PLANTATION, FL: Mark Brown adjusts clocks on the wall at Brown?s Old Time Clock Shop in Plantation, … [+]
Whether you’re in real estate or a different profession, time is always your most valuable asset. The way you use it can greatly impact both the short- and long-term outcomes that you have in business and life. If you can be efficient with your time, you’ll be able to optimize your working hours and achieve both small and big goals.
Follow these strategies to make the most of the minutes you have each day.
1. Set Clear Time Objectives
What are you hoping to accomplish during the coming week? What about the upcoming month or year? To stay on track and work toward your goals, it can be helpful to define the major objectives. In his book “Traction,” author Gino Wickman advocates identifying a big dream and then breaking it into 3-year goals, 1-year goals, and 90-day goals. Once you know what these objectives, you can prioritize them. After setting times to work toward these major goals, you can fill in your remaining time with other tasks.
2. Tackle Difficult Tasks First
When I look at a day, I like to make a note of the three things I have to accomplish during it, which are based on my overall goals and objectives. I also work to tackle these tasks early in the morning if possible. The concept of “eating the ugly frog first” originated from Mark Twain and applies here as well. This involves taking care of the difficult assignments first. If you can do them right away, before other distractions set in, you’ll have the advantage of being clear-headed and undisturbed. You’ll also be able to move them off your plate right away, which can make it easier to get through the next tasks.
3. Block Out Time Strategically
If you don’t make time for the important things, you’ll find that you quickly get tied up with busy work. For me, that means setting aside time to make calls and focus on the conversations that take place. I also try to batch emails and check messages only three times a day, which are in the morning, at midday, and in the evening.
4. Be Present And Avoid Multitasking
While it can be easy to try to multitask, if you’re able to be present in the moment it can help you be the most efficient. You’ll be able to focus on the person you’re speaking with or the meeting you’re attending. You’ll also avoid the time lost from hopping back and forth between making a call, checking email, writing a report, and so on. This intentional approach helps to reduce interruptions that could slow down your productivity.
5. Leverage Team Strengths
I wouldn’t be able to do everything on my own, so I lean on team members to help in many areas, including promotional work and administrative tasks. Building a great team and understanding individual strengths can help you accomplish an exponential amount. You’ll be able to delegate tasks based on their expertise and set up systems to create a more streamlined workflow. In addition, having people on your team creates accountability which can help everyone get more done.
6. Be Aware Of How You Spend Your Time
Being cognizant of what you’re doing at different points during a day can help you set up a productive schedule. You’ll want to be using your time in the best way, and know which tasks drive the most value for your business. At one point, my coach had me do a time map to track my activities. Based on the data gathered, I started color coding my calendar. This helped me to visually see my schedule and know how I’m spending my time.
7. Keep Meetings Efficient
Influential figures like Mike Bloomberg, former mayor of New York, and Gary Vaynerchuk, proponent of the “7-Minute Meeting,” emphasize keeping discussions focused and to the point. You might be able to cover tasks and material with your team in just 10 minutes instead of the scheduled 45-minute session, for instance.
8. Take Time For Big Thinking
As my coach Rod Santomassimo points out, it can be helpful to evaluate times when you’re working “in” your business as opposed to “on” your business. “In” the business refers to overseeing daily to-do lists and required maintenance. Focusing “on” the business refers to setting aside time to develop larger goals you want to work toward. You’ll generally want to have a balance of the two and be aware of how often you are doing each.
While it may not be simple to implement all these tactics right away, you might consider choosing one and building a habit out of it. You can then add more strategies as you are able. Collectively, using your time well can lead to greater balance and higher levels of success in every area of your business and life.
