Time Management - What YOU have to say!

Ok, you've heard my top two ideas on time management, writing up a promotions plan, and to-do lists, so now it's time to hear from other people! I had a thread going in the forum on time management and I got some tremendous feedback! So instead of trying to re-write what everyone else said, I'm just going to let you hear from these great artists :) And...I'm going to show off some of their work at the same time! Because I love showcasing other artists :) So here goes! Click on the picture to view the listing :)

Pixiebell said: One VERY big time saver, for me, is a subscription to stamps.com! I have several international sales a month. My post office is ridiculous in the winter months, due to being overrun with snowbirds in our community. I used to spend 45 minutes in line a couple times a week just to mail off those parcels. Now, I can print first class international postage from home, complete with custom information.

No more post office, ever! Saves me time, saves my sanity, gives me more time to create!

D'Elle Jewelry said: I'm cleaning up when starting my uber slow computer, doing small tasks in between. I'm also an ai technician so while waiting for the next client I do bits and things in between.

I also think buying in bulk is time management and stress relief.

But biggest thing is not spending to much time on forums, something I just can't teach myself.

Unique Commodities said: Well.. I can tell you what I am SUPPOSED to be doing regarding time mgmt though I can honestly say I have not followed this in a while.

1. Initially I sat down and wrote out a business plan that incorporated my personal life, sent it to a couple of mentors & got their feed back. Based on that I came up with a specific schedule and plan . One of my favorite quotes is “You must work your plan if you truly plan for it to work”.


2. Based on my own personal lifestyle and schedule, I decided on the below schedule

Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays – For three hours each day - Promote, Promote, Promote myself and others! Communicate on Blogs, Twitter, team forums only. Follow up on any inquiries and outstanding orders to be processed; create one jewelry item even if it is only one pair of earrings

Wednesdays – OFF DAY – Only communicate on team forums, blog and twitter if I have time

Fridays – Hang out with my friends! Have fun! Relax!

Saturdays – For 3 to 5 hours, create 3 to 5 pieces and photograph creations; Post on Etsy if time left
Sundays – Church in the morning, After 4 pm and for no more than 3 hours, Create 1 to 2 pieces , photograph remaining creations; Post on Etsy


A few things that I do to help me stay on track with my schedule are

I write a list of 6 most important things to do today.
Then I prioritize that list with 1 being the most important.
I oftentimes don't get all six items done but those items become my priority for the next day.
I generally have someone to hold me accountable to my plan...to ask how is it going so I can stay on track.

Paper Displays of Affections said:
Ways I keep sane:
make to-do lists (know my priorities!)
fold origami while waiting in line/on the train so assembly goes faster later at home
have standard packaging and weights
print labels off paypal (no lines at the post office!)
keep a list of ideas so I know what to make even if I don't feel creative

Jen's Closet said:The simplest idea, but it works for me! I put the timer on for 20-25 minutes, I cannot go near the computer during that time, or do any Etsy related stuff-just cleaning or whatever, then I can take a break, for whatever amount of time, like 10 minutes, and can do whatever I want. I'll keep that up and before I know it, I have a lot done!

Head Bitch in Charge said: So glad to hear Im not the only one with a time management problem!

One thing I am very good at is limiting my time online. I must be off by 10am. If I have a lot to do or want to mess around longer I just get up earlier.

I'm not very good about following my own rules so I must allow for flexibility. I try to work in solid 3 hour blocks. That way if I feel the siren song of something else pulling my attention away, I can just look at the clock and tell myself I only have an hour and a half left.
So roughly my schedule is 8-10am online, 10-1 work, take and hour or so for lunch, errands, and puttering. Work another 3 hours and its time to stop for dog walk and dinner.
I often have high hopes of working after dinner but I rarely do, so I don't count on it.
Work with your natural rhythms and optimize your schedule around it.