Manage Your Time

Managing your time is not just good practice but it is also good for productivity, organization and achieving success with your goals. By managing your time properly and efficiently you can create an organized life. It doesn't need to be overwhelming if you follow the strategies below.

 

Get Up Early

 

The most successful people are early risers and have a morning routine in place.

 

Morning routines often include:

 

• Meditation

• Visualization

• Exercise

• Reading/Learning

• Healthy Eating

• Planning/Prioritizing

 

A regular morning routine will ensure that you start your days successfully.

 

To Do List

 

Creating a to do list should be a regular habit undertaken daily. The best lists are 10 items or less to ensure that you can complete it. Don't forget to prioritize the items on the list and review it throughout the day. Checking off items as they are completed will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

 

Sticky Notes

 

Sticky notes are ideal for displaying reminders of tasks, motivational quotes and visualizations. If you've got a pile of letters that need to be mailed and that's an item on your to do list, why not put a sticky note on top of the pile with a deadline for posting them? It'll serve as a reminder to get them posted and cleared out of your way.

 

Record It

 

Of course, you can record your notes digitally using note taking apps or in a text document, or using pen and paper but have you thought of recording them using a digital recorder? You can get free recording apps for smartphones. By making a voice recording you can replay the recording and listen to your ideas. This will give you the opportunity to listen from a different perspective.

 

Schedule

 

Create a schedule. Using an online planner such as Google Calendar will ensure that you are able to access your schedule on your smartphone, tablet or computer wherever you are. You can color code different categories of entry and share with friends, family and colleagues as necessary.

 

Use Pen and Paper

 

For your most important events, tasks and notes use the traditional recording method of pen and paper with a diary, planner or bullet journal. You can keep it with you at all times, it won't distract you with messages or run out of power. You'll also be able to flick through at a glance to see how much you've achieved, past or forthcoming events and outstanding tasks.

 

Prioritize

 

Be realistic. Not all tasks and events are created equal. Find a way to highlight events that are essential so that you can see them at a glance and be sure not to miss them. On your lists of things to do always prioritize them and complete the most important first. If there are items that aren't important or not time sensitive then considering moving them off your current list and on to another day. You can't do everything.

 

Delegate

 

If there are items on your list that aren't important then think about delegating them. You don't need to try and be a superhero and do everything yourself. Kids can tidy away their toys and when old enough learn how to load the dishwasher, set the table and do other simple chores. By enlisting the help of other household members, you can get more accomplished in less time.

 

Managing your time properly and efficiently is one of the keys to staying organized.

 

6 Essential Tools to Keep Your Life Organized

Creating an organized life, and maintaining it, isn't as hard as you might think. Of course, it will require planning and some time to set it up but once you've got the following six key tools in place you will feel more focused and in control of your life and time.

 

Paper Planner

 

Yes, even in the age of digital organization a paper planner does still have a place in your organizational tool chest. It doesn't have to be big and bulky or expensive. In fact, you might find that the latest trend for a bespoke bullet journal might suit you best. Your paper planner can include tasks and items that you want to keep a close eye on, as well as for making notes and lists.

 

On-line Calendar

 

In addition to the paper planner, an online calendar or app for your smartphone, is another essential. This handy tool will be with you everywhere that your phone goes and has the added benefit of being able to give you alerts for meetings and scheduled tasks.

 

Evernote

 

This handy tool is free but does have a paid option that provides more functionality. However, for most people the free version will be sufficient. You can clip whole webpages, URLs, create notebooks, share information, create draft documents and add pdf files. It is an online tool but has apps for smart devices that will allow you to sync your notebooks across all of your devices so you'll always be able to access your information.

 

Financial Planner

 

If you're using a bullet journal, then you may decide to create a financial planner within it. If not then you really need to create a dedicated financial planner in which to record your income, expenses and savings. You can keep a track of bills due with a monthly bill payment calendar to ensure that you never miss making a payment again. If you don't want to have a paper planner for your finances, then there are lots of financial planning and management apps available online. One such tool is Good Budget which is a free app for iPhone and Android.

 

To Do List

 

Your to do list is going to be an essential tool to keep your life on track, running smoothly and perfectly organized. Paper lists are great as you can carry them with you or display them where you can't miss them. There are also plenty of to do list apps that can help you create, monitor and organize your lists. Suggested apps are Todoist and Jamie's To Do which are both free.

 

My Fitness Pal

 

A health and fitness tracker can help you monitor your exercise as well as your diet. My Fitness Pal is a popular free online tool with Android and iPhone apps. It contains a huge food database for tracking what you eat and you can create a personalized diet profile.

 

These six tools can really help you stay on top of organization. There are obviously other tools that you may find useful and necessary in organizing your life.

 

5 Key Habits That Ensure You'll Always Start Your Day the Right Way

Starting your day, the right way will ensure that you'll feel calmer, happier and more productive from the get go. It'll also make sure that you don't waste any time searching for missing or lost items. Remember that habits don't happen overnight. They take at least 21 days to become ingrained into your normal routine so the sooner you start the quicker you'll become a well-organized morning person.

 

Tidy Up the Night Before

 

We've all been there when we've felt too tired to load the dishwasher, clear the counters or vacuum the family room. Spending a little time every evening tidying and cleaning away the dirt, clutter and debris from the day really will save you time and angst in the long run.

 

Make it a fun routine by involving all the family. Set a timer for 15 minutes and zip through those chores. Of course, if you're on your own it may take slightly longer.

 

Prepare Lunches in Advance

 

Food preparation takes time and isn't fun when you're in a rush to get to school or work. Spending time preparing lunches for all the family the night before ensures you all get a nutritious lunch time meal which will save you time and money.

 

Plan ahead so that you know exactly what everyone is having each day of the week. This will make sure you buy or make everything you need so there aren't any last-minute panics.

 

 Get Clothes Ready the Night Before

 

How much time have you wasted trying to choose what to wear in the morning? Too much probably and it gets worse if you have kids. Instead get everyone's clothes ready the night before. Make sure the entire outfit is on a hanger and that underwear, shoes and accessories are with it.

 

An even better habit is to organize the entire week's wardrobe on a Sunday with everything hung in day order in your wardrobe ready to be picked on the relevant day.

 

Write a to Do List

 

Write down all the chores and calls you need to do the following day. If they involve dropping off items at the dry cleaner, then bag them and put them by the front door. If you need to post letters or packages then bag them and put them by the door. Your list will make sure you know exactly what you need to do and by having any items ready you won't leave the house without them!

 

Bag It

 

Spend time putting everything you'll need for day in your handbag or work bag the night before. You won't need your iPad or laptop overnight so putting it in your bag or case before you go to bed will make sure you don't forget it. Any work documents or school books should be put into bags so that they aren't forgotten or mislaid!

 

If your children have gym class, football or another school or after-school activity then get the necessary kit ready in their bags before you head to bed. Put the bag by their school coat.

 

Starting your day feeling positive and organized really does have a major impact on the way the rest of your day pans out. A chaotic start is hard to recover from. By developing the routines above, you can be sure that you and your household will always start your day the right way.

 

5 Reasons to Create a Work At Home Schedule

Do you operate a website or blog that generates income through the sale of a product, service, or affiliate links? If so, you not only need to be a webmaster, but an online marketer.

 

As a website owner who uses a website to generate income, internet marketing is important to your success. For that reason, you need to implement it. If this is a new step for you, you may be looking for guidance. The first step is to familiarize yourself with popular internet marketing techniques. You can easily do this online or by visiting internet marketing forums. Once you know how to market your website or blog, you start to implement the techniques you learned. Unfortunately, this is where many new work at home people make costly mistakes.

 

To ensure you get the most out of your newfound work at home knowledge, you need to create a schedule. When properly complied and used, a schedule will increase your productivity. Remember, the more traffic you drive to your website or blog, the more your earnings potential increases. If that isn’t enough reason to create a schedule, continue reading on for five more.

 

1 - It Is Easy to Make a Schedule

 

An internet marketing schedule is essentially a detailed to-do list. What you do is start with times. Set aside blocks of times, like in one or two hour increments. For each time slot, write a task or two. This is what you want to do. For example, do you want to submit an article to a directory or send advisements to your followers on Twitter? If so, add to your schedule.

 

2 - You Have Many Options

 

Not only is making a work at home schedule easy, but you have many options. You can compose a schedule by hand, in Microsoft Word, or by spreadsheet. You also have the option of creating daily, weekly, or monthly schedules.

 

3 - A Schedule is a Guide

 

When you are familiar with work at home tactics, it is easy to advertise online. Unfortunately, many run into problems with distractions. It is easy to go from using the internet to research to reading the news or the latest celebrity gossip. To prevent this from happening, use your schedule as a guide. You want to avoid distractions, but if an interruption happens, don’t spend time trying to remember what you were doing or were about to do, just consult your schedule and get back to work.

 

4 - It Serves as a Source of Motivation

 

As previously stated, a schedule is essentially a to-do list with times attached. These times are important as they add pressure and serve as motivation. When you track your time with a clock or beeping alarm clock, you know when time is about to expire or has. When most know they only have X amount of time to complete a task, they tend to put forth more effort and increase their productivity.

 

5 - You Can Extend Your Reach

 

In terms of internet marketing, there are hundreds of successful tactics. You cannot implement them all in one day, but get the process started. When doing so, don’t place all your attention on one marketing tactic. Unfortunately, if you do not have a set guide to follow, you may make this mistake. The best way to market a website, product, or service is to spread your reach.

 

Consequences of Not Managing Time

Are you an internet marketer? Whether you sell your services as one or if you use internet marketing to promote a product, service, website, or blog you have, time management is key. In fact, if you aren’t properly managing your time, you may find yourself suffering the consequences. 

 

So, what are the consequences of not managing your time? 

 

You can fall behind in work. As an internet marketer, there are hundreds of ways for you to promote a website, product, or service online. A few quick examples include submitting content to article directories with back links, creating clever advertising signatures on message boards and posting, writing keyword optimized content, exchanging banners with other webmasters, and so forth. Since there is so much for you to do, it is easy to fall behind. Unfortunately, this can throw your whole day, week, or even month off course.

 

You can become unorganized. When you do not properly manage your time, it is easy to become unorganized. An example of poor time management is working without a schedule or a guide. When doing so, you may become distracted and then wonder what you were last doing or what you intended to do next. Do not let this happen. Instead, manage your time with a daily to-do list or detailed schedule, as these tools help to promote organization.

 

You can get overwhelmed. As previously stated, there are many internet marketing approaches to implement. To see success, you want to implement them all. Yes, this will take a lot of time, but it is more than possible to do. However, you must first have a good sense of time and management. If not, you may spend all your time focusing on one form of internet marketing, like buying advertisements, and completely neglect another, such as creating keyword optimized content for the search engines. Once you realize this neglect and try to fix it, you will be overwhelmed.

 

It is difficult to get “back in the game.” As previously stated, poor time management can leave you feeling overwhelmed. For many, once they reach this point it is the point of no return. If you allow yourself to get overwhelmed, become unorganized, or fall behind in work, you may want to give up for the day. Do not do this, as there another set of consequences for taking this approach. Instead, take a short break and regain your composure.

 

You can get distracted easily. Those with a good sense of time management try to avoid distractions, but they do exist. Those who have good time management skills learn ways to avoid or tone out these distractions so that they no longer become an issue. If this is a skill you do not have, learn it. If not, a telephone call that you shouldn’t even answer could leave you talking with friends or family for 30 minutes or more.

 

You do not do your job properly. Those with poor time management have a problem with distractions. As used as an example above, there are distracting telephone calls. Unfortunately, that is a pitfall of working from home, as people think you are always available for chat. When you are talking on the phone, you are not working or working properly. That is why it is important to eliminate all distractions. Do not answer the phone or ensure everyone knows you are working between the hours of 9 to 5 or so forth.

 

You can lose money. You have likely heard the saying “time is money.” This is true, but crucial for internet marketing. The more time you spend marketing your website, blog, product, or service, the more your income potential increases. So, if you aren’t properly managing your time, you may be losing money.

 

You can put your job at risk. If you sell your service as an internet marketer, it is important to produce quick and effective results. If someone wants their traffic or sales increased, they want it now, not in a few weeks or months. So, the quicker you complete your tasks, with an effective time management plan, the better results you produce. This can not only help you keep your job, but develop a long-term client.

 

Creating a Daily Schedule

Do you make money marketing or advertising online? If you sell a product or service online, it is up to you to make money. The advertising approaches you take, as well as the time and energy you put into those marketing tactics will depend on your income. Essentially, the more time you spend marketing, the more your income potential increases.

 

Since time management is important to your success, as an internet marketer, you may be looking for ways to improve your time use. You do have many options, including to-do lists, time management software programs, and an alarm clock. Each of these approaches do work, but you should try a daily internet marketing schedule. Once properly made and used, you will be pleased with the results.

 

Before explaining how you can make a daily schedule that you can benefit from using, it is important to know why you need to do so. As an internet marketer, you know there are hundreds of ways to market a website online. To maximize your success and your earnings, implement each of these steps. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the day. This means you need to properly manage your time, starting with over the course of one day.

 

Once you decide to utilize a daily internet marketing schedule, you need to decide on how you want to do so. The good news is that you have multiple options. Three of your options include in a spreadsheet, with Microsoft Word, or by hand. Each method has its own pros and cons. For example, creating a schedule by hand is nice as you familiarize yourself with your tasks, but it can be a time-consuming process. Using a computer to create a daily schedule is quick, easy to read, savable, and printable.

 

If you want to create a daily internet marketing schedule in Microsoft Word, you can do so in list or chart format. In most cases, you will find a list easier. This is because you start with blocks of time. If you work a 9-hour day, you will need 9 columns in your table, which is difficult to manage and read. So, create a list. Start with a heading for each hour you work. For example, start with 9am to 10am. Under the heading, outline each task you want to complete. For example, write and 2 proofread articles to later submit to article directories.

 

If you want to create a daily marketing schedule in a spreadsheet, you have less control. This is because you are given premade columns and rows. You can extend the size of columns, but not rows. For that reason, spreadsheets are one of the less common approaches. Instead of taking the traditional approach and use columns for tasks, use the rows. Create bold headings at the front of each row for time blocks, such as 9am to 10am. In the proceeding rows, type what you want to do. You are limited on space, so use abbreviations.

 

If you want to create a daily marketing schedule by hand, you still have the option of creating a chart or a list. When creating a chart, draw a large box with 8 rows. These are for the 8 hours or so you work. Have on large column. This is where you can list your tasks for the day. For example, do you want to write 2 articles the first hour of work, market on online forums the following, and so forth? If so, add these tasks to your schedule.

 

When creating your daily schedule, you have the option to outline detailed tasks or to be generalized. A detailed example includes, buy advertisements for site X, site Y, and site Z. A generalized example includes buy 3 advertisements. Detail task lists are beneficial, but generalized lists can be used day after day. If you compose on your computer, simply just save and print again each day.

 

Creating a Weekly Schedule

Do you work from home? If so, your ability to manage time is important to your success. When marketing a website where you sell a product, service, or have affiliate links displayed, traffic can translate into dollars. So, the more you market the more money you make, but you must have good use of your time.

 

In terms of improving time management, there are many available approaches. Some rely on the use of to-do lists, others use desktop calendars, time management software programs, alarm clocks, and schedules. Each of these approaches are nice, but try a weekly internet marketing schedule. Chances are, you will like the results.

 

Before seeing samples on how you can create an internet marketing weekly schedule, it is important to know why. There are hundreds of ways to market or advertise a website online. You want to implement each of these steps, but it is impossible for you to do so in one day. That is why you need to rely on time management. It allows you to effectively work and produce quality results, which should translate into income.

 

The first step in creating a weekly internet marketing schedule is to decide how you want to make your schedule. Three options include by hand, in Microsoft Word or Works, or with a spreadsheet. Each method has its pros and cons.

 

When creating a weekly schedule by hand, you write everything out. This means that you are more familiar with all the items on your list. You will still need to consult it, but many like seeing their own handwriting.

 

When creating a schedule in Microsoft Word, you type as opposed to write. This is great if you have poor handwriting. If you quickly write a schedule, you may later be left wondering what it was you wrote. You don’t have this problem with typed schedules and to-do lists.

 

When creating a schedule in a spreadsheet, you gain access to one of the greatest organizational tools. Spreadsheets are designed to promote organization, so your schedule will be organized. As previously stated, typed documents are easier to read and reference than handwritten ones.

 

If you opt for creating a weekly internet marketing schedule by hand, you can create a list or a chart. A list may be easier. Start with large headings for each day of the week. Underneath each heading, write a task. For example, do you want to write five pages of web copy on Monday? If so, add that underneath the day’s heading.

 

If you opt for creating a weekly internet marketing schedule in Microsoft Word, you can also use a chart or a list. When opting for a chart, you are technically inserting a table. Have five columns for each day of the week. You can have as many rows as you want. The more tasks you intend to complete each day, the more rows you need. Hit enter to make each row larger in size. Enter in your daily tasks or print and handwrite.

 

If you opt for an internet marketing schedule in a spreadsheet, you are provided with less freedom. This does, however, make creating a schedule easier. Once again, create a total of five headings in each column. This is for the days of the weeks. In the row, type in what tasks you want to complete on each day. Your list may look unproportioned if your to-do-list is longer on certain days.

 

When using a spreadsheet to create your internet marketing schedule for the week, you are limited on space. Large columns will result in multiple pages, which can be difficult to read. So, you can use abbreviations. For example, $ 5 ads can translate into arrange to buy five advertisements on applicable websites.

 

In conclusion, there are many ways for you to create a weekly internet marketing schedule, no matter what your preferences are. As for why you should. Remember, a schedule gives you more time to market your website, as you have a guide to follow. More marketing can translate into more money.

 

How Managing Your Time Can Save You Time

Do you rely on your skills as an internet marketer to generate income? You may sell your services to others or use your skills to drive traffic to a website you monetized. Regardless of how you make money as an internet marketer, you must not only have good marketing skills, but good time management skills. Why? Because managing your time can save you time.

 

Managing your time can save you time. That sounds like a neat and catchy phrase, but is it really true? Yes, it is. Unfortunately, many individuals look at good time management as nothing more than a useful skill. Yes, it is, but it can be so much more. It can be transformed into a time saving and moneymaking tool. How?

 

An important component of time management is knowing how your time is spent. For example, how do you market a website for yourself or a paid client? Do you submit articles to directories, submit websites to directory lists, or you buy advertisements? If so, you are on the right path, as you are getting work done. But, are you using your time to its fullest extent?

 

One of the many pitfalls of working as an internet marketer is that you work from home and on the computer. There are many benefits to doing so, but many cons as well. One of those being rampant distractions. Every time you turn around, you may find a distraction. These distractions could include an incoming phone call from a relative, a sink full of dirty dishes, an interesting website you found online, or computer games. Are you avoiding these distractions, eliminating them as an issue, toning them out, or falling victim to their allure? If falling victim to their allure, you are not making full use of your time.

 

But wait! Above, you stated that you are getting many internet marketing tasks done throughout the day. Yes, this is good, but you are still not making full use of your time. Even if you send an email to a family member, you are wasting time. It doesn’t matter whether you spend 30 seconds or three minutes sending that email, it is still wasted time.

 

When your workday involves more than just working, you get less done. By eliminating distractions and improving your time management, you can get more done. This is nice, but look at it from an opportunity standpoint. When you finish your to-do list quicker, you can do something else. If you are an avid internet user, your newfound free time many be spent focusing on researching new internet marketing tactics, but it could also be spent with your friends or family.

 

In addition to saving you time, properly managing your time can also help you generate income. In fact, it can prevent you from losing money. When an internet marketer, you generate income by either selling your service or marketing a product you sell. Regardless of which category you fall into, time management is vital to your success and your high earnings. By eliminating distractions and doing nothing but work during business hours, you distribute more links over the internet and complete more paid projects. 

 

In short, time management is more than just a nice skill to have. When properly used, it can be a moneymaking and time saving tool.

 

How to Stay Focused When You Work At Home

 

Do you work from home as an internet marketer? Whether webmasters pay to access your marketing skills or if you market your own personal websites, time management is important to your success. In terms of time management, your ability to stay focused and on task is crucial.

 

So, how can you stay focused and on task as an internet marketer?

 

Avoid online forums. Unfortunately, it is easy to market a website, product, or service online. With the use of signatures, posting in an online forum can be considered a form of marketing. However, use your best judgment. Choose message boards in line with what you need to market, such as a pet board for pet products. Set aside a specific block of time for marketing on forums, like 30 minutes. Stop when your 30 minutes are up.

 

Avoid instant messaging programs. If you are marketing a product or service you sell, you should not need to have an instant messaging program open on your computer. The only exception would be if you are internet marketer for hire who uses instant messages for business purposes. Other than that, do not socialize on instant messaging programs. In fact, avoid them at all costs.

 

Avoid surfing the internet. Since internet marketing relies on the use of the internet, you will need to use it. There is a difference between surfing the internet for internet marketing ideas and viewing random, but interesting pages. For example, search online for internet marketing forums where the latest tips are shared, but avoid other websites, such as those for news, gossip, and sports. View these websites on your own time.

 

Avoid checking your personal email. One of the biggest time wasters in the day of an internet marketer is email. If you are currently using one email account for personal use and business use, stop immediately. An email account just for business enables you to check your email throughout the day, but without getting distracted with personal messages.

 

Let everyone know you work. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the concept of working from home. Some actually think it is nothing more than a clever disguise to be lazy and watch television all day. This means you may find friends, family members, or neighbors calling or stopping by for a visit. Do not let this happen. Instead, let everyone know you do work a normal job, just from home. Also make it known that you will not be available during work hours unless for emergencies.

 

Create a to-do list. Having a daily to-do list by your side is one of the best ways to stay focused and on task as an internet marketer. Why? Because you have a specific guide to follow. For example, your list for the day may include marketing on message boards, writing search engine optimized content, and so forth. As you complete each task, cross it from your to-do list. A to-do list not only serves as a helpful guide, but as a source of motivation.

 

Create a detailed schedule. If you have time management problems, a simple to-do list may not be enough. If that is the case, create a detailed schedule. A schedule is essentially a to-do list with times attached. Set aside blocks of time for specific internet marketing tactics, such as message board marketing or article directory submission. Keep an eye on the clock. When you have a deadline, you are likely to increase your productivity and stay better focused.

 

Know the consequences of not staying on task. It is nice knowing how you can stay on task as an internet marketer, but you need to know what the consequences are for not. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of believing they will just fall behind. Yes, this will happen, but there is also the money aspect. Time that is wasted, as opposed to spent marketing a website with affiliate links, products, or services for sale translates into money lost. Essentially the more marketing links you distribute online, the money you can make.

 

Time Management Mistakes

Are you an internet marketer who finds it difficult to stay focused and stay on task? If so, you have a time management problem. The first step in curing a time management problem is to know what the problems are.

 

So, how do you know what your time management problems are? An easy approach is to examine common time management mistakes and see if they apply to you. 

 

Mistake #1 - Not Realizing Time is Money

 

Whether you sell your internet marketing services or use internet marketing to drive traffic to a website or blog where you sell a product, service, or generate income through affiliate links, time is money. Your ability to market a product, service, website, or blog, is what generates income. When you are successful, you make a sale or receive an advertisement click. 

 

The ability to make money based on your productivity is a unique opportunity. In the corporate world, it doesn’t matter how efficient and productive an employee is, they usually receive the same paycheck week after week. Since you have a unique opportunity, realize the potential. Remembering that time is money can serve as a source of motivation.

 

Mistake #2 - Using the Internet for Personal Communication

 

Yes, the internet makes it easy to stay in contact with friends and family. You are encouraged to do so, but on your own personal time. If you are working from 9 am to 3 pm, work only. Do not check your email, unless for business purposes only, avoid instant messaging programs, and so forth.

 

When you take the ability to socialize away from the internet, you will find it easier to manage your time and tasks.

 

Mistake #3 - Not Knowing Where You Are Wasting Time

 

Unfortunately, many home based workers waste time without realizing they are doing so. Many think that quickly checking their email won’t waste time, but it can. What if you check your email multiple times a day? You could waste as much as 15 minutes or more. That doesn’t count the time you may spend responding, clicking on links, and so forth.

 

Yes, it is important to start managing your time and right away, but first complete a trial run. Have a pen and paper handy and go about your day. Each time you find yourself stepping away from work, record the time and what you are doing. No that you know what your distractions are, eliminate them.

 

Mistake #4 - Allowing Distractions

 

Once you determine what distracts you from completing your daily internet marketing tasks, it is important to eliminate them. Do you use instant messaging programs to communicate with others for personal reasons, not business? If so, disconnect the program. When you do, it no longer becomes an issue.

 

In addition to eliminating distractions online, look at your surroundings. If you work from home, it is easy to find many distractions. Background noise is ideal for some, but do you find yourself watching television instead of working? If so, shut it off. Do not answer your phone. Instead, use caller identification and an answering machine so you can be alerted in an emergency. Otherwise, do answer the phone.

 

Mistake #4 - Justifying Your Actions

 

When may realize their common distractions, most will take steps to eliminate the problem, but others tend to justify it. Do not do this, as it will not improve your time management skills.

 

A unique way to market a website, blog, product, or service is with the use of applicable internet forums. For example, do you sell a dog obedience eBook? If so, create a message board signature with a link and a catchy sales phrase. Each time you post a message, your link will appear below. So, this approach involves chatting on internet forums. Do so, but only in moderation. Set aside a specific block of time, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour. Do not spend all day socializing and justifying your actions by claiming it is a marketing tactic.

 

Manage Time in 3 Easy Steps

Do you work as an internet marketer? Whether you advertise and market websites, products, services, or blogs for clients or if internet marketing is one of the many hats you wear working for yourself, time management is key. Your income levels depend on your ability to not only market a website, product, or service, but do so in a quick and effective matter.

 

One of the many time management mistakes new internet marketers make is jumping right into work. Yes, there are benefits to doing this, like getting a head start, but think long-term. Without first developing a plan, you may later find yourself fluster, unorganized, and behind schedule. 

 

So, how do you avoid this? By taking three easy steps. These three steps are highlighted below for your convenience. Once followed and properly implemented, they can improve your internet marketing skills and produce effective, profitable results.

 

1 - Think

 

Thinking, otherwise known as brainstorming, is vital to the success of a new internet marketer. Why? Because you are still learning the trade. You may know that search engine optimization is a great organic way to market a website, but do you know about article directories and the use of bank links? If not, you are missing out on moneymaking opportunities.

 

For that reason, take the time to think and do a little bit of research. Brainstorm ways to market. Once you have a set of tasks in mind, start to plan your day.

 

2 - Plan

 

Many stops planning once they brainstorm. This is a costly mistake. Having a set of tasks in mind for the day is ideal, but it will not help if you have poor time management skills. To get started, create a to-do list or a detailed scheduled. This can be done by hand or with the use of a computer program, such as Microsoft Word or a spreadsheet.

 

Take the tasks you developed in your above-mentioned brainstorming session and put them in order. You may want to start with easy to implement steps, such as posting on related messages boards with a link attached in your signature. You can then move onto more complicated forms of internet marketing, such as writing content that is optimized with keywords for the search engines.

 

If knowing the tasks you need to complete are not enough, create a detailed schedule. Give yourself specific blocks of time to complete each task. For example, do you belong to a work-at-home forum where you can advertise your eBook in your signature? Create a specific block of time to complete this task, such as 30 minutes from 10:30am until 11am.

 

3 - Execute

 

The final step of this 3-step plan is to execute. You might assume this to be the easiest step, but it isn’t. When executing an internet marketing plan or to-do list, many home-based workers find themselves distracted. Whether it be reading the news online, continuously checking email, or instant messaging friends and family, distractions are common and easy to fall victim to.

 

When executing an internet marketing plan, it is important to stay focused and on task. That is why a detailed schedule is recommended. On your schedule, set aside specific blocks of time for a specific task. If you must, set an alarm clock to warn you when your time is about to expire.

 

The easiest way to execute an internet marketing plan without falling victim to distractions is to avoid them. For example, turn the television off in the background, shutoff your instant messaging program, and so forth. When your distractions are eliminated, you will find it easier to execute your daily tasks.

 

In conclusion, internet marketing is a great way to work from home. Why? Because your income all depends on your success and your ability to manage your time. This is an amazing and rare opportunity. For that reason, implement the three above mentioned steps to ensure you make money from home, not lose it.

Manage Tasks with a Spreadsheet

Do you do internet marketing? Whether you sell your skill as an internet marketer to other webmasters or if you market your own website, blog, product, or service, time management is key. After all, your income depends on how much marketing you are able to accomplish.

 

Since time management is an important component of generating income as an internet marketer, you may be looking for helpful tips. Yes, there is time management software available for sale, but this software is not only expensive, but it can be another source of distraction. For that reason, rely on simpler tools, like a spreadsheet.

 

So, why should you use a spreadsheet for time management as an internet marketer?

 

It is free. You should already have a spreadsheet program on your computer. Whether you use Microsoft Word or Microsoft Words, one will be available to you. Since it is free to use and already installed on your computer, why not use one? When properly used, this free tool will produce the same results as many expensive time management software programs.

 

It is easy. Spreadsheets are designed to promote organization. For that reason, it is easy for you to use one to your advantage. Get started with a blank spreadsheet. Fill in the tasks you need to complete on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. In fact, that leads to another benefit of using spreadsheets as a time management tool, your options.

 

You can create a spreadsheet however you want. With that said, make sure your guide is always organized, easy to print, or easy to read on the computer. Since spreadsheets are organizational tools, do not let them create more problems. Take a few extra minutes to complete yours.

 

As previously stated, you can make a spreadsheet anyway you see fit. Daily spreadsheets are ideal for going into great detail. If you end up completing your tasks, but rushing at the last minute, you need to change your daily and hourly work habits. The best way is with a daily spreadsheet schedule. With a daily spreadsheet, you can do set blocks of time. For example, in the columns record time blocks, such as 9am to 10am. In the rows underneath, write what you want to do in that time frame.

 

If you are marketing your own website, as opposed to marketing for hire, your spreadsheet can be less in detail. For example, do you want to write five articles for article directories? Instead of writing the titles of each article, just write “Write five articles and submit.” Once you have completed those articles, cross them from your list. Being general lets you use the same spreadsheet each week, which is ideal for creating a common, productive schedule. Just save a copy on your computer and print when the day arrives.

 

In addition to daily spreadsheet schedules, weekly are popular as well. If you are okay with managing your time, but have only a few problems, a weekly schedule may work. Remember, if you have difficulties managing your hour-to-hour day, a daily spreadsheet is recommended.

 

When creating a weekly internet marketing spreadsheet schedule, start with the columns. Write each day in a separate column. This may require 2 printable pages. In the rows underneath, highlight the tasks you want to complete. In addition to being generalized, you can go into further detail. For example, record the names of the articles you want to write or which directories you intend to submit to.

 

To use a spreadsheet as a time management tool, it is important to use it. For that reason, print your sheet. Having a detailed to-do list in the form of a spreadsheet right by your side will be easier. In fact, regularly having to bring it up on your computer screen can technically be considered a distraction. Remember, when looking to improve your time management skills, even the smallest distractions can cost you time and money. 

How to Manage Your Time When Faced with Interruptions

Do you work from home and on your computer? If so, you are lucky, but also susceptible to distractions and interruptions. Working from home does have its benefits, but interruptions are common. So, how do you manage your time when something always comes up?

 

1 - Tone Out

 

Toning out interruptions and distractions is not easy, but it can work. For example, are you working at an internet café instead of at home? If so, you will find a lot of noise. Don’t let the noise bother you. Instead, just focus your attention on your work and the tasks at hand. In fact, you may no longer notice the background noise after a few minutes, as you learned to tone it out. As a last resort, relocate to a quieter location.

 

2 - Continue to Work

 

The best way to not let distractions and interruptions ruin your ability to market is to keep on working. No matter what do it. Focus your attention solely on the internet marketing tasks at hand and nothing else. This allows you to get your work done and on time.

 

Note: Continuing to work and ignoring interruptions can improve your productivity, but there are some instances where this is not advised. For example, are you a parent? Do not ignore or tone out your children.

 

3 - Do Not Get Frustrated

 

Getting frustrated is the worst thing you can do when faced with a disruption or interruption when working. If you need to, take a short break or take deep breathes. Remember, that distractions are usually only temporary. For example, if someone calls you and you answer the phone, end the conversation quickly. Interruptions that only last a few minutes can still cause you to lose focus and time, but they are not worth getting upset over.

 

4 - Handle the Interruptions

 

The best way to handle interruptions when working is to deal with them so they no longer become an issue. For example, are you a parent whose small child is asking for a drink? Making your child wait, even just for five minutes, will likely result in even more interruptions. So, get your child a drink and then start working again.

 

The same can be said with distracting telephone calls. If someone keeps calling your home, answer the phone. If it is not an emergency, explain that you are working and end the call. Tell the caller you will call back when you are finished working.

 

5 - Eliminate Interruptions

 

As previously stated, the best way to deal with interruptions is to make them no longer an issue. This involves stopping the problem at the source. Remember, there are some situations that you cannot control. If you are a parent, work when your children are asleep, at school, or at day-care. As for the phone issue, do not answer your phone. Use an answering machine to screen calls for emergencies instead.

 

As reminder, you will always face interruptions and distractions when working from home. There are some aspects of life and others that you cannot control. That is why dealing with interruptions should be incorporated into your time management plan. So, take steps to prevent these distractions and interruptions from causing you to lose money. You can handle the issue at hand, tone out background noise, not let it get you down, and keep on working.