Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Whether you organize yourself through a to-do list or through google docs and calendars is not the issue. The issue is the fact that time is an expensive perishable resource that must be well used.

A to-do list is of course critical. Most people will prepare a lengthy daily to-do list that will never be completed in a week. Most only achieve 10% of the sought achievements.

Include time for rest and disturbances while planning. You cannot possibly shut out the world because you have become organized.

Plan wisely and realistically. The list should be prioritized and organized chronologically. Once you have your list in place, ensure that you stick to it. Do not allow side shows to derail the list (use reason).

Time is money. Use it to achieve the most.

As a former project manager I know the importance of keeping organized - and it really does have to do with your own personal style.

I know for myself that I need to have most of the things i use on a daily basis at my fingertips - so I had folders of all of my current clients organized and displayed out on my desk - my coworker hated clutter so she needed a clean desk-space...just what worked for her.

I also used the to-do list.  Every day before I left work I would rewrite my to-do list including the things I didn't get accomplished that day.  If something stayed on my to-do list for a week, so be it b/c if I took it off it wouldn't get done.

Also, I would never move my emails from my inbox to a seperate folder until they were taken care of.  That way nothing ever fell through the cracks b/c I had moved it to where I couldn't see.

I use these techniques for my business today and also for my everyday life.  One resource I haven't gotten into yet is the softwear for staying organized - I prefer using paper and notebooks.  But I do use Quickbooks to keep a record of all my clients and their invoices, at the same time as keeping track on paper.  This helps me double check myself.

good luck!

Lists. Lists. Lists.

If it's not written down, it probably is not going to happen.

I write down what I need to accomplish for the week AND I actually create a bit size version EACH morning of what needs to get done that day.

At the end of the day, I review the list and check off what I completed and roll over any additionals to the next day.

You WILL get soooo much more done.

I even write down CLEAN DESK etc.

When - of - you need additional help - you can hire a virtual assistant via Freelancer.com or other site on an as needed basis.

I find that you have to set time apart to organize some aspects in more detail.  For example, I use bins and baskets.  Then, at the end of the week, I organize or input everything that is in those.  I have a lot of business expenses and I don't have the time to input every one, once it occurs.  Instead, I put the receipts in my baskets and then input everything at the end of the week.  As others stated, emails and voicemails don't need to be checked every 10 minutes.  Set time apart in your day to concentrate on these items and return all of your messages.

I think prioritizing and keeping a to-do list is extremely helpful in helping you manage your day. However be sure that you don't schedule more than 65 percent of your time - about five hours out of every eight. This lets you fit in those unexpected events and delays that can otherwise wreck your schedule.

I personally am a fan of using a timer to keep me on track.  For example if I have three things on my list that I need to complete, I will assess how much time I need for each and allocate a set amount of time for each task.

When I begin a task I will set a timer for the amount of time that I gave myself for that task.  I have found that by using this method, that I am much more focused and seem to get more done, than if I hadn't set a timer.  For example now something that I set a timer for an hour for I am able to complete without a problem,  whereas in the past without a timer it would take me two-three hours to complete the same task, because without giving myself a time line, it was easier to get distracted by other things and procrastinate.

This might be a very late reply seeing that you have posted this thread 2 years ago. I myself had been a newbie in the world of internet marketing once, so I have experienced all sorts of troubles I have to face when I was trying to make my business grow. It's not easy, I know, but in time everything will be sort of programmed on your daily system and it gets easier to be organized. My tip: buy a planner, and if you are doing some social media marketing, then you have to find some good softwares or applications that let's you program and schedule your posts and other activities.

Whether at home or at an office, good management of a small business equals good organization. Small business accumulate a lot of information. Organization of that mass of information is not normally on the top of any entrepreneur's to do list. Therein lies the rub as good organization would help with management decisions and place your business in a constant state of deal readiness, among other things.

I think action & priority planning, contact management, and calendar management are very personal...use what works for you. However, finding all your business key information, organizing that information, making that information accessible and useful is vital.

I've been using this great association management software to keep my client's organized - works like a hot-damn!

I outsource wherever and  whenever I can, just outsourcing the none priority  jobs. Its surprising just what you can outsource to here . Naturally if work is slow then I do not outsource so much.

An A4 desk diary is something thats impossible for me to do without. I normally put deadlines in my diary, but a few days before the deadline gives me sufficent time to get my  work etc  on  timetable.

I also use firefox and its generates sticky type notes on my desktop monito which is a great reminder.

Lastly just a things to do  list is essential and just prioritise it, ticking off stuff done. If I contact someone I use word to generate a file copy of the keypoints and file it in a folder  relevant to that person or client.

Good luck with your getting organised - once you have your stuff organised its just a question of keeping to it :)