3 Time Management Tips to Avoid Online Time Suck!

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, then you know how much we at OfficeTime love Social Media.  We find it much more than a way to broadcast about our Time Tracker, we find it a way to support you all and to stay in touch, real time, and address issues you have.  So you’ll be surprised to find out that like everyone, we also find Social Media to be a huge time suck.  Here are our top 3 tips to avoid the time warp that a “quick check” of your social media can become.

#1. Get Turned Off. When you sit down to do your focused, time-sensitive work (and what isn’t), turn off twitter, shut down Facebook, and do not answer incoming Skype or IM.  Those small interruptions can add up to BIG distractions.  You’ll be amazed at what several hours of straight work, with little or no interruptions, can accomplish.

#2. Never Start a Social Media Campaign without Clear Objectives. If you do not have a goal in mind, you can’t possibly know if you’re hitting it!  The goal can be as simple as doubling your fan page followers, or as sophisticated as tracking the demographic of new “friends” for the next thirty days.  Whatever it is, once you set it, be sure to measure your marketing effort AND track how much time you spend.  Believe me, Return on Time Investment (ROTI) trumps ROI every day of the week.  “Do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin

#3. Say “No” to Online Learning. There seem to be limitless opportunities out there to enjoy advanced learning at no cost.  Why?  Because coaches and developers learned the “give to get” rule – but the “get” is the REAL part of that equation – make no mistake about that.  Look, this is like a coupon for orange soda.  It’s not REALLY a savings unless you currently drink – or really enjoy – orange soda.  The same goes for “free” online learning.  Figure out where you have free time or a REAL need before you make commitments on your time.  Ask yourself, “Do I really need this knowledge RIGHT NOW?” If the answer is no, then put it off until you do.