The ultimate motivation for most entrepreneurs is the resulting freedom this career choice can provide. However, if not watched closely, work can become an overwhelming portion of your life. Personal time should stay just that, personal time. Seemingly harmless decisions such as always being connected to email will lead to your business running your life instead of you running your business. Below are a few tips that can keep you sane:
Use two mobile phones
Carrying a cell phone for business during the day gives freedom and allows you to stay mobile while staying connected to contacts. If your business requires you to have access to email, it is permissible to have email on this phone. Additionally, (keep in mind it is their marketing statement and not scientific fact) Blackberry released a figure some time ago stating that having access to business email on a smart phone can free up to an hour a day; intriguing.
Using a separate personal cell phone during off hours and weekends easily creates a separation from work. Under no circumstances should email be ported to this phone.
Accomplishing this feature doesn’t hurt the wallet too much as another line usually only adds $10 to your bill and since the second phone doesn’t need internet access, the free mobile phone offerings usually will suffice.
Dedicate a specific location for your office
Whether you work at home or have an office, be sure to only work at this designated location. While working in bed or in the recliner may be comfortable and easy; the end result is the blending of the psychological barrier between work and personal life.
If you currently work at home and if money allows, an office outside of your home is the ideal scenario to keep the work/personal barrier strong.
Set up email auto-responders
The correct implementation of email auto-responders can create a huge boost in personal time due to the fact that your email can be checked much less frequently.
To successfully create the auto-responder the message has to set the proper expectations. This can be accomplished by including information such as verifying delivery, time of day email is usually checked, giving other forms of contact in emergency situations, and any other information you feel your contacts would need to know between the time of sending the email and when you check your inbox.
Some say an added bonus of this instant feedback is that it projects a better professional image to your contacts.
Use a day planner
Using a day planner (Outlook, Google Calendar, iCal, etc.) creates structure in your day and keeps you from working for work sake. For example, without a structured list of tasks you may find your workday lasting until bedtime. Conversely, if all of your tasks and required dealings are completed at 2pm you know that your workday is finished.
Suggestion: Tony Robbins introduced a product called The Rapid Planning Method that can lead you on the right path to successfully framing your day to minimize wasted time.
Always keep a note pad handy
If you are like most entrepreneurs, your mind is always thinking about the business even during personal time. This is a good thing and should not be discouraged, however, do not let small thoughts and ideas detract you from keeping your current situation personal. Write down your idea and elaborate on it when you are in business mode.
For example, you are watching a baseball game on TV during the weekend and an interesting advertisement is shown that initiates a train of thought for your next marketing campaign. Do not turn off the game and get to work, instead write down the vital information and work on the ad on Monday.
Conclusion
These five tips, if implemented successfully, can greatly free up time while accomplishing everything you need to do for your business. If you have any additional tips that you use and would like to share with other readers, please feel free to add them in the comment section below.
Further Reading:
- Quickly Save $10,000 or More a Year: How to Automate Purchasing to Save Time and Money
- 71 Technologies & Resources to Help Simplify An Entrepreneur’s Life
- 5 Tips to Successfully Get Past Gatekeepers and Onto Decision Makers
- Why Shopping Around To Save Pennies Can Cost You Dollars
- Ten Tips to Save $1000 or More A Year Buying Produce
