People often ask me how I stay organized. I guess I look like I’ve got it all together LOL. But that’s not always the case!<\/p>\n
I do have a great system in place and it works well.<\/p>\n
Working with multiple clients, we can often lose focus and the priorities can shift from hour to hour.<\/p>\n
So I have one tip for you that will help you get and stay organized:<\/p>\n
Find a task or project management system that works for you and use it.<\/p>\n
My system is simple. I use GQueues and a spiral notebook that stays on my desk all the time to manage what I need to do.<\/p>\n
After I have a production call with a client, I go in and update my GQueues with the tasks and the deadlines that we discussed on our call.<\/p>\n
Every morning, I add the tasks for the day to my spiral notebook so I don’t have to leave GQueues open all day. When further instructions or more tasks come in, I add those to my spiral notebook and GQueues.<\/p>\n
Here’s the key to this piece of advice:<\/p>\n
Develop a routine so that you are not dropping any balls that should remain in the air.<\/p>\n
When your client phones or emails you, go directly to that project management system and update it.<\/p>\n
That way you won’t miss out on anything that needs doing, and you can appropriately schedule time in your calendar to complete it.<\/p>\n
I have relied on my memory a lot over the years and honestly I’ve made mistakes that way by forgetting to do things.<\/p>\n
I find that keeping on top of what you have to do every day is the one thing that helps you manage your workload.<\/p>\n
This not only helps you to make sure you don’t miss any tasks, but it helps you stay more productive because you are never wondering if something is missing. You have a complete task list all the time, and you can pick and choose what you will do from it.<\/p>\n
I love the system I use. It’s simple and I use it.<\/p>\n
That’s the main thing you need to figure out – is what will work for you. Some people love online project management systems. I like the simplicity of my spiral notebook – with one page per day it’s versatile and complete.<\/p>\n
I add phone calls and other meetings to it too, so I can see my whole day at a glance.<\/p>\n
It also helps me to know when I can easily slip in a break or lunch!<\/p>\n
Being productive is a result of being organized. And being organized is easy when you have a system in place that works for you that you use properly.<\/p>\n