Time Management Tips - Cut Out Interruptions



Posted: Sunday, March 15, 2009

by Ron Finkelstein
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Time management is an essential skill that can be applied to all walks of life from the student to the businessman to the retiree; we all have to manage our time whether we like to or not. In the realm of business, effective time management is often as matter of getting rid of interruptions that prevent you from using your time efficiently. In this article I will explain tips and methods by which you can cut distractions to make your work and business run more smoothly.

First, you need to be in charge of your surroundings. It is important to eliminate sources of interruption. This means removing distracting objects such as non-essential computer screens or distracting trinkets, but it also means being in control of people that might cause distractions. This means making co-workers understand that you are not to be interrupted. In a home business, it means keeping distracting family members, especially children, at bay by whatever means are in your power. It means identifying the causes of interruption by family members and systematically providing fixes to eliminate these causes.

Second, you need to take preemptive measures to make your business run smoothly. If you have employees, you know that you are not the only person whose time matters; to increase efficiency, it is important to make sure your employees' time is managed as well. The truth is, interruptions are often caused by lack of preparation or planning.

The basic organization of your business should be set in a way that encourages efficient use of time. For example, any employees should have all the means by which they will complete their work. Assigning a task an employee is not prepared to do will only encourage inefficient usage of time as he scrambles for help or additional resources. He may even come to you for help. Structuring your business to run smoothly also means solving problems before they begin. You need to foresee any potential problems that might interrupt your work before they happen. If you do that, you will minimize the likelihood that an "unforeseen event" will interrupt you.

Thirdly, you need to have a focus for your business. This means keeping in mind the departments (if you are involved with a large business) or simply tasks (if you are running a small business) that affect the profit the business achieves. These areas are aspects of the business such as marketing, purchases, and product development. These areas are where your time and energy should be focused because ultimately profit is what you are shooting for. By making a plan for each essential area you identify, you will achieve a focus for your efforts will keep on task.

Ron Finkelstein is a small business owner who has spent a fortune and lifetime improving his Time Management Strategies. If you liked this time management tip, you might also like to learn about the Eisenhower Method or some more of my Time Management Tips
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