Loading...
Answers
MenuHow should entrepreneurs divide their week?
This question has no further details.
Answers


There's a bit of myth regarding time management in my view. That said, I think there are two perspectives to the answer - depending on your perspective in asking the question. If you're asking because you seem to be running out of steam before you get the work you need done in a week, I'd suggest your issue is not time management but either energy management or focus.
I've done a few blog/podcasts on this subject from that angle:
http://wisenapkin.com/2014/01/10/four-step-focus-man-dave-lakhani/
http://wisenapkin.com/2014/02/25/profit-favors-action-dave-lakhani-president-bold-approach-inc/
http://wisenapkin.com/2013/12/19/time-management-is-a-myth-michael-walsh/
On the other hand, if you feel like you work all day and are failing to get ahead on the key and important parts of your day, I'd suggest you have an issue with establishing priorities:
http://wisenapkin.com/2014/03/25/live-the-picture-jack-daly-speaker-trainer-coach-author/
http://wisenapkin.com/2014/02/18/defend-your-yes-jay-papasan-author-publisher-and-entrepreneur/
Make it a great day!
I'm a fan of Dan Sullivan's "The Time Breakthrough" as a starting point for entrepreneurial "time management".
After working with it for a while you'll find your own rhythms - the key to maximum efficiency and fulfillment.
Here's my philosophy, when you're doing something you love, that you're passionate about there never seem to be enough hours in the day...when you're not into it or passionate about it , you can't wait for the day to end. At least that's my personal experience where there can be day to variances and some days we all just need a break.
I think entrepreneurs should fit time for creativity and coming up with ideas, working on product, and making new connections into their week. Making contacts and connections is probably the most important thing...they're the most helpful. At the end of the day it's not always what you know unfortunately, it's who you know.
Then, at the end of the day you need to take time for YOU. Rest, watch a movie, sleep. That's usually when you'll get your best ideas, when you're not trying to have them.


There are an infinite number of books and articles on time management. Which method you choose is a matter of your personality, energy and industry.
Regardless, the concept of Zero Level is crucial to any entrepreneur. Every single day there are certain things that are non-optional in your business. This is your Zero Level. Once you nail your Zero Level, other action items for the week more naturally fall into place.
Read more at http://deborahtutnauer.com/entrepreneur-success-coach/zero-level/
Related Questions
-
What should an entrepreneur be spending his/her time on?
If I have to tell you only one thing: it is Distribution. Most of the entrepreneurs (including me at one point) are so obsessed with the product and adding new features to it. They completely overlooked the fact that Distributing the product is what play single most important role. Even over the quality of the product.
-
How can one create a more efficient and effective daily routine and have "time well spent" each day, to bring him closer to his goals and visions?
I would first establish my daily goals, but most importantly, I would look at myself and ask what I am doing to change my habits. I remember back in the days when i got up in the morning. After breakfast i sat down and procrastinated the whole day, scrolling at my phone. I changed that to writing on a board and timing my minutes and hours for each activity. Even your phone, you can use that technology in your favor with reminders. It helps a lot and bringing a passion also helps, like cooking, cycling. Anything that will motivate you to move also improves your health and forces you to be motivated...
-
How can I better leverage my time and master my busy schedule?
The Pomodoro method has changed my life! Whenever I'm writing or working out a creative problem, it really helps me focus on just one thing at a time. It's a simple timer that breaks down your day into 25-minute chunks (with 5-minute breaks). I use the Tomato One app on Mac OS, but there are countless others. Check it out and let me know what you think. I'd be happy to walk you through it or give some more tips if you need them. Thanks!
-
How much of a work day should be unique problem solving and what percentage is simply tasks such as following up?
It depends on your charter or mission as well as your long term vs. Short term objectives. If your mission involves a larger more expansive view - then you will need to spend a lot more time on unique problem solving that has a strong potential ROI feeding the fulfillment of the mission. It kind of boils down to ROI (return on investment) vs. risk for me: I look at the ROI and risk (opportunity cost) for almost everything that I choose to do - this helps me compare various choices for what to focus on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Having clear objectives for the month, week and year also help in selecting what percentage of time as per your question. If the solution of this problem feeds the fulfillment of your objectives vs. the solution of this problem prevents a risky situation: that may be the question to answer. I hope this helps. Feel free to interact so that I can delve into the complexities and nuances that are inevitably there.
-
How Do You Predict Where You Will Be At the End of 2014? And what is your process including use of apps for setting and achieving goals in 2014?
Hi Michael, Yes: there is a way to do this. That is the brunt of what I train business owners and professionals to do: the key is in brain science. There are a couple of points and then the basic practices: a. The brain can only handle about four items per day of high priority b. These items need to be outcome oriented: i.e. a number or observable event : not action oriented which is what most people do (if you don't the brain does a pattern mismatch and triggers a worry response) c. Create four max. long term objectives: e.g. for the year d. Ensure that daily there is some correlation between the daily outcomes and the long term objectives e. Create a mission statement, and ensure the same correlation Works very well: and I gave you the gist: however, this requires some practice and daily coaching: about 10 to 15 minutes a day for four days a week for between 3 to 6 months. We have experimented with apps, but found that email is hands down the way to get this done daily. The daily emails track the correlation, training in picking the best daily outcome, provides accountability etc. Then we train people in how to schedule into their calendars (electronic preferred with alarms set - so you don't worry about pacing - your smart phone does) using 21 Safe and Sane management tips: these are done in a way to increase flexibility : i.e. more blank space on the calendar to handle innovation time and breakdowns that inevitably occur. I am oversimplifying, but it works and we have the data and 22 years of working with thousands of clients to demonstrate Kind regards, Sunil Bhaskaran