Organize Your Time
Ten Ways to Make a Big Impact on your Day

Time is a valuable commodity and what you need to get things done in your business and personal life.  Because of this, organizing your time is one of the most important things you can do to have a successful day.  Staying organized will make it possible to achieve your goals.  Here are ten tips that can help you to organize your time: 

1.  Have Time Management Tools.  Whether software for your computer, or a pen and paper, knowing your tasks for the day, and the time you need to complete them. 

2.  Know Your Priorities.  It is best to put the most important tasks at the top of your list and allow yourself the right amount of time for getting them done.  At the end of the day you will feel more satisfied with what you’ve done and how you’ve managed your time.  There will always be things that don’t get done and you want to be sure those are things that don’t have tight deadlines, or are not critical to running your dealership. 

3.  Have a Routine.  If you’re able to stick to a schedule that’s the same each day it will help for you stay organized and make it easier to manage your time.  Routine will also help when something unexpected happens to interrupt your day –  you’ll be able to get back on track more easily. 

4.  Stay Organized.  This means managing files on your computer as well as in your office.  You’ll save time not having to search for things. 

5.  Always Have a Plan.  By knowing exactly what you need to do and the steps you’ll need to take, you will be able to manage your time and accomplish more. 

6.  Don’t Waste Time.  Many times procrastination and low motivation can get in the way of you accomplishing your goals.  Interruptions, such as friends and extended conversations, can throw you off schedule.  Stay focused and don’t let any of these distractions get in your way.   

7.  Have Extra Time You Need Personally.  No matter what you need to get done, make sure you always have time for yourself.  There will be times during your day that are good to stop, relax, or have a meal.  When you’re planning your day, plan time for your self.  Studies prove over and over that you are most efficient if you work no more than 50 minutes at a time and take 10 minutes to refresh.  This is especially true when you’re very focused. 

8.  Track Your Time.  There are software tools you can use to track how much time you’re spending on different tasks.  You can’t manage something you don’t have a handle on.  Track your time for a month to see how you really spend your days.  Then you can analyze your time and modify your schedule to be more productive and efficient. 

9.  Use the Right Resources.  Time is often wasted trying to find the right resources.   Find what works for you and stick to it.  Resources can include your staff, outside experts, technology, or anything else that simplifies your life.   

10.  Ask for Help When You Need It.  When you have a lot to get done, delegate.  Help is available to you but you have to ask for it.  Help may be close at hand inside your dealership, or outside.  Just don’t be the lone ranger … that’s never worked for anybody.