Time Management Tips for Solo Entrepreneurs

Does it seem like everyone and everything is vying for your attention all at once? It can be hard for solo entrepreneurs to know what to do first, let alone try to find the time to get caught up. Here are some time management tips that will help you to stay on top of it all:

1. Put your to-do list in writing and prioritize it. Studies show that people who write their lists down are 90% more likely to complete their list than those who do not.

2. Be realistic about how long it takes to get things done. Block out a reasonable amount of time on your planner, especially if it's an appointment where there's driving time to consider.

3. Schedule time with yourself, without interruptions. If that means closing your office door and letting your voicemail take phone messages, then that's what you need to do. Do this at your most productive time of the day. Are you a morning person? Start your day out with some quiet time by yourself, when you're the most productive and focused.

4. Don't multi-task. That's right! These days, people have found that they're much more productive when they're allowed to focus on one task at a time, rather than constantly juggling a dozen different projects at once. Think about it ? don't you feel like you've actually accomplished something when you can cross things off your list?

5. Are you a "yes" person? Learn to say no. Sometimes adding just one more thing to your to-do list means staying at work an extra hour. Ask yourself if you really have the time and energy to handle one more task. Don't guilt yourself into it, especially if you'll feel resentful later, for having done it.

6. Do you work at home? Don't let common distractions sidetrack you. That basket of laundry will still be there at the end of the day.

7. Try to combine like tasks. If you have lots of phone calls to make and emails to respond to, make all of the phone calls first, then tackle the emails.

8. Keep all your contacts in one place, within easy reach. Do whatever works for you, whether you keep an address book in your day planner, in Outlook, or in your Palm. You need to have fast and easy access to phone numbers and email addresses.

9. Use waiting time productively. When waiting for an appointment or traveling, catch up on reading trade magazines, writing correspondence, or jotting down creative ideas for marketing your business.

10. At the end of each day, plan for the next day. Write down tomorrow's to-do list, prioritize it, and then clean off your desk.

Jean Hanson is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant. Discover how partnering with a virtual assistant will give you more time to do the things you love to do! Visit her at http://www.vaofficesolution.com. Jean is also the author of the eBook, Virtualize Your Business - http://www.virtualizeyourbiz.com.

Advertisement: Honest Riches - Click Here!

Advertisement: Lost AdWords - Click Here!

Advertisement: Get $1 Million A Month In Google Pay-Per-Click Ads Free! - Click Here!

Advertisement: Who Loves Money? - Click Here!

Advertisement: SEO Elite, the GrandDaddy of SEO Software - Click Here!

The 'Entrepreneurial society'
Oxford Analytica (subscription), UK - 4 hours ago
Entrepreneurialism is fundamental to capitalist development, economic growth and renewal. However, some innovations created by entrepreneurial activity can ...

Entrepreneurialism And The Dwarf House
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 25, 2008
To become an entrepreneur is enjoyable when you have a passion for a business idea you are passionate about. However, if you have to become an entrepreneur ...

Home Based Early Childhood Educator
Seattle Times, United States - 4 hours ago
... client/customer service orientation, embracing a team player orientation, entrepreneurialism, and maintaining a professional demeanor. ...

Bringing a 'cultural revolution' to automakers
MLive.com, MI - Aug 11, 2008
Now, we need to foster a climate of entrepreneurialism that popularizes risk and encourages innovative thinking. For the auto industry, Martens believes ...
• Shift to hybrids means automakers need 'cultural revolution ... MLive.com
all 3 news articles

Domestic drilling keeps our money here, builds economy
Idaho Press-Tribune, ID - Aug 24, 2008
Republicans understand that free markets, capitalism and entrepreneurialism make the world go ‘round. A principle lost on the Dems. ...

Wanted: Fast-Growing Private Companies for Annual List
Orange County Business Journal, CA - Aug 22, 2008
Your company could be ranked one of the fast-growing companies in an area known for nimble startups and entrepreneurialism. It’s also good exposure for your ...

CASH CRISIS
Chart (subscription), MO - 16 hours ago
In a year of budget cuts, University President Bruce Speck is encouraging entrepreneurialism to help pick up the pennies. Since the budget announcement this ...

Readers have trouble with reality
Asheville Citizen-Times, NC - Aug 17, 2008
Most American ingenuity and entrepreneurialism is spent figuring out how to get $30 million bonuses from companies the bonusees have just run into the ...

Secrets of entrepreneurial success revealed
Easier (press release), UK - Aug 11, 2008
Meanwhile, a wealthy background appears to deter entrepreneurialism, with more than nine out of ten successful business people describing themselves as ...

Alliance and Leicester Reveal Entrepreneurial Secret
CreditChoices.co.uk, UK - Aug 12, 2008
“Enterprise is the lifeblood of British business and it is vital that we continue to support entrepreneurialism and the small business community. ...
Entrepreneurial traits revealed GrowthBusiness.co.uk
all 4 news articles

Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Entrepreneur?

Q: I am interested in starting my own business. I have a business degree and lots of experience in my chosen field, but I don't know if... Read More

Your Company Needs A Mission Statement; Make It Count

Does anyone remember that book "Built to Last" done y the Stanford class and professor? Well change that to "Built to Merge." My grandfather was personal friends... Read More

Differentiation ? Smart Marketing Strategies for the Solo Entrepreneur

Are you ever frustrated or hesitant when you talk to prospective customers because you can't readily explain why they should come to you rather than go to... Read More

The Entrepreneurs Dilemma

In business, you plan to protect your inventory, your unique ideas and approach, and your money. It's easy to replenish inventory, come up with new ideas and... Read More

Youve Found Your Guru, Now What?

In my last article, "Follow That Guru", I told you about the one (1) simple technique I used when starting my home business, "A Name".Now everyone wants... Read More

How To Grow Your Micro-Business

If you want to grow your micro-business (defined as a business with fewer than five employees), you might consider some of the findings of a survey by... Read More

The Danger Of Hate

As you have shown an interest in starting a business of your own it would be safe to assume that you want to change your life. You... Read More

Entrepreneurship Story; Over Regulation in Franchising Part I

Jim and Sally run a successful auto business, which they have built up over two decades and have expanded to three stores and many of their friends... Read More

Enterprising Route is to Go Your Own Way

DON'T talk to me about education for entrepreneurs. They're pouring far too much public money into it already - not counting the millions some well-known Scottish entrepreneurs... Read More

Protect Your ASSets in Business

Many people are starting an online business without a thought about the danger this may pose to their personal assets. The type of protection you need depends... Read More

Determine Your Niche & Be Successful

What's a niche?Dictionary.com provides a great, twofold definition:"A situation or activity specially suited to a person's interests, abilities, or nature." "A special area of demand for a... Read More

Needs Versus Wants For Entrepreneurs

How often do the words "I need" come out of your mouth, as it relates to your business? When you run your own company, it's easy to... Read More

Adding a Service After You Buy a Business

When you buy a business, you should have a plan. Why have you chosen that particular business? Why that particular time to buy a business? What can... Read More

Are You Sure You Want To Start Your Own Business? Part Two of a Series

Why, exactly, do you want to go into business for yourself? Is it because you cannot stand the thought of working for an uptight, demanding, and... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur?

Print off this page, take the quiz and find out if you've got what it takes! See the scale at the bottom to mark yourself.Answer the following... Read More

An Entrepreneur Is

An entrepreneur is an innovator. She sees a need in the marketplace and creates something new to fulfill that need or improves upon an existing mechanism that... Read More

Secrets of My Favorite Government Auction

I love bargains. And there's no better place to find bargains than an auction. And there are no better auctions than government surplus auctions. My favorite government... Read More

Abstract Business Marketing Strategy for the Entrepreneur

If you look at those Corporations in franchising today you see the great companies that use these systems to move markets and deliver products and services to... Read More

Financial Issues in Business Startup

A primary inhibitor of business start-up is that few people have the financial cushion to give up a job for the uncertain income of a start-up venture.... Read More

History of Enterprise Car Rentals

So few really understand the drives and motivations of entrepreneurs. Many write about them, some lecture and teach about what they are, how they operate and what... Read More

Franchises - Success and You

Many people believe owning a franchise will make them rich, financially secure, and provide the life of their dreams. True, franchises have an extremely high success rate,... Read More

The Risks of Entrepreneurship

The "spark" for many entrepreneurs is seeing an opportunity that doesn't yet exist. Ted Turner, for example, launched CNN because he perceived that people wanted more television... Read More

The Cockroach Test

Let me ask you a question? Imagine I would offer you $10 for eating 10 living cockroaches. Would you do it? Now listen, I raise the ante... Read More

Are You an Entrepreneur That is Starved for Time?

Being an entrepreneur and running a successful home-based business is stressful at times, and can be hectic. Success within a home-based business though, absolutely demands time management... Read More

Six Steps to Guarantee Your Business Success

Many of us slave away for years for one uninspiring company after another and dream of the day when we can sack the boss and go it... Read More

Business Name - How to Choose One

It's very important to get your business name right. You may already have a business name but it's not too late to change it. Let's face it;... Read More