Last Updated on Dec 31, 2012 by Jenna Scaglione
Do you have any lofty business goals for 2013? How are you putting these goals into action?
A goal is not really a goal until it grows legs. And the only way for it to grow legs is to break it down into actionable tasks…this requires effective time management.
Time is money and if you don’t know how to manage it correctly, your online strategies may not materialize into the profit increases you expect.
Time management is more precious than any marketing strategy because it helps you accomplish your goals efficiently, diligently and consistently. It is more important than any skill, because you can learn anything new if you manage your time properly.
If you want to get serious about meeting your goals in 2013, here are two strategies to add to your repertoire.
1. Setting Goals the RIGHT Way
How do you set goals the right way? Better yet, how do you set goals the wrong way?
Goal setting is not just a declaration of a desire at the start of a New Year. That is a resolution. And more than 90% of people don’t stick to their resolutions once February rolls in.
If you want to accomplish some business goals in 2013, don’t treat them like resolutions. Resolutions will make you excited about spouting off a few strategies you want to try, but nothing will manifest from it. Why? Because, you didn’t plan, break down the goals or make them tangible tasks.
Here is the right way to set a goal:
You write down what you want to accomplish. Spend some time thinking about any pre-requisites or preliminary tasks needed. When you have the details laid out along with your deadlines, work backwards assigning smaller goals to each month. Break down these monthly goals into weekly and daily tasks. If you have a 6-month plan, your calendar should be full of tasks for the next six months that lead up to the goal completion.
2. Staying Focused
By managing your time, you can more effectively eliminate distractions.
Distractions are the internet marketer’s biggest obstacle. Working online brings with it email, Facebook, Twitter, chat, and so much more that vies for your attention, slowly chipping away at the time you allot for your marketing. Minute by minute, the distractions add up and before you know it, they dominate your time.
If you find yourself being pulled from your work, close down every window except the one on which you are working. Shut down your email, social sites or any website you know will tempt you. Schedule time to check your email and social sites, but return back to your work immediately after.
If you are looking for a productivity tool, try the Pomodoro technique. It allows small breaks every 20 minutes to increase productivity and help you manage your time. By utilizing this technique, you will feel like you are getting enough breaks, yet you will remain productive and accomplish your work.
Proper goal setting and staying focused are two of the keys to accomplishing your goals in 2013. This formula has been used by countless internet marketers who have become industry leaders and wildly successful. Make a plan to create an action plan for your goals and stay focused on them until you realize the rewards for completing them.
Good luck and Happy New Year!