In this edition of our blogs supporting Independent Consultants, I would like to concentrate on time management and staying productive as this is something that can be very tricky at times. As an Independent Consultant, most of the time, you will be working for yourself, by yourself, with no team there to support you or keep you motivated. For most consultants, this can be hard to deal with, and having the correct processes in place will become of paramount importance to be successful as an independent consultant.
Below are a few tips that can be followed to help you stay on top of your workload and motivated to deliver a world-class service.
Set clear goals and priorities
The first step in managing your time effectively is to set clear goals and priorities across different categories of tasks. You need to know what you want to achieve and what tasks are most important, and your tasks can be categorised into one of three categories, Project Delivery, Pipeline Development, or Admin Management. First, start by creating a list of your goals for each category and break them down into manageable tasks. Then, prioritise each task based on its importance and urgency. This will help you to stay focused and avoid wasting time on less important tasks.
Create a schedule
Once you have identified your goals and priorities, it’s time to create a schedule. A schedule will help you stay organised and ensure that you are using your time effectively. Start by blocking out time for your most important tasks along with deadlines for when you will complete them. Then, schedule in time for other tasks such as emails, meetings, and administration work. Be sure to also schedule breaks and time for self-care. Stick to your schedule as much as possible but be flexible when unexpected tasks for emergencies arise.
Use time management tools
There are many time management tools available that can help you stay organised and productive. Some popular tools include:
Time tracking apps: These apps can help you keep track of how much time you spend on each task, which can help you identify areas where you can improve your efficiency.
To-Do-List Apps: These apps can help you keep track of your tasks and deadlines and can help you also prioritise your work.
Calendar Apps: These apps can help you to schedule your tasks and appointments and can also help you to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Project Management Apps: These tools can help you manage your projects, collaborate with client stakeholders and track progress.
Minimise distractions
Distractions can be a major time waster, so it’s important to minimise them as much as possible. Some tips on doing this include:
Turn off notifications: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer for non-essential apps and emails.
Use noise-cancelling headphones: if you work in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions.
Close unnecessary tabs: Close any tabs on your computer that you do not need for the task you are working on.
Here at Veriex, we are experts in scaling teams of freelance independent consultants in strategy, change, digital, and people transformation across the globe. We work closely with our network of ‘Approved Consultants’ to support them with building their skills and developing their business pipeline by giving them access to some of the most complex transformation projects on offer. For more information about becoming a Veriex Approved Consultant please contact info@veriex.co.uk or check out our opportunities page on our website.
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