The Power is in the List...

As a marketing guy, when someone says, "the list", I just assume they are referring to a list of prospects. But here, I'm talking about a completely different kind of list.

When I was younger, moving up the corporate ladder, there were many nights spent reading personal development books, watching videos, and doing whatever I could to learn about personal growth. After a while, everything started to sound the same. That is, until...

...until I read a story about a very large company that spent millions researching how to increase productivity for their employees. After struggling with a less-than-optimal culture, employee burnout, and other staffing issues, they knew the problem had to be addressed. After a number of failed attempts, the company finally settled on a consultant that promised to have the answer they were looking for.

The cost for this solution would be $100,000 and they would have to commit to applying his "technique" for 30 days. If they didn't get the results he promised, he would return the $100,000, no questions asked. The company jumped at the chance. So what was this magical formula the consultant shared? Did it work? Was it worth the $100,000.

Well, if you're wondering how it all turned out, the consultant offered a very simple solution. Not only was it effective, but it also helped the company improve engagement and revenues 10 fold and become the standard by which other productivity experts measured themselves on.

The technique is this. Get yourself a small pad or notebook. Write today's date at the top of it and write down the 6 most important things you need to do today. As you accomplish each task, cross it off. Don't leave work until all six things are done. That's it! Productivity doesn't have to be complicated. Rather, you need clear goals that are prioritized and the discipline to tackle them head-on. This story of the consultant is actually factual but forgotten.

If you want to be more productive this year, take out the pad and make it a daily habit to write down your priorities, achieve them, cross them off, and start fresh in the morning. It will change your freelance business not to mention how you feel about yourself!

Tip #1: Simplify your productivity by using the rule of 6. Write down your top priorities and cross them off when accomplished.

Tip #2: Ready. Fire. Aim. Don't focus on perfection. Instead, focus on taking that first step. With action comes learning, results, and more learning. This is the best way to move your business forward.