Many of the disruptions we deal as net entrepreneurs may be eliminated with a little focus and determination. One way to acquire better control is to utilize a log to record each interuption. To do this, create a spreadsheet or chart with 6 columns.
1. Date
Record the date of the disruption. Keep a log of this just as you would customer and client interactions and any additional type of communication that you'd deem crucial. This will help you when you refer back to it for additional info.
2. Time
A lot of times, your days are busier than others just as particular times of the day are busier than others. It might not be feasible for you to take particular calls at particular times of the day as opposed to other times of the day. Record the time that you take the disruptive call, so as to note any developing patterns, schemes, and so forth.
You might want to record the time in any digital products that you might have which will make simpler for future referencing and notating. Pay especial attention to patterns developing during a set time of day, week, and so forth.
3. Who
If it’s another call from grandmother, log it. If it’s another call from the phone marketers, note it. Recognize and log who’s calling you and disturbing your work day.
Are there any repeat wrongdoers? You might wish to take note of this and adapt your schedule accordingly in order to prevent them.
4. What
Note what sort of info the call is about. Is it business related at all or simply plain prattle? This may be and typically is where the bulk of the time wasters are discovered. During business hours is the time to talk over…business!!
Work at home earners are frequently the unfortunate victims of assuming that they're not working because they're at home.
Disruption calls will occasionally be silly calls like recipe requests, calls to “vent” or unfounded gossip. Understand and record what the conversation was about.
5. Duration
How long are the calls lasting? A couple of minutes here and there might not hurt, but may add up quickly! Be strong yet gentle when you're trying to end your interruption calls that are fruitless for your business.
Plan to record this info for about a week to get a precise measure of what is truly occurring. If it was worth your while, rate either high or low based on your tastes. This will help you to better ascertain where your time goes and how it’s being used.
After you've amassed this data for a week, go back and total up all of the A’s, B’s, C’s, and D’s to see where you have to correct things. Most individuals find that more than 50% of their disruptions were C’s and D’s and were matters that weren't worth the time spent.
A lot of times, individuals will come to you for information that they may have located themselves.
To remedy this, show this individual how to find the info themselves or they'll continue to disrupt you to get it. It's easier for them this way, but more difficult for you and your available time. Show them how to get what they require on their own.
A lot of times, individuals will come to you for information that they may have located themselves.
To remedy this, show this individual how to find the info themselves or they'll continue to disrupt you to get it. It's easier for them this way, but more difficult for you and your available time. Show them how to get what they require on their own.