Self-Employed Freelancers & Home-Based Businesses: 5 Time Management Tips for Your Small Business You (Probably) Haven't Tried Yet

by Shari Peace

1. Do tasks less frequently

Run a report every 6 weeks instead of every 4 weeks. Clean house every 10 days rather than every 7 days. Hold a meeting twice a month instead of every week.

2. Race yourself

Look at the clock & commit to have the task done by a specific time. Make the allotted time a little shorter than the task might actually take. You’ll stay focused, avoid distractions & probably work with higher quality.

3. Make the most of 15 minutes

Can you find an extra 15 minutes in your day to use more effectively? Is there “wasted” time you can eliminate or a lower-valued task you can cut? Saving 15 minutes a day gives you a whopping 91 extra hours a year!

4. Use perfectionism wisely

Some tasks have to be done as close to perfectly as possible, of course. But some don’t. Avoid “giftwrapping the garbage” (giving a task more time & energy than it deserves.) To avoid unneeded perfectionism, ask yourself:

* “What % of quality do I need for this task?” * “What % of quality do I have time for?”

* “What higher-valued task am I not doing while I’m making this one perfect?”

5. Work on a task or project for a certain amount of time

Instead of trying to complete a task at one time, say to yourself, “I’ll work on this for 15 minutes & see how much I can get done.” Stay focused & challenge yourself to really get as much done as possible. (This tip is especially effective for a task or you’ve been putting off.) Since you know you won’t be completing the task, you’ll feel less pressure & it will be easier just to work productively for 15 minutes!

Shari Peace is an international speaker and the president of Peace Talks, a professional speaking firm that helps people and organizations to get more done with less stress. Her book, Crank It Out!, features tips for sharper time management and increased productivity. She can be reached at www.sharipeace.com.