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"I don't know how you do it all." As a freelance writer and consultant, a graduate student, and the mother of two teenagers, I've heard it this comment so many times I often wonder myself how I get it all done. I am not a naturally organized person. Piles are my preferred way of life. As an entrepreneur, though, piles do not fit into the time management scheme I have set up for myself, without which I certainly could not "do it all."

Entrepreneurs are by their very nature incredibly busy, and at times overloaded. In general, we do not have a large staff to market our business, keep track of project deadlines, communicate with clients, and maintain our financial records. Then, of course, we may also have something resembling a personal life, with its appointments and bills and home and dependents that need our attention on a fairly regular basis.

Time management is not impossible, although it is not easy. With some effort, a time management plan can be put into place effectively, even for the overwhelmed entrepreneurial mind.

The first tip is to get organized. The next time you lose a valuable piece of paper, such as a bill that is due NOW, keep track of how much time you spend looking for it. How much do you charge an hour? And how many hours did you spend looking for something that would have taken 5 minutes to file in a folder, placed alphabetically in a filing cabinet? Put this time down on your log as wasted time. Gather your papers and bills and project-related information and file them all in a logical sequence, in a convenient cabinet, so you will know exactly where they are next time.

Use an appointment book to designate time that will be spent working on income-producing projects, on bill paying, and on other activities that you know have to be done by a certain time or a certain date. Once you've made these appointments with yourself, do not erase them to make room for other appointments. If a client calls and want to meet, consider the appointments you've made with yourself as "not available."

The most challenging part of an effective time management plan for entrepreneurs is the need to focus. When you are working on the task you've designated for this time on this date, do not stray. Resist distractions. Entrepreneur's minds are generally running constantly with ideas, thinking of what else can be done and what other potential clients we can contact. There will be a time for that it will be noted in your appointment book. Now is the time to focus on the task at hand.

It helps to focus on the end result also. For example, "if I work very hard on this project for the next hour I will be able to finish it and send the client my invoice. Being lured by distractions or by the other ideas swirling around in my head will delay the project completion and delay my financial reward."

When setting up those appointments with yourself, build in breaks so you won't burn out. Don't feel guilty about allotting 30 minutes to go outside for a walk in between appointments. You need the fresh air and exercise, but don't be late for your next appointment!

Learn more about this author, PKMitchell.
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