Gino's Time Management Tips

“To know and not to do is really not to know.” – Stephen R. Covey

Actually, to know and not to do is probably worse than not knowing, since if we choose not to do what we know—and that we know will improve our business—then we havesquandered our investment of time, money, and effort in the learning!

As we worked through Buffini Peak Producers training in the Keystone, Fishers, and Lafayette offices this year, all of the brokers involved in the classes recognized that Buffini’s methods and systems will absolutely, without a doubt, enhance anyone’s business when they’re implemented. We also all recognize that the real struggle is in the ongoing implementation of these great tools and systems—ie, to KNOW and DO!

So, it’s time for a refresher from Gino Blefari, CEO of HSF Affiliates, and his 63 Points on Time Management he presented at our Annual Business Conference last year. Gino recognized this stumbling block that impacts nearly everyone and urged us to take control of our time and actions. Here are his first ten points:

1.  As you go through these points on time management, don’t think about whether you’ve heard them before. Think about whether you’re applying the disciplineto implement them. 
Wow, we all know how true this is!

2.  There are fundamental steps to great time management. Put these steps into daily practice and you won’t believe how much you can accomplish in a regular workday. 
We’ve all probably done this before and know how true it is . . . so the key is how to stick with it!

3.  Email is there for your convenience. If it’s not convenient, don’t answer it—or even look at it!! Guilty! I’ve just started closing my email server on my laptop when I’m working on something and only checking a few times a day. Not easy but I realize how much time I waste running through email, 98% of which is of no importance in my business.

4.  If you touch it, take action. 
Time management 101! If you can do this, you will immediately be more productive!

5.  If you spend just 15 minutes per day to revisit, readdress, or reread documents or emails, you will waste 97 hours per year where no action is taken. 
The consequence of not doing number 4—and more than 2 weeks of work!

6.  The key to great email management is to institute a policy where you use—and request—very descriptive subject lines for all emails. 
Wow, what a great idea! Let’s do it!

7.  When the subject of the email changes, the subject line on the email also changes. This is critical. Another fabulous idea! Come on, let’s do it!

8.  Concentration is like a muscle and it strengthens as you concentrate more. If you stop concentrating every time an email comes in or the phone rings, you actually lessen your ability to concentrate and you become less effective in any situation that requires concentration. This really means there is no such thing as productive “multi-tasking.”
Gino reminded us that if we try to catch 2 rabbits, we catch neither one! So true, and we all know it don’t we?

9.  If you don’t keep a list, you are most likely a very reactive person. 
Another time management 101 point! And Evernote is the perfect way to keep your list and never lose it plus have with you all the time!

10. Keeping a list will double your productivity right away. 
So true, so let’s give it a try!

So, are you ready to know AND and do?

David M. Hassler

VP, Professional Development