VAs need to stay on top of their game in order to be successful and manage multiple clients. It can be challenging working with different clients who all have their own style of working and who require different levels and types of support from their VA. Here are some great ideas to help you manage your time and get the most out of your day:
1. Pre-planning: To effectively use your time, you should create a plan for everything that you want to accomplish that day. The easiest way to start planning your workday is by making a to-do list of all the things you want and need to do. A to-do list may sound like a simple idea, but if you actually do it, it can make an incredible difference in how well you use your time throughout the day.
2. Time Blocking: Time blocking is a time management method that involves dividing each day into blocks of time. Each block of time will be dedicated to completing a specific task or group of tasks, and nothing else. If you are or have been a serial multi tasker, then this is a great way to learn new habits and get the most out of your working hours.
3. Set specific times for calls: If random calls are eating into your day, then it’s time to get on top of this! It’s great to be in touch with your clients, friends and family, but if you have deadlines or need a more disciplined approach to your work, then you need to manage your phone calls. For clients, ensure you have a regular call set up whether weekly or fortnightly, whatever works best for you and the client. For personal issues, unless it is urgent, then it is best to keep these calls to outside of whatever hours you are choosing to complete your client work. Phone calls are a major distraction and need to be managed.
4. Work out your Optimum Productivity Time: Finding out when you are at your most productive can make a huge different to how you manage your time. If you are most productive early on in the morning, use that time to complete your most complex and challenging tasks. Save the easier stuff for later. Equally, if you are not a morning person, you may prefer to do work on the big tasks later on in the morning or in the afternoon. If you are a VA with ADHD or have a client with ADHD, then understanding your Optimum Productivity Time or Optimum Productivity Style can be ground-breaking for you and your clients.