I’ve always been impressed with Tiffany Lambert and her ability to write 10+ pages a day for her PLR store. Writing that many pages never came easy for me, but I have been picking up the pace lately, and surprisingly, I was able to produce five PLR articles in a single day!
Fortunately, that isn’t the only work I was able to complete; there were countless graphics, a blog installation, several Aweber opt-in pages, with the afternoon spent on blog commenting and writing a blog post. A regular F5 tornado, if I care to admit it.
What was my secret? I made it a point to stay focused and used the time wisely. Here are a few other tidbits that are important to share with you so you can follow my example:
Break It Down
Do not dwell on the bigger picture. Break your tasks into more manageable moments. Establish which of the elements on your list are crucial to finish first, and then set out to get them done. (Hint: always choose the moneymakers first!)
Collaborate Your Efforts
If you are researching content, pool your resources. If I know I want to write more than one article a day, I work on a series rather than a single topic at a time. This makes it easier to research keywords without the need to switch back and forth from one program to another.
Know Your Limitations
I would be a fool to think I could get five articles written while the partner is in the home. Instead, I save the intensive writing moments for when he is at work, running errands, or sleeping! Otherwise, I choose to work on less rigorous activities.
Choose the Best Time
There are certain times of the day when my brain is more active (and prone to efficiency) than other times. I cannot start typing away until I am awake. I am a “I need my coffee” kind of girl and at least 30 minutes to become alert.
Strangely, I can work until the wee hours of the morning with more brainpower than any other time of the day. Naturally, this is a time when the partner is sleeping. I cannot fathom the switch that takes place, but I refuse to overlook the creative moments, regardless of when they happen!
Block Out Distractions
I have said it many times – I cannot work when radio is blasting or television noises are creeping up the staircase. I need pure silence! I will shut down the browser windows, except for what I need to conduct my keyword research.
I cannot sit here and type while the Facebook “ding” is taking place in the background or my telephone rings. Anything I can do to block the room from outside noises is beneficial in keeping my focus where it needs to stay – on the work in front of me!
While I’m 100% certain my strategies won’t work for everyone, you might want to try them on for size and see how well they work for you. Who knows, there could be a golden nugget in here that will help you work more efficiently, too!
Which time management strategy will you try? Leave a comment and let me know!
Thanks for reading,
– Bonnie
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Hi, Bonnie …
There are some great tips here … and I will certainly keep them in focus for managing my time. One of my problems, though, is that I have an insatiably curious mind – so when I start reading and researching subjects, I can get so immersed in the enthusiasm of learning, before I know it hours have passed and although I’ve been thoroughly entertained for my efforts, I haven’t really produced anything. And then, to meet my deadline, I have to hurry and cobble something together.
I think that’s why I prefer to write op-ed pieces … so that I can just write stream-of-consciousness narrative, and for the most part, speak what’s on my heart.
For my blog, op-eds seem to work well … for clients, however, I have to always battle the clock – and my hungry mind – in order to deliver to specifications … so thanks for these tips.
cheers,
/L.
Oh my gosh, I though I was the only one who found herself deep in research. “How far does the rabbit hole go, Alice?” That’s how I feel sometimes on the Net. Always immersed in something new to learn, right?
Time management is such a big issue with many online entrepreneurs. I find that many of us suffer from the same setbacks – most surrounded by the lack of time, which is why I wrote another message today on how to gain better focus. I hope it helps you and others along the way!
Good advice, sometimes it’s hard to organize and follow through. It takes discipline and resolve.
Easier said than done at times, too! 🙂
How do you handle your time, Tracey? Are there days when everything seems out of whack and you can’t keep up? What do you do in times like that?
Bonnie,
I’ve bookmarked this page because one day really soon I’m gonna do something about my woeful time management habits.
I seriously need to address that, and I’m convinced it’s a major reason why I take so long to do things – project-wise that is.
A great post with a terrific message Bonnie. Well done girl !
All the best,
Paul
Thanks Paul!
Time management seems to be a BIG issue among Internet marketers, doesn’t it?
How is the relaunch of your site coming along?
Hey Bonnie,
whoops, sorry for the late reply. It’s going well thank you. And yet there are the inevitable delays. Mainly caused because I can’t get to talk to substantial JV partners without booking a time slot, which in turn means a fortnights delay.
It’d better be worth it in the end – lol
Seems to me like you have a good head on those shoulders. You can do it, Paul! 🙂
I think I’m like you Bonnie, I work better at silly o’clock at night than in the day. Unfortunately, clients work days (and mornings urgh) and I have found I can’t do both.
So still useless at time management – I reach the point where I switch everything off and just knuckle down. I envy your ability to sit and write (and Tiff’s 10 articles without blinking!) – not me and probably will never be, I just don’t have the patience to sit with one thing at a time for hours!
Great tips 🙂
Last night was no exception! Full moon and all, I couldn’t sleep! I went to bed at 2 A.M. and back up again st 4:14 A.M. – needless to say, I didn’t fight it! LMAO
Meh… you can “speak the articles” if that’s what it takes to crank out 5-10 a day. You can talk! 🙂
Closing down everything other than what I’m working on would be a good one as distraction is my number 1 enemy!
Consider this a reminder. 🙂
Ha! I was SO freaking happy today to stop and breathe and pop in here since life’s been so hectic and there’s my name.
Loved your post Bonnie. For me, I just have to go with the flow. Whatever I can get done, whenever I can get it done – works for me. Others need regimented schedules.
Missed you!!
((hugs))
Your name is always floating around somewhere on this blog, girlfriend! LMAO
Miss you, too!
Time management – well, I thought I had a handle on it. I just woke up to 52 comments on the blog. OMG – how do you handle stuff like that on an already tight schedule? 🙂
Distractions are my problem so what I have trained myself to do now is to write down the item that came into my head (whilst I was working) on to a separate sheet of paper – for later “to do’s” and carry on working on my current project – this way I’ve recorded the thought that came to me so I know I’ll be reminded to do it when I take a look at that list later. It frees up my mind allowing me to focus better and get things done. Thank you for sharing your ideas on time management!
Moira, this is something that others should consider doing, too! I often hear that people are struggling because they can’t seem to stay focused, but you sound like you’ve got it under control!
I like writing ideas down, along with how I want to approach the writing so I remember how to implement the idea later. Do you do that too?
I am so like you in the sense that I function or write best late late at night. I have always been that way…. but more so since I changed career paths. In most cases, even if I wanted to shut off my brainpower and sleep it doesnt usually happen, OR it’s a restless sleep which is never satisfying. So like you.. I usually listen to the creative or allow that creative energy to flow.. no matter the time.
Unlike you.. I need background music or some sort of distraction. I get bored or tied otherwise 🙂
Either late at night or first thing in the morning works for me. Lately, I’ve found that I can start writing while enjoying my Tim Horton’s, and blog while it’s super quiet in the house.
Once the partner awakes and interrupts, the creativity goes out the window. LOL
Good tips Bonnie, many of which I also use. I particularly like what you said about writing a series instead of just one article. This is something I need to do more of, because it gets you in the “zone” and saves time on research compared to doing it all at different times.
I’m so loving your series on the “content” and how to know what to write and for whom!
I intend to get over there to finish reading and commenting on the rest, too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ruth!
Good tips, Bonnie!
I work best if I sit down first thing in the morning and start writing. Skip email, skip social media, even skip me time. But, do I do that? Not often enough. LOL
I can work with certain music blasting, heavy metal like Iron Maiden and Skid Row, but I’ve trained myself to do that. I can’t work well with the TV on, but am training myself to. I can’t work with other people talking in the room, so the coffee shop is out of the question. I tried that online coffitivity or something like that, and that noise just irritates me. I don’t like being in crowds because all that “chatter” just throws me for a loop—even if I’m not working.
The exception to that last bit is going to a bar when hubby is playing. The music over-rides everything and I’m usually taking pics or videos, so I’m kind of off in my own world still.
Today, I’m supposed to be getting myself mentally prepared for the work week and instead, I’ve been at FB and reading blog posts, but that’s okay, you got a new comment. All is good. 😉
Like you, I work best in the AM the second I wake up with my cup of coffee.
It’s funny how I can work with the Coffivity.com working in the background, but I can’t work while someone is standing next to me, chattering.
I LOVE being out where there’s a band; although, I’ve never tried to work while listening to one. Now taking pictures is a different story! That’s not work – that’s having a blast! 🙂
LOL @ the new comment. I thank you for taking the time, but if I am keeping you from working, I’ll need to get out my bigger boots! LOL
Hi Bonnie,
You are so right!!! These are great tips and ideas for time management. I would’ve never thought I could write a blog post every day BUT I have been. It’s amazing what you can do when you are focused, right?
Thanks again for sharing
Power Coach Alishia
http://Www.Livemylifefree.Com
Absolultey, Alishia. FOCUS is very important if you want to get ahead as an Internet marketer and/or entrepreneur.
Sometimes I feel like a scolding mother because I hammer the point home so often. ROFL
When is the best time for you to write your blog post? Do you do it in the evening before it’s posted or do you post it the same day you write it?
I really agreed with your suggestion about blocking out time without outside distractions such as answering our phones, email, or even taking the dog outside!
When I am writing an article about divorce, I set aside a 4-5 hour time block so that I can research it, write it, edit it and publish it all in one afternoon.
I love the idea that you take 4-5 hours to do one article. How long does the article end up being after all that time? Is it something you submit to a magazine?
Most of my articles about divorce and co-parenting strategies are between 700-1500 words and I post them on sites such as lifethrudivorce.com, divorcedmoms.com, vibrantnation.com and several LinkedIn groups about divorce.
Recently, I was able to start getting articles published on Huffington Post which is REALLY exciting!
That’s amazing, Nancy! Congratulations for getting your articles accepted into the Huffington Post!
Hopefully, you gain some wonderful feedback by having your content published on authority websites! Have you seen a rise in traffic by being published there?
Blocking out distractions although I really do think I’m the distraction some time – great post and loved reading it something I needed to focus on more Thank you Bonnie 🙂 xxxx
You’re not alone, Kelly. I’ve asked Facebook fans what they thought their biggest struggle was (being an online entrepreneur) and most answered time management and staying focused.
I can certainly attest to having issues with both, from time to time, but I am slowly getting a handle on both. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll find the “happy place” that works for you, too!
Great post Bonnie!
Time management is so important. I am still working on it. But I think each day I am improving my time management skills. It takes time. Especially if you get into the habit of not working.
10 + pages a day. Wow. I really need to write more.
As an online entrepreneur, how can one get into the habit of NOT working!? What is one doing besides working, I wonder? Playing games? Reading posts? 🙂
Hello there.
I really like what you said. Time management is so important. You want to be with it and at your best even if you are at home.
I wish I could write more than one article in a day but that is not easy as I also work out of the home.
You have good information here. Thank You for sharing.
Lisa
What type of work are you doing at home, Lisa?
Hi Bonnie
I enjoyed that. I see what you mean about it being more time-effective to write a pack of articles rather than just one in a day.
I set myself 5-6 tasks each day, which genererally works. The only time it doesn’t is when a task takes longer than I intended. I don’t count working with clients as “tasks”!
Shan
Even if I schedule 30 minutes and it looks like it will take longer, I move on to the next task. I reschedule the one I didn’t finish and work on something else.
This allows you to stay on schedule and gives each of your tasks “adequate time” and attention.
I loved this post and, most especially, how you broke down your tips into actionable pieces. Knowing one’s work-style, energy high points, and tempting distractions are some really excellent keys to productivity. And then the biggest key is taking action to put what you know into practice! Really appreciate your informative and inspiring post.
Thanks Paula. It’s important that we keep track of my time because knowing where it gets wasted is half the battle!
How do you do it? What is your biggest time-saving tip?
Great advice, thank you
Thanks Karen! Which of the time management strategies did you like the best and which one will you implement over the next week?