Keeping a “To Do” List for Your Home Business
January 23, 2007 by Mary Emma Allen
How do you keep track of what you need to do each day, week, month in your home business and your life? Yes, you have goals and a master plan. However, what do you do to focus yourself for the day or week to accomplish what you need to and reach your goals?
*Some use a business planner that has been designed for this.
*Develop your own notebook that works for you.
*Use a white board on the wall with your list on it.
*Use a reminder program on your computer
I’ve tried various plans and found a simple notebook with a list for the week works best for me. To this I add and cross out. I use a symbol for tasks underway but not completed. Each Sunday I review what I’ve accomplished for the week and what I need to carry over to the next week. I section the page into tasks for business and family life.
I keep this list on the left hand page and make daily notes on the right hand page about people I’ve met with, projects hints, and other information.
This system has evolved over the course of years. I find too consuming to make a different list each night. Instead I review my weekly list and note changes.
What have you found that works best for you?
I’d enjoy having you share your system with us.
Good suggestions. I’ve tried many tools and techniques over the years. Palm pilots, MS Outlook task lists, pen and paper, white boards, etc. For me, to do lists have been trial and error. I’ve experienced times when all I did was update to do lists. And then other times when my to do list was in my head. Ultimately, it comes down to finding the right technique for you. Find a balance with the amount of detail you capture in the to do list. Focus on the “big picture” items. But most importantly, be disciplined about keeping the to do list. The suggestion of updating the to do list weekly at the same time can help.
Greetings M from Montana. Both in “corporate world” and now as an innkeeper, my Type A has bode well for organization and lists.
I’ve done the Palm Pilot routine and find now.. carpe Ical. Works like a champ for me. Also in the innkeeping biz, there’s a certain amount of routine procedures here so that makes it easier as well.
GP in Montana