Increased Productivity, the road to increases sales!
- waynefarran
- Jun 19, 2014
- 3 min read
The old saying of “there are only so many hours in a day” ring true when it comes to our working life.
Our time is constantly being consumed and interrupted with phone calls, emails, messages and meetings; not all of these interruptions are productive or for that matter sales worthy.
Aiming to be more productive is at best a work in progress due to the ever changing nature of business, technology and timelines.
Over the years I have found that focusing on several aspects have helped me to be more proactive during work.
The following points are what I have always focused on and recommended.
1) Clear you desktop.
Remove any unnecessary folders or material from your desk that are not related to what you’re currently working on. They can easily become a distraction from your current task.
2) Clear your mind.
Yes I know easier said than done, but in saying this it’s hard to concentrate on a task at hand when your distracted by other requirements and actions that also need addressing.
3) Set up a work flow system.
Having a work flow system in place can be an ideal way to streamline work. As per the following example, I always timeline my work days.
During the first part of the day up till mid morning, I always focus on the most important tasks at hand; especially the ones that have the most potential to be financially rewarding. After this period I then turn my attention to tasks that are a secondary priority; tasks that are less Important or have a longer timeline before being required. Towards the end of the day I make time for all of the least important tasks, tasks that have limited benefit and/or financial gain.
4) Work Meetings.
I always aim to make meetings work for me. If a meeting with a third party or customer is important I always aim to hold the meeting in the Morning when all attendees are fresh and less distracted; people tend to be more focused and productive in the first part of the day.
If meetings are of limited benefit I will aim to have them late in the day, keeping my most productive hours focused on the most important tasks.
5) Email.
Yes, perhaps the most important tool in modern business, but arguably the most distractive. I always look to setup rules in outlook as to how I receive my emails. Typically I remove the in-mail pop-up notifications, this simple rule can perhaps remove the most frequent distraction.
6) Keep a daily/monthly to do list.
Keeping a to do list be it written, on-line or in a CRM if available is a must. It helps you focus on the task at hand and additionally keeps you on track. I always review my list at the start of the day so I have a clear understanding of the daily requirements. In addition I also review and update my list at the end of each day so I can reflect and focus on the following days requirements.
7) Say NO.
Yes an interesting point. We have all experienced being involved in meetings and other numerous activities that we attended or got involved with that we felt was going to be a waste of time and or non productive. In some cases we had the option not to attend or be involved; but still said yes, not wanting to offend or feel anti-social.
If you are invited to attend or be involved in something that you feel will not be of benefit and you have the option to decline, do so.
A simple "Thank you, but unfortunately I'm time poor at the moment" can be the best answer.
Wayne~
