I've had an interesting day here at the Jeweler's Resource Bureau... several consulting sessions in one day. When I work with clients one-on-one like this I definitely get "in the zone" when we're brainstorming. Ideas, connections and lessons just start spilling over and I'm dying to figure out a way to share those spur-of-the-moment pearls with the rest of my clients, website subscribers and blog readers.
So here goes.... I'm going to throw out some ideas to see what percolates with you. Please add your thoughts to the comments section, if you're so moved.
A lot of our topics today circled around the idea of check lists, procedures and timelines for specific tasks you have to perform all the time.
Like getting ready for a trade show. Not just the packing list but a real timeline with check boxes for what to do 6 months in advance, 4 months, 3, 2 and so on right up until and through packing your suitcase. While most of us know what we're doing (at least as far as packing a suitcase for a week long trip) wouldn't it be better to click to auto-pilot and follow a checklist so that your brain could be used to better use than working on remembering to pack your pajamas. Best example I could think of since I forgot to pack PJs on my last trip, so focused on client-centric outfits and taking enough shoe choices to fend off blisters and swollen ankles (didn't work, feet were miserable all 9 days regardless of the extra suitcase of shoes. Trade shows are merciless on your feet.)
And then there's checklists for doing your own publicity. Again, what to do first (figure out your news angle) and then what steps to take from photography to writing to licking the envelopes (or clicking send). Ever forget to label the slides or CD until after you sealed the envelope?
Surely you could remember all the steps but would you be more efficient if you followed a checklist rather than relied on memory to get it done? Wouldn't a checklist eliminate oops like this that can zapp your self-confidence and tank your professionalism?
I've heard recently that you lose up to 20 minutes of productivity by multi-tasking. Every time you break your concentration on a task to answer the phone, respond to an inbox beep, etc., it can take you up to 20 minutes to get back to the exact point at which you were interrupted. That must be true for projects that can be done in stages -- like packing -- where you get distracted by something and forget you hadn't packed PJs yet.
Continuing on this theme how much time (and attention) do we lose by not being more organized. Standardizing our non-vital operations -- I'm sure your vital ops are well designed like your manufacturing process or how and when you take care of your casting/services et al --- so that more things can be done by rote. Again freeing up your brain to concentrate on things that really need concentration.
- Do you start your day with a plan?
- Do you have a realistic To Do list that let's you actually have a chance of completing it that day -- or do put everything you have to get done EVER (short of "buy burial plot") on one list so that it's never complete and you never get a sense of satisfaction?
- Do you answer every call or email as it comes in or do you reserve that for a concentrated, and designated time?
- Do you make spreadsheets, charts, check lists? Or do you wing it each time since you're smart enough to be a good winger?
As a lifelong winger -- with a fair amount of lists but by no means enough -- I am beginning to really see the pattern.
The most effective and successful designers I know are also the most efficient.
I was in awe recently over one designer business owner's new spreadsheet-and-client-file-binders system they used with their trade show appointments. They were so prepared for each client appointment that they sold more jewelry and made more use of their time than at any previous show.
Another designer's daily schedule of organized, repetitive actions had me stunned. He found success in ritual and so starting his day the same every day, reviewing goals and creating a daily list (with reasonable, accomplishable To Do's) and meeting with staff -- every day the same way helped keep him and his team on track and more efficient. And most importantly, it did not quelch creatvity -- it freed them up to be more creative where it counts. At the bench.
Most creative types resist routine and structure but most successful types thrive on it. So the key must be to create systems that support creative thinking.
Websites I've found to help along the way are:
http://www.43folders.com/
http://www.davidco.com/what_is_gtd.php
www.wishcraft.com/ (plan backwards)
