And just like that we’re back! If you missed part 1 of of these 10 tips on how to increase your productivity just click the link.
Before we venture into the last 5 tips I want you to examine where you are in your process of creating your vision of success for yourself.
Are you on task with the dreams and goals you have set for yourself this year or are you struggling to find your center and get started?
Before you can really learn how to increase your productivity you need to understand where you are going. You need to know what your are objectives are. This requires planning as well as dedication in execution before you can achieve success. The good news is you can share our story along the way. You have the ability to empower others when you are empowered and have the call to serve.
The keywords here are planning and action. Quick story to relieve the information overload…
I was in a seminar where I learned about the information suck zone. It’s when you decide to take the action first and find the information you need to make it happen later. For instance, when a I help a client work though a challenge we agree on the work and action item…then we agree on what the exact piece of information is that they need to complete the goal…no more and no less is required. And we agree on not moving to the next step until the first step is completed.
So why does this help you increase your productivity? Easy…it funnels only the information required to complete the job. You literally suck in the right information you need. You avoid the rest! Now keep that frame of reference as you work through the rest of the quick tips on how to increase your productivity.
10 Quick Tips To Increase Your Productivity Part 1
If you have followed along from the previous post and are keep score you have 50 possible points. The next set of 5 tips are scored the same. Score yourself on a scale of 1-10. 1. Being “I have no clue on what you are talking about.” To 10 being “I am a master at this and could teach a 6 month college course on this one tip alone.”
#5 Increase Your Productivity by Mastering Time Management
We have covered the concept of giving your action items a time reference as well as noting when you are you most productive. Now we want to look at time management as more of a success mindset principle rather than being a slave to a day timer.
- Becoming a master at anything requires know the concept inside and out. Right now my kids are watching Star Wars in the other room. The analogy of how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader is perfect to represent the slight edge principle.
- The transformation didn’t happen over night. Step by step…decision by decision…action by action and slowly Anakin turned to the dark side but at the same time MASTER a certain set of skills.
- No different that mastering anything. A decision, plan and action. What you need are the skills to keep yourself on track when you fall off the “increase your productivity” wagon sort of speak. First you set up time management policies. These could be setting time aside for your daily activities, keeping a clean organized work area as well as limiting as many distractions as possible.
- Then you implement these policies on a daily basis. When you find yourself off track you make the corrections to get back on. At first you will catch yourself after you have strayed off the bath. Then you will catch yourself as you are straying off. Then you will start to catch yourself as you are thinking of straying off the path.
Train yourself to notice these slight changes and celebrate the wins of keeping yourself accountable to time management policies.
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on your mastery of time management.
#6 Increase Your Productivity by Owning the Day
Some days you just have to be in reaction mode or defense mode for you sport enthusiasts. But most of the time we can be in offense. In fact we can still be in offense mode while life trips us up.
- I heard a story recently of a big time famous marketer in Amway who was putting on large events. These events were held in stadiums and collusiems. So you know they were huge. A week prior to one event (mind you tickets were bought reservations made…the whole works) they were forced to change locations. The secretary who took the call was in a panic. The leader who was putting on the events simply said start calling around…it will work out.
- At the end of the day i want you to be able to say “I owned the day.” it doesn’t matter if you were reactive or proactive. We always want the later, but sometimes it is what it is. Don’t let the day get the best of you. When you get the best of the it…you are increasing your productivity immensely!
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on how well you own the day.
#7 Increase Your Productivity by Being Your Best Self
Now we’re getting to something new. Something I’ve been wanting to share for a while… “YOUR BEST SELF”
- I was at a weekend retreat / training seminar (live events is where the magic takes place) with a powerful mid 7 figure earner. He was the first to teach me how to identify your best self. I was intrigued with the concept of being able to do AND have a conversation with my best self to really dive deep into what works well for me and what doesn’t. Now before you run down and comment on how freaky this sounds bear with me a sec.
- Have you ever read the book “Think And Grow Rich?” Napoleon Hill talks about having a mastermind with some of the greatest men he has come to know. In chapter 14 “The Sixth Sense” Napoleon shares his nightly habit of reshaping his character by envisioning a meeting with his “invisible counselors.”
- Napoleon imagined holding conversations with these men as he wrestled with thoughts and concepts that would ultimately change his thinking patterns. In his mind they were the best of the best and that’s who he wanted to hang with. What if YOU could do the same?
- Think of 5 of the most important areas of your life. For me it’s; spirituality, family, health, wealth, & giving back. Yours could be anything you want. Now think of one person per each area of your life that you hold in the highest regard for that area. These are people of the utmost caliber in the 5 most important areas of your life.
Now imagine bringing all 5 members of YOUR COUNCIL together anytime you wish to cover a specific issue. How would you act? What would you say? How would you feel? We’ll cover this more in an upcoming post of how to be your best self…but needless to say, a council like that could help you increase your productivity, don’t you think?
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on being your best self
#8 Increase Your Productivity by Understand What To Leverage
Have you heard the terms…O.P.M Other People’s Money & O.P.T. Other People’s Time. What about this one… “I would have 1% of 100 people’s efforts than 100% of my own.”
This wont be as deep as tip #7, but as for the best way to increase your productivity is by leverage. And knowing what to leverage is critical.
- In the online marketing world we have tools called systems. System that help us with lead generation, product exposure and sales. These systems are called funnels and just like the offline world they help your business grow. In addition there are tools for growing your brand; like blogs, social media platforms and communities.
- But here’s the rub. If you do not know what your end game is or why you need these tools they do nothing for you. I continue to see bloggers craft some amazing content, but they don’t offer a way for me to share it. I’ve opted into dozens of lists but I have only been welcomes by a few. I have seem social media sites plastered with that persons opportunity of the month, but have not been engaged into conversation.
- All these items are tools…tools to further your brand and exposure, and even attract people to you.
But without understanding what purpose AND limitations of these tools you could be stuck just trying to get out of the gate. PEOPLE are the greatest commodity. Build your relationships and allow your business to prosper. There is no need to hide behind your avatar or blog. Make those connections and make them count.
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on your connection skills
#9 Increase Your Productivity by Just Saying No
Could no be the new yes for you…lets see. Have you ever bought a product and not used it? Do you have self help books that you still have yet to crack the spine on? CD’s DVD’s, Ebooks, Books, Tapes, Membership sites, unused back link packages, unread emails from list owners?
This could go on and the more it does the more distracted we are. And distractions is what we’re eliminating by saying no.
- You my friend…just like me and just about everyone else has suffered from “SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME.” This deadly form of SOS has tripped up many a marketer. But there is a cure…
- Just say no. Easier said than done sometimes. Now I’m not saying don’t buy any book or cd or information product. just ask yourself… 1) Is that product is going to help you get to the most pressing goal right now. 2) Am I going to use that product right now.
- When we fall in love with a sales page or extra bonuses on a special offer we have been bit by the SOS bug. The best pages are written extremely well, but only YOU know if that product will move you closer to your goal or not. And sometimes all those extra bonuses that sound good are just more distractions.
- If you are interested in that next product or service look for bonuses where people offer their time. It probably wont be from the big guru, but someone offering their time to help you work through the learning curve of that product is usually worth a lot more than extra bonuses.
You can also say no to those email lists that you are subscribed to that don’t serve you anymore. If you open less than 50% of their emails then you might want to rethink that subscription. You also might want to limit yourself to 3-5 lists if email is taking up to much of your time.
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on how well you say no to S.O.S.
#10 Increase Your Productivity By F.O.C.U.S.
Follow One’s Course Until Successful ! ! !
The sum of all these tips should help you increase your productivity. The plan you lay out is your own, but you do not have to walk it alone. Build the relationships and leverage the collaboration of like minded people.
Scorecard: Rate yourself on a score of 1-10 on how well you stay on course.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
P.S. Now leave a comment for the community and share any pearls of wisdom on how you were able to increase your productivity!
I love these tips you shared Ken.
I got down to the “your best self” and it reminded me of Joel Osteen’s book, “Live Your Best Life Now”. It reminded me a lot of some of the things he also shared in his book so I definitely could relate to what you were sharing. I also had to chuckle really because I have conversations with my future self. Oh yeah, I really do. It’s mostly when I’m doing my meditation and that’s a story in itself but she sets me straight a LOT!!!
I got down to #9 and I could definitely relate to this. I shut myself off last year actually and told myself no more buying. If it was something I felt I had to have right then and there and I could put the time aside to read it or participate then I’d do it. If not and I didn’t feel it would benefit me at that very moment, I don’t care how great it sounds, I’ll pass. We all can just overdo it at times and that’s really no good for us in the long haul.
Great tips Ken and I don’t think I scored a 100 but It was definitely about 75. Not too shabby my friend so thanks for sharing these with us.
Enjoy your week.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Become An Engagement Superstar
Adrienne,
I’ll have to check that book out. I went through a training class and subsequent webinars over this as well learning your values and rules. Powerful stuff! Glad to know about your conversations with your future self. I’ve been working on “my best self” and it’s a trip sometimes telling myself things I already know but need to hear…you know?
So no “Shiny” syndrome for you huh? That’s awesome. it’s amazing what we can come up with when we dig into our own creativity and not always leverage other people’s. You right about over doing it…most marketers never learn how to be self sustaining.
As far as the score goes…I figured you would be at the top! Thanks for your comments and I hope you’re having a great week as well.
Ken
My two favorites are (1) Time management and (2) saying NO! Those are always the ones that present the biggest challenges for me. I set up my daily to-dos with all the best intentions and somehow 5PM always comes before I have a chance to figure out what day of the week it is! Thanks for reminding us that it’s a step-by-step process and there’s always time to redirect and get back on track.
As for saying no… the karmic starts must have aligned, Ken, because I just wrote about the shiny object problem today! It’s so easy to see something new and think “Wow, gotta try that!” And it becomes a total time suck. I’m totally with you!
Carol Lynn Rivera recently posted..The Internet Marketing Challenge: How To Avoid Your “Ooooh, Shiny!” Moment And Stay Focused On Results
Carol,
Those are two big areas to master for sure. My weakness is saying no…i must be a closet “just say no” kind of person. But I’m working on it. the time management aspect of adding a time table and time limit for action items has really help[ed me to get things done.
I’ve left a comment on your post and “Shiny object syndrome and yes the alignment was all there! What other time management tips would you recommend to new people just starting out in their business?
Ken
Write it down!! That’s the best advice I can give. Action items are your best friends. Decide what needs to be done then write it down and do it. In the “write it down” department, mindmaps are also great. They can help you organize and prioritize. I find that if I write all my projects down onto something like index cards, then list out the action items for each, I can tack them onto a wall or board in a general hierarchy of priority. And move them around when I need to.
Putting a time limit on things is a catch 22 for me. If I limit myself I avoid getting stuck in one thing, but I also lose some momentum if I switch tasks mid-stream. I think it’s important to just be conscious of your time. It’s usually not good to start work then look up and realize it’s 6PM. So if you’re going to get engrossed in one thing all day, that’s ok, so long as you’re mindful of where you are in the day.
Carol Lynn Rivera recently posted..5 Completely Avoidable Marketing Mistakes That You Can Correct Right Now
Carol,
So agree! Writing things down like to dos, thoughts for blog posts, life lessons is a great way to reduce stress on the brain and trying to remember that cool idea you were going to share. I have used mind maps as well. Great for big projects.
All good points about the time limit thing. I’ve found it helps me to not get to over loaded with action items for the day. But then there are times when i write a post that I just get carried away.
Ken
Hey Ken! This is a master blog my friend. I like #7 – Being Your Best Self because that is where you need to prioritize who and what you are giving to. My spirituality is number one because whatever I do it is because of that dogma. My family is important and I have to create the time for all of them. Then my business. That is where I can create and that is part of my being. Giving with no expectations is what I do. Everything else falls into place living this way. I have the “faith” that things will work out and they do.
I do have to work on #9 – Saying NO! I do have my blinders on, but sometimes I fall into a trap, which takes me off course.
This is a great series you have done Ken. This is why I refer to you as a leader!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Thanks for the awesome comments Donna I’m glad you liked it and I appreciate you stopping by.
# 7 is my favorite as well. I have more ideas for posts around this topic and always welcome your input. it’s amazing to me when we can see ourselves better than we see ourselves. Sounds confusing i know but there is where the mindset comes in.
How do we usually see ourselves? Human instinct shows as faults first. People need to be empowered to see their strengths first. and looking at themselves with the right mindset WILL make all the difference. It’s just a mind shift. Oh man I feel that post coming on already!
Anyway thanks again for the comments and I hope your having an amazing week.
Ken
Hey Ken, great series!
I especially resonate with Tips 8 and 9. As you know, I’m a pretty busy guy and leveraging my time is non-negotiable. One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is by leveraging OTHER PEOPLE’s time, skills, and efforts. It’s the basis of what you’ve taught for years — tribe syndication. It’s very powerful, but certainly not a one way street. You must be prepared to give to the other person that which you ask (if that makes any sense).
The other tip — just saying NO — is something I struggle with on an ongoing basis. But I understand that I must get into the practice of saying no to something that won’t directly move me towards my goals. I need to make every second count towards my business, and saying no is a big step in that process.
Thanks for these productivity tips…. sharing within my social circles, for sure!
Dr. Bob Clarke recently posted..Experts Speak: How to Stand Out From the Masses and Build Your Brand Online
Thanks Bob for your amazing insight.
i couldn’t agree more that we need to make every second count. As entrepreneurs we know that leverage is key. We invest in ourselves and in our business. The moment we start to outsource and understand what we can leverage (in a good way of course) we become more business minded. Nothing wrong with that at all!
As far as the blinders go…This is one of my weaknesses…But like I just said, one I’m working on. I’m finding that we can go deeper within and tap into our core when we start to move away from the latest and start creating the greatest! Ha…bet you didn’t know I was a poet huh?
Ken
Great post Ken. So much information. I will need to read this again to take it all in. Think I scored very low on a number of categories.
Madonna
Madonna recently posted..Glass Half Empty
Thanks for stopping by Madonna.
This was a pretty packed post for sure. It’s a bit much but one that started taking on a life of it’s own. Let me know what areas you would be interested in working on. Maybe we can collaborate on a few things.
Ken
Another great post to finish up the series. I love the idea of saying no to buying. I like to buy things because I like to watch the sales process and see other peoples funnels to help make my own better. However, then I get cranky that I have something I am not using. I’ve cut back big time, especially on the silly WSO phenomenon. If you don’t know what that is I don’t want to tell you so you don’t get sucked in
What I really also appreciate is your advise to clean up your lists and unsubscribe. I have been doing that lately. I can always get back on a list later if I want. It isn’t a final final think to unsubscribe.
I am reading a book right now: “How to Get Super Rich in The Opportunity Market” and some of the market research is to get on every list possible to learn what other are doing. Subconsciously that is what I’ve done over the years. Now I have enough Swipe information that I can remove myself from those lists and still create great content.
When it comes to productivity I think it helps to put one habit into practice and then the next. If you are just getting used to writing out your weekly schedule, then go ahead and do that for a few weeks until it becomes a habit, then add the next thing. Just like anything else, learn and implement one thing at a time.
Just my .02
VaNessa
VaNessa Duplessie recently posted..What Keeps You Positive?
VaNessa,
I like to see what the sales process is as well. I’ve purchased a few smaller products just for that reason. Watching what others do or don’t do is a great way to sharpen your own sales process. I have to laugh when you mention WSO’s. I think I have a hard drive full of reports, manifestos and ebooks. A few of them are pretty good, but eventually they all sound the same. I can’t blame them though…everyone has to start somewhere. But if you really want to see how a sales page is written to attract a crowd, look at the WSO of the day.
I also jumped on everyone’s list at one time or another. But there is something freeing when you figure you know enough to move yourself. Your point on making one habit stick then work on another is spot on. that would lend to the focus section for sure.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great weekend.
Ken
Hey Ken,
Wow, what a detailed explanation on how to get more organized you have here:) I have not read the part one, because, it’s my first time here, as a matter of fact, but I will. I had to laugh at your “shinny object syndrome”. It’s so true, we all have it to some degree. You’re right, those sales page are great and work well. Heck, even though I how they are written and why I may still fall for them once in a while. But, joking aside, you are right, we need to be adult and know what we do need and what we don’t and learn how to say NO.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Avoid The Snares Of Perception
Well since it’s your first time here…let me welcome you and say thanks for stopping by! Not all of my posts are this big. I just got carried away.
Seems like saying no to “shiny stuff” get the best of us right? But it is a matter of finding out what we need right now that will move us forward. I’m all for learning but now am more educated enough to know I don’t need it all…AND what ever I do need is already out there.
What other tips on time management have you found to be affective?
Ken
I think we need to turn off FB 3 hrs a day and our productivity will increase to the roof
Sergio Carvallo-Multinivel recently posted..Eres Parte del Grupo de los 1200 en Multinivel?
Sergio,
Thanks for stopping by. You’re right on the money with that one. We all need to notice where our time wasters are and take action to limit them. What other time management tips do you use?
Ken
Hi Ken,
Wow, a lot of good stuff here on increasing productivity. I think I need to read it again.
I don’t like spending a lot of time on the learning part of a new task so I also “just do it” and then figure it out from there.
I was once a shiny object guy too but now I only get what I am certain that I will use.
Justin Mazza recently posted..Do Spiritual People Get Angry and Show Other Negative Emotions
Justin,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. This post did go a bit long, but I wanted to get it out there. Glad to see another fan of the “just do it” motto. I showed that Art Williams video to my wife. So every time I get a little cranky over a project she politely reminds me…”Just do it.”
From one recovering “Shiny object guy to another…I hope you’re having an awesome week.
Ken
Hi again Ken,
and this second part is even more interesting to me than the first part.
For each #, and especially for the 10th:
#10 Increase Your Productivity By F.O.C.U.S.
Follow One’s Course Until Successful ! ! !
I love that, and that is one of my boggest fight so far: focus! the only way I got to do it is : DO IT!
Inspired by a recent post of our friend Dean .
Aloha!
Brigitte Charlon recently posted..THE NETWORK MARKETER “HELP EVERYONE “ DISEASE
Hi Ken,
#6, WOW! Love statements like these, forces you to be in your face, with you.
Either you own the day or you float around aimlessly, like a ship without a rudder. You choose.
I set up time blocks and work off of them. I also own stuff that comes my way. If I encounter a low energy person, I own the situation, and instead of wasting my time, debating, and fighting, I release them instantly.
Take full responsibility for your life, and day, and awesome things happen for you.
Thanks for sharing Ken!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Cash Gifting Tip – 4 Clear Steps to Shorten Your Learning Curve by 1 Full Year
Ryan,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on the post. I’m glad you liked it!
Yes owning the day is powerful. Stay in control of what happens around you and you’ll start to attract those things that can only help move you forward. I love releasing people form their negative influence. I once told someone “thank you anyway but I don’t accept your gift of negativity” and walked away.
Needless to say it was the hardest thing to say as I don’t like hurting people’s feelings and that was the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. But it was the most liberating as well.
How does setting up blocks of time work for you?
Ken
Hi Ken,
I’m getting here a little late, sorry for that.
Things have been moving so quickly in my life and business that I’ve been making some relatively “late rounds” because everything else has been a triage-queue!
I think this 2nd installment on increasing productivity was well worth the wait!
These are some fantastic perspectives. At the core of this, you’ve shown how it’s a level of personal accountability for all that we experience which drives it all. The concept of bringing forward one’s “best self” is something I connect to on a very deep level. This access point is the only authentic point we may work from to achieve lasting success, in my opinion!
If I were hard pressed to pick my “big 2″ I’m going to have to go with #s 9 & 10.
I’m such a “yes person” that at times I have gotten in my own way, thus creating issues with FOCUS! I’m much more aware of this now than I used to be (thank goodness) and it has allowed me to make some better choices as to how I prioritize my time expenditures.
I’m looking forward to seeing how you adapt this series, Ken. My detective’s nose and intuitions tell me that this is the tip of a killer product to come!
Great stuff!
Cat
Cat Alexandra recently posted..Internet Marketing Myths Exposed!
Thanks Ken for tips!
Productivity is very important part of success and if you struggle and can’t get everything done on time or even faster and postpone everything while wasting your time on things that doesn’t matter you won’t achieve anything.
One more thing I like to do to boos my overall productivity is outsourcing many tasks to cheap labor on 3rd world countries. So you can get rid of tasks you don’t like and takes much time while you can concentrate effort on things that adds most value.
Steven recently posted..Vocabulary Level E Answers
Hi Ken,
I just stumbled onto this blog on my “rounds” today. I’ve owned today already just from learning about the information suck.
I like how you interweave stories into the tips. Narrative that evokes emotion is so powerful, and in my opinion, probably *the* most powerful way to deliver information you want retained.
On to my productivity hacks: when I plan, I do it down to a well-defined, ready to be done task. That way, when I’m working my way through the week and hit those walls of little energy and no creativity, I just pick the next thing off the list and do it.
I call it VA time – the thinking and decision making has already been done, and I’m just working through the mechanics. It works and keeps me productive when I’m not feeling particularly inspired.
Excellent series – thank you.
Dee
Dee Ankary recently posted..The Secret Of A Successful Blueprint
Excellent tips indeed! No ones want a lower productivity in a daily work. this is great reminder to us..thanks for the share.
Becca recently posted..Hello world!
One has to learn and constantly learn the new things that are there at the work place to increase productivity. Keep good relations with the staff, management and junior level employees. One must have the ability to accept a mistake, because when one is in a position to accept a mistake then only he is prepared to learn.
I am in a continuous battle to increase my productivity. Nevertheless, I really think I have to improve my time management and to define better my short term and long term goals. I will try to use your tips to improve my results, even though it’s easier to say it than do it.
Jack Sander recently posted..How to bend drywall
Solid stuff here Ken!
I think that great productivity begins always from inside – by knowing yourself (strengths, weaknesses) and then trying to leverage as much strengths as possible. Also, knowing your why helps quite a bit on your journey too!
Cheers,
Timo
Timo,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, knowing your why is huge factor towards your personal success journey. And in my opinion it needs to be big! Bigger than just paying the bills or taking a vacation. If we can each find that cause…that purpose for really helping others than all our needs can be met.
But what happens after we have enough? What happens after we have reached our goals…then what? This is where the bigger cause comes into play. A movement! But that’s another story for another time.
What is your why?
Ken
Well … I’m very passionate about time management and productivity, so my “why” is to become a go-to person in that field.
I love to learn new ways to become productive, but also teach others through my blog how to do the same.
It took me some time to figure out my “why” and my passion, but the time spent on doing self-analysis and finding my purpose has been worth it!
Cheers,
Timo
Timo Kiander recently posted..PSD Video Tip #7: How to Stop Procrastinating on Small Tasks by Using Momentum
Hi Ken!
This is a great blog my friend. I like #7 – Being Your Best Self because that is where you need to prioritize who and what you are giving to. My spirituality is number one because whatever I do it is because of that dogma. It is important and that I have to create the time for all of them. Then my business. That is where I can create and that is part of my being. Giving with no expectations is what I do. Everything else falls into place living this way. I have the “faith” that things will work out and they do.
Was,
Thank you for sharing. Being your best self is a relative new concept (with in the past year) that I have taken a strong liking to. It just makes sense to find out who you really can become and create. I’m actually enjoying the process as I stretch myself to grow even more.
I love the personal attitude you have for yourself. Have you been working on this for a while?
Ken
#11: Get off Facebook!
“At the end of the day i want you to be able to say “I owned the day.” it doesn’t matter if you were reactive or proactive. We always want the later, but sometimes it is what it is. Don’t let the day get the best of you. When you get the best of the it…you are increasing your productivity immensely!” – I completely agree!! I love that “feeling” of accomplishment after a very productive day.
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