Today’s business landscape has become synonymous with one thing: hard work. People, through no fault of their own, are taught to trade time for money. From the get-go, people are expected to believe that the harder they work, the more money we will make. There is only one problem; there aren’t enough hours in the day for some people to make as much as they want. With the exception of a time machine, I am aware of only one way to fully take advantage of the time we are given. In fact, the solution is rather simple. For business owners to get ahead of the competition, they must be more productive with the time they are given.
Productivity can be a real estate investor’s best friend; because time isn’t just money, it’s everything. If you are looking to maximize your efficiency and become more productive, I encourage you to keep reading. My partners over at CT Homes and I have compiled a list of the seven most important productivity boosters for any business. In fact, I intend to use the following to take my productivity in 2016 to a whole new level:
1. Multitask With Caution
I can assure you that multitasking with some degree of success is efficient, and perhaps the epitome of productivity, but there is a fine line between engaging in multiple tasks and stretching yourself too thing. In fact, I am willing to guess that the majority of people multitasking are actually hurting their productivity in one way or another. There is a lot to be said for dedicating your attention to one specific task and seeing it through to the end. Again, I encourage you to multitask if you are positive it will have a beneficial impact on your final product, but proceed with caution. It is entirely possible that any attempt you make at multitasking is counterproductive.
2. Clear Your Mind
Clearing your mind is as much about recharging your batteries, as it is about being able to focus on what is really important. Having said that, I encourage you to set aside some time to dedicate to absolutely nothing. Don’t hesitate to step away from your computer and take a walk around the block, or even take a nap. You would be surprised at how much a “distraction” could assist you in being productive. The key, however, is to make a habit out of these so-called distractions. If you periodically schedule times to clear your mind and recharge, the time you do take for yourself will be productive. It will be easier to focus on the task at hand when your mental capacity is conducive to your respective goal. So yes; you could argue that stepping away from work for a designated period of time can actually make you more productive.
3. Rid Yourself Of Unnecessary Meetings
Once again, I would like to encourage you to prioritize your tasks at hand. Really evaluate what needs to be done, and which is the most efficient way to go about it. To that end, you must eliminate anything from your daily routine you deem unnecessary. One thing to consider: meetings. Otherwise essential to a successful business, meetings typically facilitate efficiency. Fact-to-face communication is a pivotal cornerstone for any company looking to increase productivity. However, they can just as easily become counterproductive. Meetings that go on for too long or get nothing accomplished are a waste of time, and perhaps productivity’s worst enemy. Even worse, they instill a false sense of accomplishment. Just because you had a meeting doesn’t mean you were productive. That’s why you need to stand your ground; if you don’t think a meeting is worth your time, feel free to let people know. They may not realize it yet, but you are doing them a huge favor.
4. Learn How To Say “No”
Not unlike my previous bit of advice, you absolutely must learn how to say no. New investors, in particular, may have a hard time saying no, if for nothing else other than fear; the fear of burning bridges that is. It won’t be easy, but I can assure you that saying no may equate to some of your best business moves moving forward. At the same time, it will prevent you from stretching yourself too thin; something we discussed, in the first point, can really bring down productivity. Of course, you also need to be able to determine when to say “yes.” There will be times when saying “no” can hurt your position. I just want you to understand that it is OK to say no sometimes.
5. Make Lists
Experts in the field of productivity tout the appeal of list making. It requires very little time, and can serve as one of your most valuable tools. I personally keep several running lists, if for nothing more than to keep tabs on my progress. However, I have found lists to be very helpful in keeping me on track. I recommend keeping several lists: the short-term to-dos and even those of a more important nature. The more you write down what it is you wish to accomplish, the more inclined you will be to remember to accomplish it. It truly is an elegant solution to a rather antiquated problem.
6. Systems, Systems, Systems
If you are at all familiar with how I like to work, you are more than aware of how much I advocate the use of systems. There is perhaps no better way to replicate success on a regular basis. Even the simplest systems, if implemented correctly, promote efficiency and allow projects to move forward with relatively little time invested. Everything from your lead generation to employee acquisitions should have a system in place. That way, you can expect the same results and efficiency the next time the task is taken on. It is also one of the easiest ways to free up your time. As your most valuable asset, having more time will essentially make you more productive; that is, as long as you are willing to do more with the time given to you.
7. Take Advantage Of The Time You Save
Productivity is essentially a means to an end. The more productive you are, the more you will get done, and thus be permitted to complete your respective task. However, many fail to realize that efficiency and productivity will result in one major consequence: more time. Should you really become more productive, you will find yourself with more time on your hands. And it is what you do with that time that will determine whether or not your productive habits were worth the investment. After all, if you aren’t going to do anything with the time you save, what’s the point?
