Time management is crucial to running a successful home based business, regardless of what that business may be. It is tremendously easy to get caught up in domestic responsibilities, hobbies, family and friends, or other things that you like to do since you are after all at home. However you need to be well disciplined and ensure you take care of your business needs as well and meet its deadlines.
Consider creating a to-do list which is refreshed at least daily. It can be kept in something as simple as a notebook, which is very portable, in your email or project management system, or on your PDA or smartphone. The method doesn’t have to be elaborate, as long as you have a list that works for you.
Review your list at the start of each day and prioritize the items, leaving some wiggle room for those last minute things that you just know are going to come up. Cross off the completed jobs as they are done, add the new ones in as they arise. Keep it as current as possible throughout your day. At the end of the day take a few minutes to revel in what you accomplished and prepare the list for the next day.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
Maintaining a calendar is a good idea too so you are always aware of upcoming appointments, meetings and deadlines. Just like the to-do list, how and where you keep your calendar doesn’t have to be fancy, as long as it is handy, easy to use, and is up to date. Using something that will give you automated reminders is a great asset.
Finally, recognize the times of the day that you are at your best, as this is usually when you will get the most accomplished. Take advantage of those times, and use the rest of the time to rest and relax, or take care of other responsibilities. It is all about finding a routine that works for you.