4 Time Management Tips for Home-Based Online Businesses

Running a small, home-based online business can be difficult at times. One of the biggest problems for small business owners is time management. Let me share tips that will be helpful in using your time most effectively.

1. Lists, Lists, Lists

Every morning create a list of specific tasks you need to finish during that day. Tasks that your assistant can do, don't include them. Always keep your list by your side or in your pocket so that Keep your list next to you so you are reminded later in the day what needs to be done. It's okay if you don't get some of your list done. You can always get it done tomorrow.

A list is only a guide to keep you from being distracted by the items that pop up during the day. Keep your top priorities at the top of the list so if the day goes sour, at least you have accomplished the most important things.

2. Wait to Check Your E-Mail

Watch yourself with e-mail or your day may be gone and you've accomplished nothing. You could easily spend 2-3 hours a day with my e-mail. One solution is don't open your e-mail until late morning or early afternoon. By that time, you have taken care of the most important and productive details of your business that day.

When opening your email (even if not replying), you will read concerns that take precious mental time away from your business. You may find yourself thinking how to respond to specific emails when you should be completing activities that actually produce a profit.

3. Monitor Your Internet Time

Surfing on the computer can be a real struggle. You may find yourself spending countless hours at the computer (and gaining a sore back in the process). If your family income is dependent on the internet, you must spend a fair amount of time on the computer. But, be careful to reduce the amount of time spent "surfing" the internet. Instead, use that time to write articles, develop new products, and other activities to drive traffic to your website.


4. Limit Your Chat Time on the Phone

The phone may not be much of a temptation, but some business owners can waste much time answering every call that comes in to the office. If you can't afford an assistant, buy an answering machine. Use your mornings to accomplish profit-producing tasks. Do not answer the phone while you are finishing these type of tasks. For online small businesses, these activities include developing products, blasting articles around the net for backward links and optimizing your website for more traffic.

Take a moment and evaluate your day. See how much time you are wasting on email, on the phone and on internet surfing. Use these ideas to improve your time management immediately.

-----------------------------------
© Stephen Beck, 2008
You have permission to reprint this article, as long as you don’t make any changes and include the bio below.
-----------------------------------

Stephen Beck teaches you how to write an ebook and Create a "cash on demand" online business by watching his free video about information marketing products.