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Four questions emerged after talking with 100 entrepreneurs about how they plan and execute their days. These four words will make you more productive because you will be more specific and intentional regarding your “get done” list.
1. What?
The first thing you need to know and plan for is what needs to be done. Many business owners get to their desks and think, “What do I need to do today?” Part of the day is spent trying to figure out what needs attention.
Instead, the productive entrepreneur plans their day the night before and is specific about the list. That way, there is no searching for what needs to be done during the work day.
In this case, “what” is meeting with “Michael” about the week’s revenue.
2. Width?
This question asks, “How much time should be given to ‘What?'” This is where the most significant breakdown comes. Most leaders have no idea how long something will take. They estimate, or more likely, block a generous portion of time that feels right.
Productive entrepreneurs treat time like money. They are stingy and greedy; to maximize it, they have to minimize time in a task. Instead of setting a meeting for an hour, they will consider who is involved and shrink the meeting to the minimum.
To become more productive, you need to guard your time and work to do as much work as possible in as little time as possible. So, if Mike is coming in to report the week’s revenue, that might need seven minutes. Exact, precise, and focused. A person with low productivity might schedule 30 minutes or even an hour.
3. When?
What time will Mike be slotted? 10:20 a.m.
An unusual practice of the hyper-productive is that they ignore common times. Like everyone else, you would think they would schedule at the top or bottom of the hour. Instead, they plan in chunks. They will hold back-to-back meetings and tasks and calls.
Schedule your work as tightly as possible, but ensure it is on the calendar. It will take some time for others to get used to it because most people are lax with time. I tend to announce the time clearly if it’s a call or a meeting: “I have 10 minutes slotted for us. I’ll keep it brief and to the point.” (That might be how I got the nickname Tick Tock.)
4. Wealth?
Finally, what’s the value or result desired from the activity? Mike will help determine if the company is on target and what adjustments must be made. He helps assess the current situation financially.
A call with a new client may lead to a $50,000 contract for your company. The goal of a local presentation might cement credibility and branding. A daily post to LinkedIn crafts your writing ability and puts you in front of hundreds of connections.
Knowing the reason behind your actions also gives you the feeling of accomplishment. You lay down at night, not wondering if you were spinning your wheels all day. You know you spend your time wisely and for specific outcomes.
Plan your days the night before by asking, “What?” “Width?” “When?” “Wealth?” You will increase your productivity and figure out the impact of your day.