Focus On Relationships And Results

One definite key to success is developing better time management skills. However, it is important to understand that squeezing more activities into an already overloaded planner is not what we are talking about at all. The objective of time management is to work smarter not harder. Time management is focusing on relationships and results rather than things and time. When you think of it; relationships and results are what we have left when all else is done.

Get Things Done Quickly

Develop the habit of getting things done fast! Foster a sense of urgency! Once priorities are set and decisions made, act quickly. Develop a "do-it-now-mentality". Become known for your quick turn-around and response time. If something is important enough to be done, it is important enough to be done now. "Why wait until tomorrow for something that can be done today!?" With dependability and decisiveness you get ahead a lot faster!

Take Good Care Of Your Best Customers

According to the 80/20-rule; 80% of your business is likely to come from 20% of your top customers. Make sure to take good care of them. We know that it is easier to get more business with an existing client than to get started with a new prospect. Become your key customer’s best supplier. Be easy to do business with. Serve them well and help them see and capture new market opportunities. When you help them you will flourish.

Dress For Success

93% of our communication is non-verbal so pay attention to your exterior and your clothing. You never get a second chance to make a first impression! How you present yourself during the first few seconds is one of the most critical factors to success in selling, making a presentation or interviewing for a new job. A good rule of thumb is to always dress slightly more conservative than the occasion calls for. This way you ensure you will be among one of the best dressed in the room.

Let Thoughts Take Time

Give room for reflection and contemplation in this hectic and fast paced life. Try to schedule daily and weekly thinking time. Figure out what works best for you. Some people think best in the morning others at night. The psychologist B. F. Skinner once said: "The issue is not if machines can think but whether men can". Let your thoughts take the time they deserve.

Make Every Minute Count

Usually during a day between your other engagements, while you are standing in line, waiting or travelling, there are many small chunks of time (five to ten minutes each). When you add the time together it can easily amount to an hour a day. Use it to your advantage! Always have something to read with you or be ready to make a couple of extra phone calls. Ask yourself: "What is the best use of my time right now?"

Engage In Positive Self Talk

There is an inner dialogue going on inside our head all the time, a stream of consciousness of about one thousand five hundred words a minute. Left to itself, most people are somewhat slighted toward the negative. Your task is to interrupt this stream and make sure it is using a positive and optimistic language. Use affirmations to control your inner dialogue with positive, personal statements in present tense. "I am good! I feel fine!"