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.

 

Monthly To-Do Lists

Whether you sell your services to webmasters or if you market a product or service that you personally sell, time management is vital to your success. Interest generated through effective marketing campaigns will translate into income. However, if you have a poor sense of time management, your ability to work will be impacted, as will your income level.

 

Since time management has such an important role in generating income as an internet marketer, how do you use it to your advantage? You do have a number of options, but some work better than others. To get started, try monthly to do lists.

 

Monthly to-do lists? Yes, monthly. Unfortunately, this is a point where many new to internet marketing think that monthly lists put a lot on ones plate. Yes, they do, but it vital to your success as an internet marketer to stay focused and on task. A monthly to-do list can help you do this. Plus, to be a successful internet marketer, especially when marketing your own products and service, it is important to have long-term goals.

 

So, what makes a monthly to-do list better than a daily or even weekly list? It has to do with generating traffic. For example, submitting content to article directories with back links is a great way to generate interest and market a website, but it only works for so long. Article directories keep new articles up higher in their search results. This means you may generate traffic from an article you wrote two days ago, but that traffic will slowly taper off.

 

In keeping with the above-mentioned article directory example, it is important to create a strategy. Since you will see the most traffic generated from content on an article directory in the week following submission, don’t submit 10 articles the first week of the month and stop. Yes, you still do increase traffic, but you need to be strategical about it. Placing articles on directories at various stages throughout the month will result in new, different readers.

 

When creating a monthly to do list, you have different options. For starters, you can create a handmade chart or list. Another option is to use Microsoft Word or Works or a spreadsheet. Not only is it quicker to compile your information the computer, but it can be saved. With monthly to-do lists, you can use them again. Since you will want to cross each task off as completed, don’t be left having to write another handmade list. Instead, save your monthly to-do list as a spreadsheet on your computer and print a new copy each month.

 

When creating a spreadsheet with a Microsoft program, use the columns to create four sections. These sections will be week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4. In the rows underneath, highlight internet marketing tasks to do. For example, week one could include creating a monthly newsletter for customers and submitting 2 articles to article directories. Week two could include emailing your newsletter to customers, submitting 2 more articles to directories, and starting a contest on your website.

 

In short, it is important to stay focused and on task daily while working as an internet marketer, but it is also important to consider the long-term results. To see the best success as an internet marketer or an online retailer, aim for long-term boosts of traffic, not short ones.

 

Prioritizing Your Tasks

Is internet marketing one of the many tasks you complete as a webmaster? If so, you may feel overwhelmed. After all, your to-do list may be two pages or longer! So, how do you manage your time without feeling overwhelmed and worked to the max? You do so by prioritizing your internet marketing tasks.

 

As nice as it is to hear that you can and should prioritize your internet marketing tasks, you may be wondering why. For starters, prioritizing has its own benefits. It lets you know what you need to do and how. Items are often categorized in order based on importance. In terms of internet marketing, this can make it easier to complete your daily duties, as well as in an effective manner.

 

What is ideal about prioritizing your internet marketing, aside from improving productivity, is your options. Since it is your to-do list, you can prioritize its contents however you see fit. For tips and suggestions on how to prioritize your tasks for the ultimate results, please continue reading on.

 

Before focusing on how you can prioritize your internet marketing tasks, make sure you can. If you work as an internet marketer for hire, you work for others. You may be provided with a specific list of duties. This means that you might not have a choice, as these tasks may already be prioritized and in order for you. However, if you do have freedom:

 

Start with something new. Many internet marketers put off certain tasks, especially those they have yet to try. This is mostly due to a fear of failure. Yes, if an internet marketing campaign falls short, you lose money and time. But, you also lose money by not taking the risk. So, get your to-do list started with a new internet marketing technique you have yet to try.

 

Start with something you know works. As previously stated, you want to try new internet marketing tactics, but that doesn’t mean you have to start your day with them. If you want to ensure your time will translate into money, start with marketing tactics you know work. For example, have you seen an increase in website traffic due to article directory submissions? If so, start your day producing content to be distributed.

 

Start with something that is easy. Internet marketing tactics come in all different formats. Some are easier than others. To get the ball rolling, start with a tactic that you know is easy. For example, do you post messages on a related forum with an advisement in your signature? If so, this is easy. Starting with an easy task not only gets the ball rolling, but it can also help you get into your groove.

 

Start with something that is hard. Do you have a hard marketing method on your to-do list? For example, do you want to write two new pages of copy for your website? If so, you may find this hard, as it is time consuming. For that reason, move this step to the top of your to-do list. When you get the harder tasks out of the way, you can breathe a sigh of relief and stop ferreting about it.

 

In conclusion, there are many ways to prioritize a to-do list. Your choice should depend on your own personal preferences. With that said, look for an approach that is easy to work with and one that improves productivity.

 

Pros and Cons of Buying Time Management Software

Do you work as an internet marketer? If so, your ability to manage time is important to your success. Not only that, it will directly impact the income you generate. For that reason, make sure you have a good sense of time management.

 

Unfortunately, good time management is not a skill that we all have. If you are known for getting distracted easily, procrastinating, or falling behind schedule, you may be looking for help. For some, that help comes in the form of time management software, but is it right for you?

 

The Pros of Time Management Software

 

Time management software can promote organization. It comes in a number of different formats. Regardless of that format, organization is promoted. You should receive specific lists and categories to choose from. For example, you may have the option of creating a daily to-do list, the option of outlining weekly projects, and more.

 

Time management software is installed right on your computer. Since time management software is installed on your computer and since you work from your computer, it is easy for you to access. In fact, you can always leave the program running in the background for quick access and easy loading.

 

The number of choices you have. As previously stated, time management software comes in a number of different formats. Different programs have different features. Look for those you can benefit from. Do you work as an internet marketer for hire? If so, you can benefit from a program that stores the contact information of your clients, as well as links that information to projects. When buying a software program, only spend money on features you will use.

 

The Cons of Time Management Software

 

Time management software costs money. In fact, it can be expensive. On average, a time management software program costs between $50 and $100. You may find programs for sale for more and less. If you are shopping on a budget, compare prices, but don’t forget value. A cheap software program is nice, but not if it is loaded with features you do not want or cannot use.

 

Time management software isn’t always a good value for the money. As previously stated, time management software is expensive and it may come loaded with features you will never use. The perfect solution to this problem is programs you can customize for an affordable fee; however, they are hard to come across. As a cheaper alternative, create your own spreadsheet. In fact, many software programs use spreadsheets. The only thing missing is the countdown clock that most include to alert you to an impending deadline.

 

Time management software can be difficult to use. When buying time management software, you should receive a detailed user’s manual. This guide will show you how to use the program, but you may still have questions. Not only that, if a learning curve is hard, you waste time.

 

Time management software can become a distraction. As previously stated, some programs have a difficult learning curve. As opposed to being simple, learning to use a program can now become a huge distraction. It is ironic, as time management software is designed to improve your productivity. That is only if you know how to use it. For that reason, read reviews online. If users state a product is hard to use, examine other options.

Sample Schedule

Do you do internet marketing? Even if you sell a product or a service online, internet marketing must be a component of your business plan. Remember, you will not make a sale if consumers do not know you have a product or service available. For that reason, incorporate internet marketing into your to-do list if you haven’t already.

 

As previously stated, it is important to incorporate internet marketing into your daily to-list. In fact, you will want to do more than that. Internet marketing is such as huge component of selling a product or service online, devote a lot of time to it. At least once a week, have a day where you do nothing but market or advertise online.

 

If you aren’t technically classified as an internet marketer, but still need to do the job, you may be looking for guidance. After all, an entire workday is a lot of time to devote to a subject you may be unfamiliar with. This does not mean that you can simply skip internet marketing or give it less attention. It means that you need to develop a daily and detailed schedule.

 

When creating a daily detailed schedule, start with blocks of time. It is best to start with one hour. During the first hour of your workday, list an internet marketing task or two to complete. For the next hour, move onto a new task. A schedule not only helps you stay focused and on task, but it enables you to devote time to multiple internet marketing tactics, as opposed to focusing solely on one.

 

So, what should your internet marketing schedule look like for the day? Continue reading on for a sample.

 

* 9am to 10am 

 

Write, proofread, and submit one 500-word article to EzineArticles.com

 

* 10am to 11am 

 

Visit “sample,” forum to market website. Check signature links before posting.

 

Create a link on the “advertise your business section,” of forum.

 

* 11am to 12pm

 

Design a banner for link upcoming link exchanges or paid advertising slots.

 

* 12pm to 1pm

 

Ask three webmasters for link or banner exchanges.

 

Research page rank and popularity of websites. Inquire about advertising rates.

 

Take a break for lunch.

 

* 1pm to 3pm

 

Create keyword optimized content and update website with that content.

 

* 3pm to 4pm

 

Send 1 advertisement update on Twitter and search for questions to answer with @replies.

 

Visit Squidoo.com to update page and review links. Update lens with a new paragraph.

 

Add a blog post. Remember to incorporate a link leading to website.

 

* 4pm to 5pm

 

Review internet marketing forums; look for new marketing ideas.

 

Finish up lose end projects.

 

Create a to-do list for tomorrow.

 

The above-mentioned sample was just that, a sample. The above-mentioned steps are all forms of internet marketing, but there are other approaches available. Incorporate those into your schedule. Your schedule may not be the same as the above-mentioned example, but the layout should be similar.

 

In addition to trying different internet marketing techniques, your productivity will impact your schedule. If you are a slow typist and proof-reader, it may take you more than one hour to write an article and submit to an article directory. If it does, do not let this get you down. The best way to improve your use of time is with practice. In fact, practice makes perfect.

Tasks Ideal for Outsourcing

Are you a webmaster who uses your website to generate income? Whether you do so by selling a product, a service, or with the use of affiliate links, page views are important to your success. The more page views your website receives, the more your earnings potential increase. For that reason, you may not classify yourself as an internet marketer, but you need to become one.

 

As previously stated, the goal is to market a website, product, or service to consumers. This involves taking many steps. There are many common and successful internet marketing methods. In fact, you may be overwhelmed with your options. The more you advertise a website, product, or service, the more interest is generated. So, you may want to implement each internet marketing step you learn. What if you don’t have time to implement them all? Rely on outsourcing.

 

Before focusing on internet marketing tactics that are ideal for outsourcing, it is important to examine the pros and cons. For starters, hiring an outsourced worker will allow you to get more done. Remember, the more you market a website, the more money you can earn. Aside from increasing your earning potential, outsourcing also gives you freedom. This is ideal if you don’t want to spend 24 hours a day in front of the computer.

 

As beneficial as outsourcing can be, it too has its cons. For example, you must find a qualified individual to help. If you hire someone who is unfamiliar with internet marketing, the job may be done wrong. This not only wastes time, but money. So, remove this as an issue; only hired those who are qualified to do the job and properly.

 

As for what internet marketing projects you can outsource:

 

The writing of web content. Web content is important to internet marketing and it can be used multiple ways. Updated websites with fresh content keep readers coming back. Hire a web content writer to write pages for your website. Whether they write product reviews or keyword articles to drive in organic search engine traffic, they are helping you market your website.

 

When hiring a web content writer, look for an individual who has experience writing combination keyword and content articles. This means the articles will be interesting to read, but liked by search engines. Always review content before placing it on your website. Ensure it is professional and original.

 

Submitting to article directories. Do you like to write your own web content? If so, you may not need a web content writer, but someone to help you spread your content. Submitting articles to article directories with the use of back links can improve traffic and sales. The submission process is easy, but tedious. So, hire someone to submit your content for you. This is very affordable, as some will submit for less than $2 an article.

 

The writing of blog posts. If your main goal is to generate traffic to a website where you sell a product or service, rely on the use of a blog. Since blogs are updated often, they tend to accumulate more readers. So, hire a blog writer. This is cheaper than hiring a content writer, as blog posts are shorter and easier to compose.

 

When hiring a blog writer, provide clear instructions. Blogs are usually casually in tone. If you want your writer to take a professional approach, state so. Since the goal is to drive traffic to your website, be sure links are included in each post.

 

In addition to outsourcing small tasks to qualified workers, you have the option of hiring a professional internet marketer. This approach will work, but it can be very costly. It is more cost effective to do your own internet marketing and outsource on occasion.

 

As an important side note, if you are employed as an internet marketer, you market for other webmasters, not yourself. Yes, you can still outsource tasks, but know the risk. Your internet marketing business name will be responsible for all work submitted. You can suffer serious consequences from using an outsourcer that plagiarizes their work.