Time management is on of the most difficult tasks for a business owner. Try throwing in managing your business time, with managing your kids at the same time.
Prioritize
The first key to time management is organizing your priorities. I suggest making a list of the tasks that need to be completed weekly. Then dividing them over the days of the week. Put them in a calendar or a checklist. Make these tasks your first priorities. When these tasks are finished, have a running list of other things that can be done to help your business. The running list will help keep you from wasting time trying to figure out what you can do to help your business grow when you have extra time. This way there are no excuses of forgetting things that need to be done.
Make Time
The second key to time management, is to set aside time. I know that it can be difficult as a stay at home mom. You are constantly working around naps, lunches, play dates, and other activities. PLAN AHEAD! Look at your week's schedule and schedule your "organized priorities" in time that you can find to have all to yourself. This may mean waking up an extra hour earlier than everyone in the house, or staying up later. Do what works with your family.
Goodbye Distractions
The third key to managing your time as a work at home mom is avoid distractions! Limit yourself to the amount of time that you check your email. Checking your email several times an hour can throw you off task. Don't sit down to work when you know that the kids are getting ready to walk in the door from school, or your baby will be getting up from her nap. Don't take personal calls during your designated work time. Any distractions that you can remove from your precious time that you have set aside to work is going to be a time saver!
Rethink
The final and most important key to managing your time is to evaluate how you have been spending it. As business change and grow and your family changes, your schedule may need to change. You need to be willing to rethink your time management and decide if it works for you now. What worked for you two months ago might be completely inefficient today. Be accepting of change.
Now it is up to you! Go set your priorities, make time, and say goodbye to distractions! Watch your business grow!
