Being in the field that I am, most of my work is done online and through different types of modern technologies – Skype, the Internet, email, contact management software, smart phone, and so on. I’ve found that while technology and all the conveniences it brings can be a lifesaver at times, at other times it can be a huge roadblock in getting the real work done.

I see this not only in my own life, but in many of my clients and peers. And as I get busier and have more tasks, it seems that technology can start to become more of an enemy than a friend. So this week, when I was reading “Eat That Frog” again, this particular chapter about technology time sinks seemed very appropriate.

Here’s some tips on how to keep technology on your side, and not have it working against you.

• You have a choice – You can be plugged in or you can unplug at any time. You need to unplug from your phone, your email, the internet, Facebook – detach on a regular basis, so you don’t become overwhelmed and so that you stay calm, clearheaded and able to perform at your best.
• Don’t get addicted – I see this a lot with Facebook – you know who you are, those people who play Farmville 24/7, who message you the second you get online, are Tweeting about their dr. appt in the middle of the exam. Don’t fall into this trap, don’t let technology (whether it’s Facebook, your phone, checking your email constantly) suck you in. The whole goal of technology is to make our lives easier. It’s meant to help us improve our lives by helping us to accomplish things and communicate with people faster and more efficiently. So remember that, and don’t allow it to take up your time by obsessing over the use of it.
• Standardize and delegate – We all feel like no one else can do it as well as we can. That might be true, but at some point those small tasks are going to cost you time and money. One of the huge benefits of technology is that you can easily hand off many admin tasks without having to actually hire an employee. How would your life change if you had an extra 20 hours each week to think, work, plan, talk with clients and prospects, or even go to dinner with your spouse?  Use technology to hand off tasks you really don’t need to be spending your time on.
• Treat technology as a servant,  not a master – Technology is there to help you, not hinder you. Just because that notification on your Outlook goes off, it doesn’t mean you need to respond right now! One of the best ways to get a handle on technology – just turn it off. Don’t check your email as soon as you get to work or sit down at your desk. Turn off the cell phone.  Just unplug, even if it’s for a few minutes!
  

Tagged as: Delegation, Saving time, Systems