In last week’s post I featured interviews of two successful entrepeneurs who shared their must-have tips for staying productive in their businesses.
In this 2-part series I am focusing on productivity hacks of successful entrepeneurs. I work with clients in my day job who struggle with trauma, mental health issues and difficulty dealing with stress. Many of them also struggle with lack of motivation, even when their mental health is stabilized.
Regardless of whether you are a budding entrepreneur or you struggle with daily tasks, these productivity hacks are pretty easy to add to your agenda!
In case you missed last week’s post, here are the interview questions:
- Can you give us a glimpse into what keeps you busy throughout your day?
- What are your favorite productivity hacks? Is there a hack you couldn’t live without?
- What is your favorite way to unwind?
The first interview is from Erin, who is a 30-something working mom of an energetic 8-year-old daughter. She works 50+ hours a week in a director position, while working on her doctorate with the love and support of her husband.
According to Erin, her days vary. “Some days are spent running a 50 bed crisis triage center that provides intervention and stabilization services to those suffering from substance use disorders and acute mental illness. Other days are spent in the community, representing my agency at city council meetings, grant presentations, board meetings, etc.”
Writing a daily and weekly to-do list is a key essential in maintaining focus and organization for this busy director. She prioritizes her tasks and goes from there. “I try really hard to only check my emails 3-4 times throughout the day. If I checked it more often then I would be answering emails all day long.”
Another hack she uses is the one-touch method; “I only touch a paper or task one time. I either complete it, file it, delegate it, or trash it. If it’s a document that needs additional follow-up then I set a time frame on when that follow up will be completed.”
Erin also relies heavily on her Outlook calendar and task list. The task lists allow her to assign a task to an employee and delegate it; but it also serves as a consistent reminder of what she needs to get done.
“The hack that I absolutely cannot live without is my white board in my office. I use it everyday to jot notes, goals, map out strategic plans, draw funny faces, etc. It helps keep my ideas fresh and present in my face so I continue to think about the future and the growth I want to see for myself, my staff, and my agency.” Erin also says that coffee and laughter are essential!!
Erin says she plays as hard as she works but she doesn’t mean partying and staying out late. To quote her correctly, “Hell I’m too old for that!”
Erin plays hard when it comes to planning family adventures and vacations. She plays volleyball and softball every week, tries a new baking recipe on Sundays and barbecues with friends and family.
“I unwind by connecting with the people most important and precious in my life and celebrating those relationships. Sometimes that celebration is simply watching my daughter and nephew play Star Wars on the Kinect, like they are Hans Solo and Princess Leia. And sometimes that celebration is going off-roading in our new Razor. No matter what I’m doing I work really hard at staying present in the moment, whatever that moment may be.”
Our second entrepreneur is Vincenzo Landino, the founder and CEO of Landino Marketing, LLC, and hosts #MCEOtalk, a LIVE event and twitter chat.
Landino Marketing, LLC is a social media and content marketing consultancy specializing in brand correspondence and live-streaming video.
Vincenzo is proud to work with such brands as Applebee’s, Casual Friday’s, SocialFresh, BroadSuite Media Group, Social Media Day San Diego, MillennialCEO and Zoomph as an influencer, podcaster, engagement specialist, show host and blogger.
Vincenzo Landino is the founder of HUBCAP Wallingford, a collaborative workspace and small business incubator in the heart of Connecticut.
What keeps Vincenzo busy daily?
His 2-year-old miniature pinscher and his 7 clients which range from hospitality industry to food/beverage and even professional services! Judging from his bio, you can see what keeps him busy!!
According to Vincenzo, “I get up pretty early every day which allows me to get work done before the majority of activity starts flowing in. I try to send emails, respond to requests and catch up on news in the morning before the day gets too hectic. Dealing with clients on the West coast is nice because I have until 11:00am before I begin business with them.”
Vincenzo loves coffee, but it’s become more or less of a habit, rather than access to superpowers! He recently began exercising in the morning as well, which he noticed has helped his creativity!
His favorite ways to unwind are playing with his pup, Khaleesi, watching movies, cooking or golfing.
The common thread I noticed in these 4 amazing entrepeneurs is their ability to keep it simple:
- coffee, notepads, iPhone, Outlook calendars, white boards, daily lists, one-touch method, waking up early, prioritizing, exercise.
Their responsibilities are FAR from simple and I truly admire their tenacity and drive.
Let me know how you will take these hacks and incorporate them into your plan for success!
Special thank you to Kelly, Kathy, Erin and Vincenzo for agreeing to be featured in this post!
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