Taming the Time Thieves

As a culture, we are busy. We have technologies that allow us to stay connected to our business even when we are supposed to be taking a vacation. We multi-task, and as a result of our increased efficiencies, we are busier than ever and have trouble finding time to “fit it all in.” One of the biggest barriers to finding enough time to fit in the most important things in life are those people and things that steal away what precious time you have available. In order to be productive we must eliminate those time wasters and focus on things that help us move closer to our goals. I call this process “Taming the Time Thieves”.

If you follow the following five suggestions, you will find you have more control over your day—and you will get more accomplished!

1. The chatting syndrome. Conversations (“chit-chatting”) with co-workers, friends, family and neighbors can happen anytime, anywhere, in person, by phone or even via the Internet. These chats can be worthwhile—sharing ideas, catching up on old times, talking about fun things you each have in common—but the reality is that frequently these chats do nothing but steal huge chunks of time from your day. Keeping in touch with friends and family is, of course, a good thing, but yapping endlessly about not-so-important things is a real time thief, especially if it saps your time for either necessary or more desirable pursuits. Give yourself reasonable limits as to the amount of time you will spend chatting. If you are stuck with a rambler, politely say, “I've got to go”…and do it.

 

2. The E-mail Black Hole. If every time you open your e-mail it is cluttered with many Fwd: blah, blah, blah e-mail messages or other junk mail and you hate working your way through them, get off the forwarding lists! Many times it is people who have less time available than you (or who don't know how to handle their time) who will forward virtually every e-mail they get to a long list of "e-mail buddies”—and one way to control this is to either set up a non-business email account to receive those emails at (johndoe@yahoo.com)—or ask to be removed from those mailing lists all together.  Seriously, are those jokes SO funny that you have to read every one of them? Also, never get trapped “surfing” the Internet. That can suck a couple of hours out of your day in a hurry!  It’s ok and important to answer your business email quickly, but save the others for evenings or weekends when you can deal with the other personal things in your life.

 

3. Clients from Hades. Sorry, but this is real and every agent knows what I am talking about. Sure, we love our clients, but you and I both know that some clients can suck every waking moment out of you. You have to know who’s the boss. You are! (I know, sometimes it feels like every new client is the boss!) Your buyer’s agents have experienced the dread of showing a dozen homes to “Lookie Lou” only to discover they couldn’t make a buying decision if their life depended on it. Your accountant, doctor, dentist or insurance agent  are not available every waking moment of every day, why should you be?  Pre-qualify each buyer and make sure you have a buyer’s agreement.  This first step will let them know you are serious about your business.  Then set their expectations as to how you will work with them up front and what you expect from them as you show homes.

 

4. Dumpers.  Ever heard these words? "You handle it." It may be a spouse, a relative, a co-worker, or a child, but YOU become the dumping ground. When you hear "I don't want to do/don't know how to do it," and the "dumper" is fully capable, you need to take control. Unless you bounce back those things that truly can be handled by others, the dumping will continue (or worse, if there is no objection from you, intensify). They are not going to stop if you don't protest! Speaking of which, it might be time for you to hire a good assistant to take over some of your more menial tasks.

 

5. Technology. Technology is a double-edged sword. There is no doubt that you need it—as a Realtor it can do more to free up time in your day than just about anything else—but you have to have a strategy for learning it and using it. That’s one of the reasons why I emphasize learning one new thing each day with your technology, then shut off your computer and go to work.  Technology is not supposed to be all-consuming; it’s just one of the many priorities that needs to be fitted into your day.

 

By eliminating your time thieves and time wasters you will find more time every day to focus on the more important things in your life, like family, friends, faith, fitness, and of course your finances.  

© Verl Workman, Pinnacle Quest Consulting 2010

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