For this edition of Entrepreneur University I turned to strategic planning consultant Glenn Ebersole. Glenn runs The Renaissance Group, a multi-disciplinary and strategic thinking consultancy firm. There offer a unique approach to a wide range of strategic planning, management, marketing, public relations, and communications assignments through our team of independent professionals.

Glenn’s advice is on how entrepreneurs can better manage their time and focus their efforts on the activities that will generate the most value for your business. If there is anything that most entrepreneurs need more of it’s time! Here are Glenn’s tips to achieving effective time management:

1. Determine the time of day you are most productive and use that time to accomplish difficult tasks.
2. Prepare a TO DO list the night before or each morning with priorities set for you.
3. Do more than one thing at a time. Return a phone call while waiting for a document to be copied, for example.
4. Set deadlines for yourself.
5. Collect articles you want to read in a folder and mark if “Reading.” Take it with you so you can read the materials as you wait for appointments, planes, etc.
6. Be organized. Establish systems and procedures for your job and/or business.
7. Block out specific times for specific tasks such as phone calls, planning, emails, etc.
8. Develop templates of documents you create regularly, and then modify them as needed.
9. Whenever you feel yourself procrastinating, ask yourself what you are avoiding?
10. Hold meetings only when there is a need for one.
11. Break down large projects into smaller tasks.
12. Store your reference materials, manuals, etc. in one convenient place.
13. Always begin meetings on time and don’t wait for latecomers.
14. Keep all project information in one place.
15. Develop and use a “tickler” or “follow-up” system.
16. Use a simple filing system.
17. Set goals.
18. Learn to say “NO.” It is said to be the most powerful word in time management vocabulary.
19. Allocate your time to those who “deserve” it rather than to those who “demand” it.
20. Ask for advice when needed.

Evan Carmichael