I can’t say enough about how Michael Charest and his small-business building programs have impacted my coaching practice. I am 100% more successful today because of participating in his coaching group this year.
This Time Management Article is by Michael:
Time Management
To create a thriving business you must stay in action and put time, energy and attention on the things that will generate the results you desire; ie, more clients! Seems fairly obvious, right? Well then why is it so hard to DO?
Here are some simple steps to help you “beat the clock.”
First, to create an effective schedule that will support you in growing your business, you need to identify and focus on the important segments of your business, those that are results and revenue driven. While administrative tasks are important, don’t be consumed so much that you take time away from the important tasks. In fact, you might consider hiring an assistant…his/her hourly rate would be a lot less than yours! Then you can spend more time on growing your business rather than being bogged down with administrative duties.
Here is a list of what we believe to be the key components in running your own business and a time allotted to each:
Providing Your Service 25%
Networking 10%
Executing Marketing Strategies 25%
Consultations (funneling people to your sales process) 5%
Continuing Education 5%
Administrative 20%
Writing & Creating 5%
Business Planning 5%
This is a general example so please do not feel compelled to match these targets exactly. The key is to become more productive and effective with your time by focusing on and doing the important things!
Next, you want to block out times in your calendar; ie, your Daytimer, Palm Pilot, Blackberry etc. for each area. We recommend you do this weekly. This will then become your “ideal” schedule. Your goal. Your target.
Not every week will perfectly match the schedule you create; in fact, most will not! That’s okay! But if you have a plan and do your best to stick with it you will be a lot better off than if you had not created a schedule to begin with. During the week, take note of what is working and what is not. Make the appropriate adjustments and you will begin to feel great about your schedule.
Success in Time Management requires dedication and commitment. The first step is to commit and at least get things scheduled and then dedicate yourself to getting a little better each week.
By Michael Charest
President, Business Growth Solutions
Business Growth Solutions is a coaching and consulting company that focuses on teaching service based solopreneurs a proven, comprehensive, step-by-step sales and marketing system. For the last ten years we have helped more than 3,000 solo entrepreneurs like you attract more clients, grow their business, serve more people, and live a great life.
Here’s to having a career you love!
Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Certified Career Coach
