One of the things I’ve become known for creating a full-time income, working 3-days a week, and I get asked all the time, “Kristin! HOW DO YOU DO IT!
Let’s just be clear that I’m far from a super mompreneur, and the truth is that my life and business get quite messy.
Buuuut, I can get more done in less time than it takes most people. And the truth is that it comes down to the choices you make. Nothing will be done perfectly, but you can get more done IN LESS TIME, using a few simple tips.
Here are a few “do’s and don’ts” that will help you get started:
DON’T B.S. AT NETWORKING EVENTS
Your time is VALUABLE. Don’t spend every Tuesday from nine to noon going to the local Coffee Connection unless you’re getting A LOT Of business from it. Only attend the best events, and ones that give you great connections and a great return for your time and energy. Your average zombie will just show up, week after week, staggering around, slurping coffee, even though they aren’t getting much out of it.
Don’t be a ZOMBIE.
DO BE THE EXPERT SPEAKING AT THE FRONT OF THE ROOM
If you want an GREAT excuse to get out of the office…. Get booked as a speaker at networking events all around town! Leverage your time as you share your message once, to everyone in the room, and you position yourself as a leader! You’ll go farther and get more done in less time…. I promise!
DON’T HAVE STARBUCKS MEETINGS W/ ZOMBIES
Some people just want to eat your brain! GUARD yourself from these brain eating and time wasting ZOMBIES!!! RUN RUN WHILE YOU CAN! 😉 Even for productive meetings, by the time you get in your car, drive to Starbucks, have the meeting and get back… well it better be WORTH IT!
Great example: I had someone the other day who was really pushing for an in-person meeting, and I was grateful I stuck to my rule, when on the phone she preceded to try to “pick my brain”. I was super glad I hadn’t blocked off more of my day.
ALWAYS GUARD YOUR TIME (and your brain). 😉
DO SCHEDULE VIRTUAL COFFEES
I have GREAT relationships with lots of other speakers, experts, authors & coaches, and NONE of them were built at a Starbucks. I have time set aside on my calendar for what I call Partner/Support calls and they take 30 minutes. Grab a cup of joe, learn about the other person, tell them about you, see if you can help each other. It will take 30 minutes rather than the 2 hours your Starbucks meeting will. You just ADDED 1.5 HOURS to your day!
THREE QUICK TIPS to MAXIMIZE YOUR PARTNER CALLS:
>>> Set up a 30 minute appointment in Time Trade called Partnership & Support and you or your asst can then just send people the link. This saves you time going back and forth on the time and day, and sets the time limit for the appointment.
>>> Have a structure to your conversation. Remind the other person of the amount of time you have and what you want to accomplish from the call.
>>> Know what specifically you want to learn about the other person, and what you want to ask for in terms of the ways they can can potentially support you (or connect you to other people or resources who can).
DON’T DO ADMIN TASKS DURING CORE BUSINESS HOURS
You will have more fun, make more money, and save yourself a lot of time if you keep your core business hours to the marketing, sales, and delivery of what you do. Here are three simple things you can do right away to power up your week:
>>> Outsource the tasks that are outside your core training and specialty such as graphics, website updates, newsletter design, auto responders etc)
>>> Condense client appointments into the fewest days possible, and leave 1 or 2 days open for marketing, sales, and partner calls.
>>> Schedule sales conversations during the time of the day when your energy is the highest.
>>> Any work you need to do need yourself that is not sales, marketing, or delivery, like write emails, or newsletter articles can be done off hours like on a Tuesday night or a Sunday morning over coffee.
ASK YOURSELF FOUR QUICK QUESTIONS TO STAY ON TRACK
Who else could do this task, other than me?
Is this activity in my core strengths of what I do?
Does this activity help me get closer to my goal this week, month or year?
Is it most profitable for me to this activity right now, or should it be done at another time or by another person?
Remember that your time is precious. And remember that you likely started your business because you wanted to have control your life and the lifestyle you live. Set up your business and your schedule that it supports your business goals and your lifestyle goals too. You’ll be happier and more profitable in the end!
What’s your best time saving tip? Share in the comments below!