Distractions Take A Heavy Toll On Business

Why it’s so hard to remain focused on new business and how to deal with distractions.

The atmosphere is often chaotic at most agencies. There are numerous interruptions and urgent requests throughout each day. It’s an environment that’s in a perpetual state of distraction. Working in this kind of climate is stressful. You’re constantly shifting from one task to the next.

In addition to agency our agency life, we’re now having to process an extreme amount of information daily. There are also new technologies that constantly distract us. It causes a loss of focus and depletes our energy. This directly impacts our productiveness. 

Studies show that a typical office worker spends an average of 5 hours per week on a device, occupied with things that have nothing to do with their job. Another 3.5 hours of the work week is often wasted on personal tasks. Distractions costs U.S. businesses an average of  $650 billion per year, which equals approximately $4,452 per company.

Distractions take a costly toll on business:

• One study showed that office personnel changed focus up to 10 to 20 an hour. Every time we become distracted, it takes an average of 15 minutes to regain complete focus.
• Another study showed that people distracted by incoming email and phone calls saw a 10-point fall in their IQ. It’s equal to losing a nights sleep.
• Gloria Mark is an ‘interruption scientist’ at the University of California. Her studies show that when people are frequently diverted from one task to another, they work faster but produce less. They have significantly higher stress levels, frustrations and pressure from their workload. The average employee has a maximum focus stretch of 12 minutes.
• A study reported in the Journal Of Experimental Psychology, found that ourproductivity goes down by as much as 40% when we attempt to do several things at once.

How do those charged with business development stay focused and productive with so many distractions only a click away?

I’ve completed two post-graduate degrees while working full-time. I’ve worked in ad agency new business almost my entire advertising career. I’m organized and focused. But, I’m far from perfect. I’m constantly learning new techniques that diminish distraction and increase my productivity.

One solution, that has been the most helpful for me, is to dedicate blocks of time to similar tasks. It greatly increases my productivity, creativity, and mental sharpness. It decreases my fatigue and stress which keeps me from procrastinating. I simply group similar tasks that require similar resources. It streamlines’ their completion.

Set aside a specific amount of time for specific tasks. Don’t allow the distractions or disruptions of others break your focus. After that block of time is up, take a brief break, then begin to focus on the next block of time.

These are some tips to help you to become more focused and productive:

• First, switch off all communication devices, alerts and notifications.
• Write down 4 to 5 of the most important tasks that you need to accomplish as you begin your day.
• Keep time: Use a timer on your mobile device or computer.
• Allot yourself specific amounts of time for each task.
• After completing a task, manually mark it off your list.
• Take a 5 minute break after you complete each task.
• Begin again by refocusing. Reset your timer and begin working on the next task.
• Take an extended break after completing your top 4 to 5 task for the day.

Francesco Cirillo is a professional in the fields of productivity and process improvement. He invented a popular technique called The Pomodoro Technique. This simple system is used by professional teams and individuals in a range of fields. It is easy to use and most importantly it works. I’m a fan.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that can help prioritize and accomplish important agency new business tasks.

Here are some Pomodoro resources to help get you started:

• Download the Pomodoro Technique? book for free or order it on the Internet or from your bookshop.
• Cheat Sheet. Download a one-page overview of the Pomodoro Technique? .
• The Pomodoro Technique To-Do Checklist
• The Pomodoro Pro app is a timer tailored for people using the Pomodoro Technique and designed specifically for the iPhone or iPad.

Whatever plan you use, be committed to improve your focus and time management.Practice makes perfect.

Additional articles of interest:

• Multitasking Kills Productivity and That’s Bad for New Business
• Making Time for Ad Agency New Business
• 10 Tips to Supercharge Your Energy for Ad Agency New Business
• A Not To-Do List for Ad Agency New Business
• 9 Ways to Stay Focused on Ad Agency New Business

About Michael Gass

Consultant | Trainer | Author | Speaker

Since 2007, he has been pioneering the use of social media, inbound and content marketing strategies specifically for agency new business.

He is the founder of Fuel Lines Business Development, LLC, a firm which provides business development training and consulting services to advertising, digital, media and PR agencies.

photo credit: Thomas Dwyer Distracted Drivers via photopin (license)