Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Things are picking up now and I am suddenly much busier than I have been up until now. And I`m finding that my lack of multitasking skill is more than an annoyance, I fear it`s going to become a problem. If I am going to accomplish anywhere near the amount of stuff I want, I`ve got to master this skill.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this? Tips, tricks, gadgets, software?

—paula

What sort of things are you trying to do all at the same time? Concentration isn`t unlimited, so it`s not going to work if, for example, you`re trying to code a Web site while at the same time carry on a conversation with a disgruntled customer.

On the other hand, are you saying you`d like to learn how to walk and chew gum at the same time?

Well maybe multitasking isn`t the right word. I just need to get a handle on organizing myself. I did a little bit of research and discovered a number of task management applications based on "GTD" which I`d never heard of. GTD = "getting things done," it`s evidently a miracle from god. Not sure I need a full-blown miracle but I`m looking into it.

Here`s a bunch of articles:

http://www.davidco.com/store/catalog/Free-Articles-p-1-c-254.php

—p

I`m pretty sure we`ve had a couple of threads about getting organized, and people listed all sorts of online or offline task managers, planners, and project management applications.

The best solution is to first have a clear schedule. You can`t work 18 hours a day. You may *think* you can, but you can`t. If it can`t be accomplished within the work-day (schedule), then it has to slide to the next day. If it "must" be done and can`t be, then you`re over-extended and need to hire help.

gosh darn it stop making common sense craig!!1!   Can`t you see I`m driven by a neurotic infantile compulsion to do everything myself!1!!!!1!

:::stamping around in circles:::

Here are a couple of free tools that might help.  They all integrate, too.

1. Jott

2. Remember the Milk

3. Google calendar

Another option is to change the name of your company to "RabbitMountain.5" and when anyone asks, tell that you specialize in getting everything only halfway done.

Would that help?

I remember the Google Calendar suggestion, and maybe even that Jott? I`m gonna have to look at "Remember the Milk" :-) That has a pretty good name...

I second the GTD system.  I implemented it about 1.5 years ago and it`s wonderful.  Or perhaps you could clone yourself...  Good luck!

-------------------------

Julia

Take a deep breath!

I was in the same boat in the same business about a year and a half ago. GTD is good, Google Calendar is GREAT, BaseCamp RULES.

HOWEVER

You also need to look at your design business and make a choice. Do you want to grow it or sustain it? Both have different avenues of options. Simply getting organized isn`t enough and philosophies / tips may not address the root of the matter. Do you want to grow or manage what you`ve got? Answer that first.

I chose the growth option. I implemented a different workflow strategy that meant me pushing a mouse around less, but would bring in a great deal more work. Rather than adding employees, I added screened contractors (kept overhead down) and I looked at how to handle a 250% increase in workload without sleeping in the office. It worked.

I am proud to say that not only has it allowed my company to handle the workloads efficiently and timely, but it also manages to flex with the workload demands. I don`t design as much, but when I do it is on major "campaign-level" projects that are a thrill to do. I spend a lot of my time under the sales/project development hat. I can brainstorm and invigorate a project for the design or development teams and while they are implementing, I can focus on bringing in another large customer.

Does it require some awesome team members? Does it still require a lot of multi-tasking? You bet! I`ve been wildly fortunate in that regard and my success is purely because of the team environment. Am I at the mercy of my project managers? Sometimes, but I treat them as partners and not just resources.

Proof of success? This week we landed a significant Midwest tourism destination in a multi-year design contract as well as a massive web development. Total value of the contract will be nearly $200,000. We`re officially swamped for the next 24 to 36 months. We`re working on two other contracts that are nearly worth as much, to boot.

If you would like more detail, I would be happy to share whatever you`d like. Drop me an email.