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.