What is Time Management?
Time management is when you arrange, organize, schedule, and budget your time for the basic reason of being more effective and productive. In a world where everyone is busy and time is of essence, the importance of managing time cannot even be expressed; it’s of utmost importance to every one. There are several books on this topic; you will also find seminars and training on the same.
Planning is the most important aspect; as without that, there is no management. There needs to be some organization as well, in the office or at home. And after you have done the planning and organizing, the time has come to actually manage it well, timely. The simplest way to do is make a to-do list, create a schedule for the week, and then organize this. And if you think you cannot manage all this, then the best options is to use some tools.
Need of a Time Management Software
If you find yourself surrounded by chaos and disorganization, and do not have time for anything, then you, my friend, need a software to manage your time effortlessly, and perfectly. This software will help you organize everything from your staff, to your appointments, your accounting, and your productivity.
Time Management Tips
This software is an important tool of time management, but if you need time to select a good software, here are some tips that will help in the meantime.
Secretary or Answering Machine: If you do not already have an answering machine, pick up the phone and get one. It will not only help you screen calls, but will also save you the trouble of answering the phone every three minutes. This lets you focus on the task at hand, instead of answering the phone and wasting time. Or decide on getting a secretary who will answer the phone and take messages for you.
Allot Time for Emails: Emails are important to your business, and you need to respond to these on time. Set aside a time during the day, may be half an hour to three-quarters of an hour, to respond to emails. This will save you time, instead of checking for mails every hour.
Lists: Create all your to-do lists the day before, so that you know all the things you have to do, and don’t waste time remembering what needs to be done. You can also prioritize your time according to the importance of the task.
Organize: Organize your office and your desk. This will save you time while you are looking for a file you need, or looking for something as simple as a pen. Have filing systems in place, have an organizer, virtual or otherwise, to help you organize your day and its activities as well.
Prioritize: Setting priorities is very important in time management. Prioritize everything, from your activities, to others activities.
Delegate: You cannot possibly do all the things yourself, and if you try, you will only be wasting time. This is when you need to be aware of a little thing called delegation. When you delegate activities to different people at your workplace, they will concentrate on that better and work effectively, at the same time you will save time and not run around trying to meet deadlines.
Use Technology: This is where the software comes into the picture. You need to make technology your best friend, and use what it has to offer. Install a software or use one that is available online, that will help you manage time, prioritize, delegate, plan all activities, and save you the time of doing it yourself.