You have found you have some free time between meetings throughout the day or before you're ready to leave, but you aren’t sure what to do. Instead of wasting your time browsing social media sites or shopping on the Internet, you can actually use your free time to be productive. Spending a few minutes getting organized can make the rest of your day much easier and can give you more free time.
Take a few minutes during your free time to clear out your inbox. Answer emails that have been waiting for a response and get rid of emails you don’t need anymore. Make folders for the different projects you have going on or for messages you can’t get rid of. This helps you easily find an email you need when you have to look back at something and saves a lot of time in the future.
If you have clients you have been playing phone tag with, or if you have been trying to reach a potential customer, take a few minutes to make those calls. You aren't going to be rushed, so you can get the answers or ask the questions you need to. Go through your voice mails to make sure that you haven't missed anyone trying to get in touch with you, and erase any messages you don't need.
Not only do you have to worry about cyber clutter but also about clutter in your space. Get rid of the notes and memos that are irrelevant and put the papers, files and items you have to keep into folders. Throw out pens that don't work, recycle bottles that are taking up space, and put dishes, such as coffee mugs, by your briefcase or purse to take home. Any clothing or other accessories you have should also be taken home.
If the free time that you have comes at the end of the day, you should make a list of what needs to be done the next day. You will have a detailed list of things to start working on the next day, so you won't waste any time in the morning trying to get organized and trying to figure out what to do. Taking this small amount of time each day to prepare can make the next day less stressful.
If you have any free time in your work day, this means you have an opportunity to call a new customer, the potential to make another sale, and the time to get organized so that you can be more productive. You don’t want to waste your free time texting on your cell phone or reading blogs that don't have any relevancy to your work day. Be productive today for a better tomrrow.
(Photo courtesy of phanlop88 / freedigitalphotos.net)
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