Pile It On!

During the last few weeks, I've noticed that people are busier. New business opportunities seem to be cropping up and people are responding with appropriate enthusiasm. That's a good thing!

The more challenging aspect is how to manage the larger workload, especially if it's heavier than it's been in awhile. My observation is that some people are a bit out of practice on how to handle more work in the same amount of time.

The following suggestions may seem obvious, but they may be a good reminder of what to do (and not!) when you have the happy problem of taking on more client work.

• Do what you say you're going to do. If you tell someone that you'll call back by the end of the day, make the call.
• If you can't complete what you promised, own up to it. Everyone gets busy, and people understand that. It's better to come clean and say that you're not finished rather than to avoid the client.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. If you won't be able to focus on a new client for another three weeks, be honest and tell them that you're booked in the meantime.
• Take a look at your weekly schedule and edit (or delete) other less urgent activities based on the heavier workload.

All of these tips center on the concept of self-management. You know yourself better than anyone does, especially if you're prone to try to "do it all" when "all" may mean that your life disappears under an out-of-control to do list.

Let me know how you're managing (when you have the time, of course), and have a great week!