is less bulky.
Google has a great diary app for smart phones that will sink with your home computer. You will always know what appointments you have. Now you have a diary your need a to-do-list because you can use your diary to plan your day by allocating times in your day to do things on your to do list. Without a list you will flit from one idea to the next and find you are not being very effective. Here’s how an efffective to do list works.
To-do-list
Step 1- choose a medium
If you like to use paper and pen then making a list is going to work for you. If you like to use an electronic system (Try the TIMELY app) you will find there are lots of options. Just choose one and get started.
Step 2 -analyse the list
When you do your first ever list just do a dump of all you can think of. Then once you have made your list check it over and write beside each:
- Do immediately-If a task feeds my priorities, my time is justified.
- Delegate- Someone else can and should do these to save me time. Even micro-business owners can benefit from an intern or temp.
- Drop- ask yourself,“will this make money for me right now or anytime in the future? Does it fulfil my current priorities?”If the answer is no, dump it.
- Defer -Some items might appeal but aren’t time-sensitive or high-priority. Delay them to a more convenient time.
- You may now have to start your list again. This is where an electronic system will save you time but if you don’t have one just get on and make your new list. See the next step about how to do this.
Step 3- Prioritise the list
This is your main list and will be added to from time to time that will be the basis for your daily to-do-list. You will need 2 columns. Column 1 sets its priority and the second one lists the task.
Stephen Covey developed a quadrant into which to priories your tasks.
Urgent and important
Important but not urgent
Urgent but not important
Not important and not urgent
Go here to read more about that: https://www2.usgs.gov/humancapital/documents/TimeManagementGrid.pdf
Step 4- Write today’s to-do list
Once you have your master list you can write todays list. Have 2 columns. The first column will have a number in it to indicate in which order you will do the tasks. The second column will be the task. Any tasks you don’t get done today need to be transferred to tomorrows list at the end of the day. You can add to tomorrows list from the main list. Be realistic and always refer back to step 2 and 3 when deciding what goes onto the main list and the daily list.
Kerri Bainbridge
Learning,Mindset, Collaboration
Anywhere Team NZ
www.anywherebusinessnetwork.co.nz
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