Time Management Plan

 We’ve all heard of the old adage…Time is money.  But maybe you haven’t heard the entire quote apparently written or verbalized by Charles Dickens which read something like this.  “Time is money…and very good money too to those who reckon interest by it.” 

The sentiment speaks volumes in relations to how we manage our time when it comes to managing a business.  There is no doubt, optimizing our time as business owners certainly affect our bottom line and business profits.  And one of the reasons becoming an entrepreneur is so attractive is that you are not accountable to anyone but yourself.   But the question is…how disciplined are you when it comes to using your time efficiently? 

Some time busters can include getting caught up doing the things we like to do versus what we should be doing.  If you find that you are the technician of your business and spend less time ‘on’ the business versus ‘in’ the business, my guess is that you are spread too thin and are too busy to work on what is necessary to grow your venture. Another time waster…managing as a control freak, not delegating, so therefore you are micro-managing versus staying focused on the tactics that affect your bottom line. 

As Captain of your ship, you must always be steering the ship.  As the key decision maker, you can’t get caught-up with administrative tasks.  You need to focus on the big decisions – things that grow the company.  As leaders, you need to learn the difference between what is essential for your business to operate, and what is important.  You need to be fanatical about focusing on the profitable tactics like:  

-          Planning and Executing

-          Being focused on the right priorities

o   Marketing vs. ordering office supplies

-          Treating the Business as Business

-          Managing the Vital Signs of Your Business

-          Goal Setting and Follow-up

-          Motivating Yourself

-          Staying Focused

Putting some forethought into preparing a weekly/monthly time management plan is critical for you to stay on track.  I’m sure you’ve heard the adage, “plan your work and work your plan.” The question is, do you have a time management plan and more importantly do you stick to it? A time management plan is a default calendar where you’ve got the most important things blocked as a appointments with yourself.  Then each day, you already have a plan laid out with the critical tasks to keep your business moving and moving efficiently.  A time management plan will optimize the use of your time and energy and hold you accountable to the important and necessary tasks of growing a profitable business.  Make your calendar your boss.  Hey, it and it won’t tell you how to do it, just want to do and when.