5 Tips for Effective Time Management

The time to be concerned about time management isn’t when things are falling down around you and you realize you aren’t getting much done.  The time to think about time management is before you even start your business, when you are still in the planning stages.  If you haven’t yet implemented a well thought out plan for time management, here are some tips to get you started.

Keep a To Do List

Maintaining a to do list is a crucial step for any business person and important for Internet marketers because you have enough to do without constantly trying to remember things and because having a list that you consult on a daily business will keep the important things at the forefront of your mind.

No one has enough time to do everything; however, a to do list will help you to prioritize what is really important so that you don’t get caught up in tasks that may need to get done but are not as important as the ones on your list.  You might want to make up a Master To Do list on a weekly basis and go over it each night and assign the tasks that you need to get done the following day, crossing them off as they are accomplished.  No tool can keep you more organized than a well maintained to do list.

Keep regular hours

Internet marketers often work irregular or odd hours, especially those that may be dealing with global markets or customers. As much as possible, though, try to stick to a regular schedule, even if the hours you work are not the usual 9 to 5. By working the same hours every day, your body and mind will be more efficient and others in your life will know the hours you are working so there is less chance for interruption.  Internet marketers, especially those who work from home, have to have a great deal of discipline to be successful and working the same schedule every day is far more efficient than working a few hours here and there.

Use Time Management Skills in Your Personal Life

Time management isn’t just good for business; it’s also a necessary skill in your personal life as well.  In fact, the better managed your personal life is, the smoother your business life will go, and for those Internet marketers working from home, this is especially important.

Be Kind but Firm when Faced with Interruptions

Not everyone will realize you are working when you are home and even if you work from an office away from your home, you are sure to be faced with interruptions from time to time.  Although it’s always important to be kind, it’s just as important to be firm when it comes to your working hours.  Internet marketers working from home who are also parents may have very little time to devote to their business and often must guard their time jealously.  No one says you have to answer the phone every time it rings, but do try to return calls.  If they are business related, though, you may need to answer, although today’s technology can tell you whether it’s business or personal before you ever pick up the phone.  If it is personal, either don’t answer or tell the caller you’re working and will call them back later.

Schedule Time for Everything

Beginning Internet marketers have to wear a lot of different hats. They may be product developers, writers, graphic designers, content buyers and sellers and yet still have administrative duties, such as billing to contend with.  If you have various functions to perform, be sure and schedule specific time for each function so that you are able to balance each facet of your business.

Remember, time is money and the better you manage your time, the more money your business is likely to bring in.