Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I *think* this subject goes under this topic, but after reading some of the subject lines here, I wasn't sure.

Anyway, long story short my business is headed towards a transition - that being more busy with higher profit projects. But on the flip-side I have just as much interruption work as I always have. The majority of that being walk-in work, questions, friends stopping by, yadda yadda.

So what I'm wondering is, do any of you actually schedule your day out. What I mean by that is breaking down your day and you're going to do X,Y & Z during this time frame and everything else is on hold?

Obviously there isn't a perfect solution or a guaranteed answer to the question of how to work smarter, not harder. I'm just looking for some experiences from others.

thanks!

Chris

I have used a hybrid system successfully for some time. Certain things are scheduled at certain times - no interruptions, no excuses. I turn off the phone, shut down the computer (or just the email if the computer is needed) and get those tasks done.  Other time is more loosely scheduled -- blocks of time to do a range of stuff.

The other thing that helps is maintaining a comprehensive to-do list, but then putting the next ten things I'm going to do on a Ten List. That keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. And the more things I get done, the more things total I can do. Once I've knocked off all ten, I make a new ten list and get busy.

On the subject of interruptions...interesting factoid...you lose 15 minutes of productivity for each interruption in addition to the time it takes to handle the interruption, especially if the task requires concentration or creativity.

Good Luck!

Molly Donaldson

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Start Here. Go Far. LaunchX

Molly, that is an interesting factoid and I believe it. I'm not even sure there is a way to thwart the bothersome and interruptions without actually locking the door. I can schedule things all day long, but if people are coming in the front door with mini-jobs I get nowhere.

Thanks for the feedback!

You remind me of a supervisor I work with.  He lets everyone dump on him all day long.  Many of the interruptions could be set for another time.  Or, done by some one else.  He insists though on jumping on every request as soon as someone comes to him.  As a result, he is not getting his work done. 

Fact is, you can schedule your time.  Right now you are letting other people schedule your time.  It’s up to you to schedule.  Time management is everything. 

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

Patrick,

You're right, people are scheduling my day. The problem is I have a hard time scheduling walk-in black and white copy jobs. But I am seriously considering being closed to all walk-in traffic one day a week and I will only see people by appointment on those days. That way I can work on projects without those interruptions, I can schedule meetings with clients on that particular day, etc. etc.

On an entirely different note, is that you in a set of bunker gear in your profile photo? If so, fellow firefighter here waving from northern Indiana.

Hi Chris,

What about setting up a day of the week where you are closed for "Appointment Only" ?

Or, change your working hours for walk-in customers, for example, open from 10-3, or 8-2, whichever work for you & your customers.

Of course this will take some time to implement, but you could start by posting the note on your door or sending out a mailer, or put a little sticker on your paperwork.

Also put into consideration what is your most productive time, what is the busiest time for walk-in customers, and match them with your working style.

If I'm reading this right, it sounded like you are still in transition and at this present time you still do, need your walk-in customers. So middle ground is the best way to smoothen this phase without sacrificing either aspects.

-Jean

Jean,

Your suggestion is probably what I'm going to do. I've made up a little spreadsheet to monitor walkin's, emails, phone calls, sales, etc. etc. to try and estimate what days and times are busiest for the walkins versus the higher paying client jobs.

Then I can justify a day/time that I will be closed and by appointment only. Hopefully I'll find some sort of constant day/time so I can narrow it down. Otherwise it might be a roll of the dice.