Time Management

**Bobby** · 08-12-2008 09:47 AM

This is probably the area of business that I struggle most with. How do you guys budget your time for everything from appointments, to paperwork, to marketing, and everything in between? I am an OO working out of my house which has it's advantages but lots of distractions. I wind up a little here a little there and in the end coming up way short on everything it seems.

Bobby Hales

**Steve Toburen** · 08-12-2008 10:09 AM

Desperation always worked for me, Bobby. The financial welfare of my family (as in putting food on the table) was a tremendous personal motivator to make things happen.

Island Boy

PS Sorry for the flip reply but I am "desperate" to make it out the door. Seriously, this is a good question and a very common issue among our SFS members. I'll give this one some thought and get back to you.

**Steve Toburen** · 08-12-2008 10:58 AM

OK, Bobby. Sioux agreed to drive and aren't mobile broad band cards wonderful?

Now to your question. I worked out of my house for years before buying an office/warehouse. (Which incidently was one of the best things I ever did both family wise and financially.) My guess is it is not just a location issue (your home) but also a general lack of organization and focus. (Been there- done that and at times still am!)

1) Find a separate space to work in. For those of us with ADD issues (and I think this applies to most of us) the TV playing in the background does not help production.

2) Set limits with the family. This has always been an issue with me. Family time and access to the kids is great. BUT I finally had to explain, "Daddy doesn't leave the house but he still has to 'go to work just like other daddies'."

3. Keep your space organized. Physical clutter breeds mental clutter. (Full disclosure insists that I tell you I am struggling with this one!)

4. Use self control with the internet and I'm not necessarily talking only about surfing porn sites. All nono-essential web surfing, including internet discussion forums (yes, even this one) can burn a huge amount of time.

5. Every day do your "Call-E-mail-See-Do" list. I had separate headings for each of these with the items ranked in priority. Mind you, I never got them all done so they just went over to the next day. You can use a computer or Palm for this but I am a paper and ink man. Which speaking of paper ...

6. Keep a small notebook in your pocket and jot down the random ideas and errands that occur to you in the course of the day. Then once or twice daily they all get transferred to your big list. (#5 above.)

None of this stuff is new, Bobby. If it is any help, almost everyone in business is weatring too many hats. Thats why you make the "big money"!

Steve Toburen
Director of Training and juggler of too many balls in the air even though he is supposed to be retired!
Jon-Don's Strategies for Success

PS Re: your priorities just remember "where is my highest and best use" question. Speaking of that one area would probably be out there selling. If you want my system for this just e-mail me at stoburen@homefrontsuccess.com and ask for my free Special Report, "How to Sell Commercial Work". If you want the companion DVD include your mailing address. No charge- just please watch it when it arrives.

**Scott W** · 08-12-2008 11:52 AM

I'll agree with all that Steve said. Here is how I implemented those strategies. Before the end of work each day, I had a list of what I needed to do the following day. Then I ranked them in importance.

Anything with an "A" absolutely had to get done. "B' were items that needed to be done to kepp the business running smoothly and "C" meant something I wanted to do if I had time.

Then each group was also numbered 1, 2, 3 .... Do the most important things first. Then if you can't finish everything on the list, at least you know you got done the most that you could.

Expect to get distracted, but make sure you have checked off some of the most important items on the list before you allow anything to interupt. When you do get distracted, don't stay distracted. Take a few minutes away from the necessary business but then get back to business.

Finally - move out of the house when possible. I was surprised how much more business I got when I moved into an office and shop in a visible location instead of working from the home office. The increased business just from people seeing the building and signs went a long way toward paying the rent.

Scott Warrington

**Steve Toburen** · 08-12-2008 07:21 PM

"I'll agree with all that Steve said."

You know, Scott, I've always said you were a pretty smart guy. (At least till you start recommending where some one should buy product!)

Seriously though, this is a great topic. Maybe everyone could chime in with specific ideas on how they plan/budget their time, especially as an owner/operator working out of their house.

Steve Toburen
Director of Training and occasional internet jouster of the highly respected great judge of people AND SFS graduate Scott Warrington.
Jon-Don's Strategies for Success

PS I'll kick it off. I quite often will ask Sioux to drive and I'll do business, either off my laptop or on the phone as we drive down the highway. Every hour that I can grab on the road saves an hour for the family later.

**BW Carpet Cleaning** · 08-12-2008 08:14 PM

If your family is anything like mine, there are expectations of you as long as you are in the house. It's hard to keep typing when the baby is screaming...even if you are "at work."

You're sure to get the stink eye from the wife as long as you work through the head aches that are going on around the home.

I'm just starting out but I will be scheduling my day with a gap in the middle. I can do most of what I need from the blackberry with a lot less distractions. I'm sure it's going to suck making my calls from the van but atleast they're getting done.

I'm looking forward to getting an office but I need to take baby steps.

Aaron

**Rob Lyon** · 08-12-2008 09:30 PM

Looks Like I don't need to leave any advise LOL, All great stuff!!

**Steve Toburen** · 08-13-2008 09:11 AM

Come on, Rob. I KNOW what a sharp guy you are. So you don't get off that easy. If arch enemies like Warrington and I can share tips you can sure join in. So just how do you organize your time to run the sprawling Clean force One empire?

Steve Toburen
Director of Training and gentle prodder of recalcitrant SFS members
Jon-Don's Strategies for Success

PS Rob, if you're not going to make it back for SFS in Langhorne this time at least stop in for lunch- I'll be there September 10 through 12. Big Billy usually leaves Thursday morning so I guess Wednesday, the 10th is it if you want to see both of us. Or come to dinner with us that night. Just let me know.

**David Mirfin** · 08-13-2008 09:29 AM

Hi Steve,
Just signed up for sfs in Langhone. Looking forward to it.
David

**Rob Allen** · 08-13-2008 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by David Mirfin

Hi Steve,
Just signed up for sfs in Langhone. Looking forward to it.
David

You won't regret it. Steve and the whole Jon-Don crew are 1st class!

I would like to add one thing, I ALWAYS make a list of things to do and accomplish, ALWAYS. I find if you don't write it down it usually won't get done.

**Steve Toburen** · 08-13-2008 09:46 AM

Great to have you with us, David. Even if you don't learn a thing from Chuck Violand, Big Billy Yeadon and myself you will eat like a king!

Steve

PS Seriously though, completely clear your schedule for the week. It is an exhausting five days but I guarantee you will leave with a completely new vision of your business. (If your wife is involved in the company I highly recommend couples attend together.)

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