“The best thing to invest in your business is your time. To schedule, plan and use time effectively, know your turf and know your objectives. Assess the obstacles and opportunities, then devise your strategies.” – The Mafia Manager

Despite what is normally a hectic week filled with meetings, phone calls to make, campaigns to run and networking events, I can usually predict my work load.  Last week, I received a phone call that would turn my normal crazy into a crazy to the 1000^th power. A potential client called needing publicity for a restaurant launch that would take place in less than 10 days.  Of course I said, “Yes” and off I went. (We’ll discuss lessons learned in another post.)

I was excited to contribute but I also knew how detrimental to my reputation this event can be if I didn’t succeed.  The questions I asked were “How do I manage an unpredictable, time consuming event in an already 60-80 hour work week?”  And “How do I to keep my current clients happy while taking care of this project that could be very important to my business?”

This is what I came up with:

• Make a list of all things that had to be done
• Rank them by importance
• Highlight the deadlines
• Do the most important event first
• Get help!!!! Thank you Keasha Lee and Striking Statements.

And let’s not forget what happened to me last July.  Pipeline is bare……

The golden rule for every business man is this: ‘Put yourself in your customer’s place.’  Orison Swett Marden

If you read the link above, you saw that the last time my business was in this situation I ended with no new opportunities in the pipeline.  I decided to be proactive and spent time reaching out to current clients. I explained why responses might be later than expected or asked to reschedule meetings to a time when I could afford them the same customer service as before.

Then, I called potential clients that were in the proposal phase of my sales cycle to explain that I needed extra time. Most were courteous but all appreciated my effort to be honest and knew I would do the same for them when they needed 100% of my focus.

The result? I accomplished what I said I could do which was garner press coverage for the event.  My client congratulated me on a good job and wants to hire my company for other projects.  I have proposals due this week which keeps my pipeline full and made lots of great new contacts.

Now, it’s back to business as usual at no negative costs to my business and the same holds true for my clients.

More resources for you, http://www.strategicbusinessteam.com/entrepreneurial-skills-development/5-effective-time-management-tips-for-entrepreneurs-and-ceos//