How many times do I say to my son each day “Hold on a minute” or “I’ll be right there”? It seemed I wasn’t getting anything done! I finally realized that this was due not to my son’s constant interruptions, but my lack of time management and my trying to do all tasks at once. Here are some tips that I have learned over time:
- Set office hours. This is very difficult, even more so if you have very young children at home. A big block of time might not be feasible. Instead, take an hour here and an hour there. I try and do email first thing it the am and then 1 hour for embroidery time. Then again check buisness stuff in the afternoon. I try and pick times when I know my son will be less likely to interrupt.
- Limiting Web Time. It is so easy to start using the internet and find that all you time has been wasted away. Check email twice a day and limit your time. This will help. Also schedule a short period on the internet for web page revisions, product research, etc.
- Don’t Answer the Phone. It is tempting to answer every call, but sometimes you need to complete a project. Screen your calls. If it is important call back the same day. Set a time when you will answer and return calls.
29 January 2009, 7:30 am
I have been trying to avoid unnecessary phone calls all the while but just cant help it….its so frustrating.