MLM Time Management: Tools of the Trade
2009
I’ve discussed why and how to set up your schedule and the need to breakdown tasks and prioritize but how do we manage all these time management pieces?
Do not buy anything until you understand how you manage things. Don’t buy a tool for time management because you saw someone else using it, even if that person is your mentor because you need to find the time management tool that works best for you.
Consider first if you work better with paper — calendar or book planner — or prefer a “high-tech” approach — a PDA or computer. If you’re like me and have a computer and cell phone with you at all times then you may prefer the latter. It doesn’t really matter which you prefer just find the right format for you so that you can get your work done the way you like to work.
If you prefer the pen and paper approach like my wife does then the pocket-planner is a great tool. You can have the planner with you just about anywhere and whenever a new task comes to mind you can add it. Of course this can also be a bad thing if you tend to be a work-a-holic as its always with you and that means your MLM business is always with you and you do need some down-time each day.
The best of these pocket-planners come from:
- Franklin-Covey – has a complete line of day planners set up to allow you to break down tasks and prioritize them and also offer courses on how to effectively manage your time.
- At a Glance – providing a number of different formats whether you want a monthly, weekly or daily planner.
- Day-timer – another source of different formats for day planning and they have an eLearning site so that you can learn time management skills online for free
But in this economy there may be some of you who want something cheaper that you can use and I found a tool for you that costs nothing other than paper and ink/toner to print a page from your computer and its recyclable too – PocketMod. Regardless which you use its not the system thats important its just important that it works well for you.
If on the other hand you’re like me and prefer the electronic approach the online there are all sorts of tools some that will email your tasks to you, send you reminders, and can even help you brainstorm ideas. If you prefer the electronic approach then using an online tool that you can reach from any computer (or cell phone) means that tool is always at your beck and call.
Some examples of these are:
The additional benefit of these online tools is that you can share your calendar/schedule with others so if you have people in your organization who need your time they can see when you are available. These tools can also allow you to track your time usage.
And if you would prefer an offline approach but still electronic you can look into the following:
Most of these offer a free trial which I would highly recommend before spending any money on a tool that might not be right for you.
Again its not the tool or system that is important, what is important is that you manage your time effectively.
“Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it.” — Eileen Caddy
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