With the growing world of technology everything is becoming automated. You can ‘talk’ to your car, send out thousands of e-mails in a second and pay your bills online without ever stepping foot into a bank or looking at a check register. This is good news for busy professionals that are time challenged or disorganized. For those of us that could use a little help, here are some basic tips to get more done every day.

1. Make a list of your priorities and schedule them. Do what is most important first. Everday I like to make a list of things that I should do and complete that day. I write this items on a post it that remains attached to my computer screen. I number each item in order of imortance and complte them in that order. any interuptions are added to the list and also done in order of importance. For example I know that if I’m sending out certified  letters I need to have them to the mailbox by 10:00 a.m. for them to be stamped that day. So I usually start my day off with that.
2. Develop a system for things that you do an a reoccuring basis. It is best to have a system and set of procedures for anything you do regularly. Systemized systems will make everyone’s job easier and it makes reocurring tasks easier to complete.
3. Plan your meetings, interviews and presentations ahead of time. Always be prepared. When I meet with potential custoemrs or clients I always have a set of questions that I plan on asking, handouts and any other general information I may need. I keep all of my brochures, business cards and catalogs in one place so they are easily accessed when I’m in a rush and I don’t have to go searching for them.
4. If you find yourself with free or waiting time maximize the opportunity by reading and learning. I usually keep copieis of business articles that I want to read with me in case I find myself waiting for a meeting. Even articles printed out of a web-zine (like this one!) make good reading material.
5. Clean up your work space every night. It is much easier to start work when you have a clean and clutter free desk. Who wants to have a stack of documents waiting for them when they get back? Remember: Out of sight, Out of mind. At the end of each day leave your work at work. Or for us work-at-homers leave your work in the office, telephone or computer. This helps you to rejuvenate and get ready for the next day.