Using Lists to Better Manage Your Time

One of the chief benefits of using lists to help manage all areas of your life is that you can free your mind to deal with the important things of the moment rather than trying to remember too many things at once.  By committing your tasks to paper (or computer) you are less likely to forget important duties or appointments.  Forgetting to get back to a customer just one time can not only lose that customer but many others as word of mouth, blogs, and reviews can broadcast that lapse in memory and end up costing you big time.  Lists are, without a doubt, one of the best tools of effective time management.

Take Time to Save Time

You can actually save quite a bit of time by first taking the time to make lists.  Lists are one of the best organizational tools you can use to stay on top of your business.  For example, when you make a To Do list for the following day, you know at the outset what tasks you will be accomplishing and you will be eager to get them done so you can cross them off your list.  Whether you need to contact customers or have equipment serviced, keeping detailed lists can save you time by keeping you on track.

List of Lists

Take a few moments to consider how some of the following lists could help you to save time in your business.  You may not need to use all of them; however, even one or two of these lists could save valuable time and help you to keep customers happy.

To Do List

Master Supply List

Master Customer List

List of Service Personnel

Vendor List

Price List (Yours or for those you do business with)

Appointment List

Master Phone Number List

List of Calls to Make

Keyword List

Product List

List of Tax Deductions

Inventory List

List of Past, Present, and Future Promotions

Lists are a simple time management technique that can help keep you at the top of your game. Keeping your lists on paper or on the computer and utilizing them on a regular basis can keep you organized and save time, thus giving you more time to spend on growing your business.  

Using Lists in Your Personal Life

Don’t forget to use lists in your personal life as well because keeping your personal life organized is good for your business.  By utilizing time management skills in your personal life, there will be less chaos, fewer interruptions, and more time and energy to grow and manage your business.  Since time really does translate into money, how well you manage your time can have a great bearing on how successful your business is.