Time Management
Planners are available in most department stores, business office supply stores, book stores and through catalogue sales. And as a tool they are very efficient.
When you are shopping for a planner do a little research and find the one that will best suit your needs. Planners come in all different shapes, sizes and colours and in varying degrees of complexity. They range from the simple monthly calendar, to the “complete and unabridged planning tool” that includes expense forms, mileage forms, project forms, address book and more.
As far as size is concerned, planners range from ones that fit into your pocket to ones that are briefcase size. Many people use their planners as their “office away from home”. For people whose homes are their offices, these tools can prove to be invaluable.
There are also computerized versions on the market for both Macintosh and PC. For those of you carrying laptops these might be the alternative you have been looking for. Pocket electronic calendars are also available.
Again, the key is determining what features you are looking for and what will help you become more productive.
Computer magazines often have a description and comparisons of the various time management software available. Your library or a computer store can be a great source of information and research before you buy.
A good way to discover what you want would be to mind map or brainstorm, as we did in the goal setting exercise. That way you will be sure you have not missed essential criteria or features required of your planning tool.
Training
As we’ve mentioned earlier, most planning tools are efficient. But as a business owner, you want more than just efficiency, you want effectiveness and productivity.
That is why training is so critical in Time Management. Learning how to use a tool, a planner, is a good start.
But as we have discussed earlier, to become more productive you need to focus on the main thing, in other words, what is most important to you. Training will give you that extra depth and breadth to become a productive, self-confident entrepreneur.
Courses that teach “effective time management skills” are available through public seminars in most major cities and these seminars are available to everyone. The training format varies widely. Again you need to find the one that is best for you.
These are some of the things you might want to find out before you take a seminar:
- Will they teach me how to use a planning tool, and what are they recommending?
- Will I learn a planning and prioritizing process?
- Will there be goal and objective setting exercises?
- Is the seminar generic or will they cover issues that concern me (voice those issues)?
- Will the seminar discuss workspace, interruptions, procrastination?
- Will the seminar cover personal and professional topics?
- How much will the seminar cost and its duration?
- How often is the seminar given (this might give you an idea on its popularity)?
- Ask for a reference
- If they have a computer version, will they teach me how to use it?
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