We love working with clients on all types of projects, but sometimes its hard to balance client work with our company's applications.  It seems that in todays time, to make a name for yourself you either have to work with a major client or create a killer app.  Here at Operis Systems we have a lot of great ideas but not alot of time. So here are some steps i take to manage my time.

1.  Time management - You really need to find a good way to manage the time you are spending on clients vs. your own work.  This is were having a hourly charge is great.  Do not spend more time on client work than you charged.  I find myself spending more hours on a design than I should.  A good website to help you with time management is Get More Honey.  Using a site like this will really save you money and time in the long run.

2.  Stop chatting - Twitter, Ichat, Myspace, and facebook are all wonderful applications but can also become big time killer.  Lately i have really been paying attention to the time im wasting on these applications especially IChat.  Friends are constantly chatting with me which causes me to chat with other people.  Now don't take this wrong, I really enjoy talking with my friends but when its time to work its time to work.  So what i have been doing is closing these applications until i have a break.  Twitter has really become addicting, so i have had to close twhirl also.  I have saved about 1 to 2 hours a day just staying away from these applications. 

3. Organization - When things are organized you get alot more done.  Create a list of projects and goals.  Check off each thing you accomplish and communicate with your developer.  Get More Honey has a nice accomplishment list with the timer.  This allows you to see what you did in the time you worked.  It helps to have goals.

4. Pre plan - When making a list plan how many hours each thing should take.  Follow that time line and when you fail mark it down.  If you follow this step your work will become more efficient.  Really communicate with your developer so when you finish a step he can also begin a step.

Following these steps are easy and will save you 10 hours a week.  It only take about 30min to an hour to make a work sheet for the week.  You will notice your work becoming more proficent and better.  Also this will allow you to have more time to work on your own projects.  With 10 hours a week you can get alot done.

Posted by: Rob