7 Ways to Start Working Smart and Making More Money

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If you are self-employed, you are by definition, self-reliant. There are no weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly salary checks to be cashed or deposited. Your time is your money. It must be used wisely. You must be organized and your computer must be your best friend and assistant.

Using your computer efficiently, being organized, and working smarter is the key. If you can't find an important document, if you forget to make an important phone call, or you forget to pay an important bill on time, you will not only waste time, but it can cost you money.

Here are seven ways to start working smart, start making more money, and keeping stress at a minimum:

1. Keep your desk organized
Keep your files that you are currently working on close to your desk. I use two file crates that accommodate file folders always nearby. One crate has the folders that I am currently working on while the other crate has the research that I need to support the articles, blogs, and letters that I'm writing at that time.

2. Manage your time wisely
Break your time down into segments associated with tasks. Here's how to do it. Determine what tasks that need to be completed each week. If you are like me, there are certain tasks that are consistent from week to week such as Phone Calls, Copywriting, Operations (organizing, filing, planning), Meetings, and Accounting. You may have other tasks that may not have to be addressed each week. Lay all this out and associate a segment of time to each task, either 30 minutes or more. I use an application, AnyTime for Windows, which I have found to be very valuable.

3. Learn shortcuts for your favorite programs.
Here are some shortcuts for using Windows. For Windows, winkey+d brings desktop to the top of other windows; winkey+e open Microsoft Explorer; winkey+m minimizes all windows. For Word, ctrl+a select all contents on the page; ctrl+c copies selected text; ctrl+x cuts selected text. For Gmail, the r key replies to the message sender. The c key allows you to compose a new message; and, the tab then enter key sends the message.

4. Keep adequate supplies available.
Don't have your printer running out of toner when you have an important document that need to be immediately printed. The same goes for ink cartridges. Always keep spares on hand.

5. Learn to use the keyboard rather than the mouse.
Don't be a slave to the mouse. All of the above short cuts are keyword based. To get more of these valuable shortcuts, type in the name of the application followed by the term shortcut.

6. Don't get caught up in playing games or engaging in idle chit chat.
I have two adult acquaintances that hold responsible positions in my community who play games on their computers almost from the time they arrive home to the time they go to bed. Personally, I believe in a life time of personal growth. In my opinion this is not the way to do it. I don't participate in text messaging, idle conversation (although I do love good intelligent, invigorating conversation) and I prefer to read for both relaxation and growth.

7. Read newspapers and articles online.
With Google Reader, reading publications online is very easy. Almost every print publication has an online version. Just use the RSS feed, save it to Google Reader and read periodically during the day.

I prefer this approach rather than using kindle. But, to each his own. By the way, there are some print publications that I prefer to have as a physical copy to read while I'm traveling.

To work smart requires you to have the proper mindset.

Make it a priority and your will have satisfying results.


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