How to Get the Most out of Your Planner
- Posted by Alaia Williams
- On January 14, 2015
- Master Planning
So, you've selected a planner and you're ready to approach the year with all the gusto you can muster…but then a day goes by and then a week…you're sitting there with your pricey planner (they sure do cost a lot, don't they??) and things just don't seem to be happening. Hmm.
Here are a few quick tips for making your planner your best business buddy.
- Use it for appointments. Yes, this seems obvious, but even if you keep a Google Calendar, it can be nice to visualize your appointments alongside all of the other things you have to do. I like to plan my day every morning and that includes transferring the appointments from my Google Calendar to my planner. It really doesn't take much time at all. Logging your appointments also helps you see what remaining time you have to work with.
- Keep a to-do list. Hopefully your planner has space for this! Make sure to jot down the things you need (and want) to do each day. Don't let the ideas get stuck in your head. The minute you get that phone call you weren't expecting, it all goes out the window…
- Capture the details of the day. If your planner has space for it, jot down the highlights of the day or next actions. If you spoke to a prospect, note that they want you to shoot a proposal over to them later this week. At the end of the day, look at your notes and next actions and move things to your calendar or to-do list as needed.
- Keep track of expenses. Lots of planners these days have space to jot down expenses. I also like to write down how much I've billed and received – its encouraging!
- Don't over do it. Make sure your list is realistic. Move some tasks to later dates or delegate to someone who can help you.
Planners are a powerful planning tool. Use yours wisely!
Looking for a great new planner? Click here to view some of my favorites.
