Efficient time management is crucial to productivity.

GLD_TM_MGTSurveys suggest that the average worker wastes more than two hours out of every work day on unproductive activities. Small business owners often struggle with time management issues and waste a great deal of their work time because of poor planning.

 

Here are 6 tips for better time management that will also help to save money in the process.

 

1.    Consolidate Travel

You can actually save money by scheduling all of your outside appointments as closely together as possible on the same day. If, for example, you’re attending a networking event or other outside activity, set up other appointments on the same day and make a round trip to avoid back and forth travel that wastes both time and gas. Plan office time when you won’t be leaving the building but are camped out for the whole day. Packing a lunch on those days can also help minimize wasted time and expense as well.

 

2.    Limit Social Media & Email Time

Social media is great for spreading the word about your business, but most of us tend to waste more time on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest than necessary. Limit social media and email usage to specific times of the day to help keep you focused and keep it business-related. One of the best suggestions is 30 minutes in the morning, midday and afternoon.

 

3.    Don’t Meet Over Meals

It may not seem like it at the time, but some of your least productive appointments will take place over a meal, typically lunch. Wherever possible, avoid holding important appointments over meals. Mealtime works fine for socializing and will help you unwind during a busy day, but you can’t speak with food in your mouth.

 

4.    Utilize Technology

Use your smart phone, tablet and desk computer calendars to set reminders and alarms to help you stay on task and on schedule.

 

5.    Plan Meetings & Keep Agenda

Research shows that the number one complaint from corporate employees regarding wasted time centers on meetings. Everyone wants to lead a meeting and each one is vital to the survival of the business. Actually, they’re not, and many could be consolidated or dispensed with entirely. Focus the meeting’s agenda and make sure people have it in advance. If you don’t need to have the meeting, avoid it.

 

6.    Track & Review Schedule

Keep a log, either electronically or in some kind of handy notebook, where you can write down your activities every day for a week. Be honest about the time, even ‘goofing off’ time – record it all. Then, go back over that week and note how much time was spent on each event.

Watch the full interview with GERY L. DEER on WDTN-TV2’s LIVING DAYTON …

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For help with better time management strategies, contact Gery L. Deer at GLD Enterprises Commercial Writing at 937-902-4857 or email us at gdeer@gldenterprises.net