Time Management and Productivity Blog: April 2011

International Business Week 29th April - 8th May

Join me and 19 other Business Experts for International Business Week from April 29-May 8, 2011.

International Business Week is an online event that you can listen to in the comfort of your home or office and that is completely FREE!

-20 Experts
-10 Days
-1 Goal: to teach you how to Start, Grow & Automate a Business based on your Passions, Talents and Expertise.

NOTE: Use my link and get complete FREE admission to International Business Week...no catch...no strings! Plus, as a bonus, Download your FREE ebook "10 EASY Steps to your Perfect Business."

For more information about the speakers and to register for your free admission go to http://ow.ly/4JyhC.

Networking Tips #8 - What It Really Costs

Networking takes time as well as money.

Image by Gunnar Ries via Flickr
I've seen people attend every networking event that's going - hoping to get business and potentially wasting their time and money.

Your Time - Even free events have a cost associated with them:

Most networking meetings last one to two hours.
Add your travel time, time spent preparing and following up and a networking meeting can easily result in three to four hours for each meeting.
Multiply this by the amount of events you attend on a regular basis and it soon adds up.

Unless it's your only function in life or you really have the time to maximise your investment in all those networking events, I'd recommend a maximum of two events a week.

Your Money - The financial investment includes:

The cost of the meeting
Annual membership fees
Travel expenses
Cost of your time (use your hourly rate)

How much does this add up to for all the events you attend?

How much business have you got as a result of attending these network meetings?

Take into account that networking is a long-term investment but if you're not meeting the right people at the events you go to - be more selective.

Better to attend one or two good quality events on a regular basis than dozens of events for very little reward - balance your networking with your other marketing activities.

Related articles:

How Do I ... Find More 'Me Time'

Image by Valerie Everett via FlickrHaving just been asked this question for an article in a well-known daily newspaper, it's a problem shared by many people. It's something that comes up quite often in my talks with clients or time stressed individuals - particularly but not exclusively - working women with families.

No time for themselves.

Whether you work for someone else or run your own business, the chances are that the most important person (you), often ends up at the bottom of the list when it comes to allocating time.

So, what can you do about this?

Well put yourself back at the top of the list. If you want more time for yourself then you need to make yourself a priority. Decide what you want to do and plan the time in your diary to do it.

Want to get out and exercise more? Plan it in to your week, put it in your dairy. It doesn't have to take up a lot of time - 30 minutes a few times a week is enough.

Want to see friends and family more often? Arrange to meet up with them on a regular basis, plan it in advance and stick to it.

Want to see more of your partner? Book a 'date' night - once a week or once a month. Arrange for a friend or babysitter to look after the children and have a night out.

Want to do something purely for yourself? Indulge in one of your hobbies or interests. Join a group. Sign up for an evening class. Book up a pampering session.

If you not sure where to start or need help finding more 'me-time' in your life, start by taking the free Time Audit and then give me a call.

April Newsletter: How To Survive The Bank Holidays

The next few weeks will see more Bank Holidays and long weekends than any other time of the year, starting with Easter, a Royal Wedding and the two May Bank Holidays.

Not only does this create a challenge for businesses but also for families planning childcare around their busy working lives. So, how do you cope and how can you make the most of both work and holiday time.

Read the rest of the article and get tips to help you survive the holidays, in this month's newsletter, just click here to read it.

Register for the free monthly newsletter for free tips, advice, information and news on how to improve your time management for your business and personal life, direct to your inbox - www.clareevans.co.uk.

Networking Tips #7 - Who To Talk To?

Attending a networking meeting can be intimidating - especially if it's your first time.

You walk into a room full of strangers and they're all happily chatting away to each other. How do you break the ice and find someone to talk to?

Get there early - it's easier to talk to people as they arrive when there are fewer people there and before they get into their huddles.

Talk to anyone who's on their own - especially if they're looking a little lost. They're probably feeling a little overwhelmed too and will welcome a friendly face.

Often it's easier to join a group of three people rather than a group of two. Watch their body language - if two people are standing face to face, deep in conversation they may not appreciate the interruption.

If they're standing at an angle to each other, they may be open to other people joining them. Seasoned networkers tend to be more open and will happily allow someone to join their conversation.

Smile - catch a person's eye and ask if you can join them. A friendly smile rather than a worried, apprehensive look will make you more approachable in an instant.

Strike up a conversation at the coffee area - an easy way to start a conversation, as people will usually be on their own and not already engaged in discussion.

Go as a guest with someone you already know - if it's your first time, they can introduce you to the people you already know.

Often networking meetings will have an organiser or introducer who will help new members find their feet, ask them to introduce you to a few people.

Different groups have a different approach and feel. The more you go, the more comfortable you'll feel and after a few visits, you'll no longer be the newbie.

Working Long Hours Increases Risk Of Heart Attack

If you're working long hours you are putting yourself at increased risk of heart attack, says a recent survey by University College London.

Image via WikipediaWhile the 11 year survey covered civil service employees, the results are likely to apply to anyone who works long hours as part of their job. Working more than 11 hours a day could increase your risk of heart attack by 67%.

Many people work long hours - arriving at the office early, leaving late, taking work home and often working at weekends.

Long working hours is one of the key factors for people needing to improve their time habits.

You're less likely to eat healthily - relying on junk food, processed food and snacks to keep you going during a busy working day.

You're less likely to find time for exercise - spending long hours at your desk, no time for the gym, a brisk walk or regular healthy activity.

You're more likely to be overweight as a result of the above two factors - leading to increased blood, pressure, cholesterol levels, risk of stroke, diabetes and other factors that contribute to heart disease.

You're more likely to be suffering from stress - increasing your risk of heart attack still further.

Reduce your risk, stop working long hours and set your health as a priority.

Plan your working hours and improve your boundaries, so you can leave on time.

Manage your workload better, so you don't have to work late, take work home or end up working at the weekend.

Find time in your day for healthy eating and regular exercise.

Find out how to reduce your work hours - do more in less time with my new Work Life Balance Audit - free this week only.

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