How does Friday afternoon feel as the weekend awaits? Usually, the answer is awesome! I was asked recently, the type of work I do with clients and what the outcome is. Great question! Here are some recent client issues and how we worked on them to create success. You can use these same techniques to feel more in control so that everyday feels like Friday.
With To Do Lists…Managing Tasks
My client felt scattered coming into work each day. Her entire to do list was in her head. Feeling overwhelmed and run down, she’d trudge through the day spending more than the allotted 8 hours at her desk. She was fed up, burned out and counting down the days until the weekend started.
We created a schedule for her work day that focused on more time to handle crisis situations. Included in her schedule, were times for self-care and blocked time for specific work and projects. It was a game changer and her new schedule has successfully kept her on track and engaged in her work.
Do you want a day that feels successful and productive? Block time for projects and for self-care in your calendar.
With Technology…Getting an App that Works
After reading my last blog a colleague realized she could use Evernote to scan business cards. Here is a link to that blog
Her initial stack of business cards was quite large and difficult to manage, they were all over her desk. After scanning those cards into Evernote, the contacts are now stored there. Evernote is mobile and she can easily look up information by name or business. She also upgraded to a new and more powerful plan with Evernote.
Do you have a stack of business cards lying around? What’s your plan to get through them and get connected? Try Evernote as a way to manage the business connections you make while networking.
With a Cluttered Desk…Cleared Space
Stacks of papers fell in piles all over his desk. With several businesses- client files, bills, receipts and paperwork stacked up. Most of it we knew we could throw away. It was littered everywhere on the desk and in the office.
We cleared a large swath of area on the desk. His goal over the next 3 weeks was to continually keep that area clean, clear and clutter free. The goal was to get in the habit of filing instead of piling.
Do you need a clear desk space? Take time to clear your desk and work to maintain that space.
With Conversation…Increased Revenue
During a training as we came to the Question and Answer portion of the talk, a larger issue emerged—some clients weren’t being billed but were receiving customer service support. By starting a dialog, they stumbled on a way to grow revenue. They discussed adding a new pricing structure so that the team could bill the clients appropriately and build new revenue.
Are you talking to staff about ideas they have to increase revenue?
With Getting Burned Out…Renewal
In coaching, my client realized that their entrepreneurial spirit required self-care as well. He would have days where he was excited and fulfilled at work, then he would hit a wall. Tired and feeling drained he’d trudge through work. He’d feel depleted and ready to throw in the towel.
We focused on areas that would replenish him-getting exercise, getting enough sleep and eating healthy. Creating a routine around self-care allowed him to lose weight, feel healthy and head into work with renewed energy and strength.
How are you taking care of yourself to show up your best at work?
We all have struggles with work. Why continue struggling through your day? If your waiting for the weekend and it’s only Tuesday morning, then you need to make a change. Find the tools and techniques that will have you feeling like everyday is a Friday.
Margo Crawford is a Productivity Expert and Coach with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace. She coaches throughout the country and in person in both the New England area and Arizona. If you want to get more organized in your office call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected]