Time Management

Not sure if this is the right place to post this - if it isn't, please accept my newbie apologies!

How do you all deal with time management issues? I've got lists, datebooks, schedules, calendars, spreadsheets - you name it, I've tried it. But I always feel like I'm running around with my hair on fire, with way too much to do. There must be an easier way that works!

Prioritizing seems to work well, but then there are always half a dozen things at the bottom of the list that never seem to get done.

Time management is a real concern for sales people. Give me a calendar and a to-do list and I'm good to go.

How much "organization" does a salesperson really need?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

How much "organization" does a salesperson really need?

I'm of the opinion that any professional needs a great deal of organization. With sales and marketing, there's a lot of information to keep track of, things to remember, and always a "to-do" list that seems to be a mile long.

I'd be interested to know if and why you think otherwise though, Marcus!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarrieGee

I'm of the opinion that any professional needs a great deal of organization. With sales and marketing, there's a lot of information to keep track of, things to remember, and always a "to-do" list that seems to be a mile long.

I'd be interested to know if and why you think otherwise though, Marcus!

I don't think otherwise. I just don't know how much is enough. Myself, I could probably get by with a 3x5 card file, appointment book, and a "To-Do" list.

Okay, so once we're organized, how do you best allot your time? Do you schedule a certain amount of time for each task, or just tackle them in order of importance and see how much time they take?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarrieGee

Okay, so once we're organized, how do you best allot your time? Do you schedule a certain amount of time for each task, or just tackle them in order of importance and see how much time they take?

I just start at the top of the list and work my way down.

I recommend doing a Time Management course - there are many of these available in book form. I am actually doing one currently - it is:

"How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life" by Alan Lakein.

It was written a few years ago, but is still relevant, and is one of the best. There are a number of other books available as well though.

Also simply googling "time management" brings up a load of useful tips and advice.

Thanks telegraph.hill, I'll look into the course you mentioned. I'm sure it would help quite a lot!

Google is fabulous of course, but I often find that it's better to ask those who know what they're talking about. Less filtering involved!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

I don't think otherwise. I just don't know how much is enough. Myself, I could probably get by with a 3x5 card file, appointment book, and a "To-Do" list.

Ah, the good old days.

	#1
CarrieGee	Time Management Not sure if this is the right place to post this - if it isn't, please accept my newbie apologies! How do you all deal with time management issues? I've got lists, datebooks, schedules, calendars, spreadsheets - you name it, I've tried it. But I always feel like I'm running around with my hair on fire, with way too much to do. There must be an easier way that works! Prioritizing seems to work well, but then there are always half a dozen things at the bottom of the list that never seem to get done.

	#2
SalesGuy	Time management is a real concern for sales people. Give me a calendar and a to-do list and I'm good to go.

	#3
Marcus	How much "organization" does a salesperson really need?

	#8
telegraph.hill	I recommend doing a Time Management course - there are many of these available in book form. I am actually doing one currently - it is: "How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life" by Alan Lakein. It was written a few years ago, but is still relevant, and is one of the best. There are a number of other books available as well though. Also simply googling "time management" brings up a load of useful tips and advice.

Time Management

Business and Management