Productivity hacks and life hacks are everywhere.
My kids are currently enamored with “life hacks” on YouTube.
Why? Everyone is trying to get more done, in less time. But we all feel like we’re drowning.
How do you get more done, in less time, with focus, and momentum, to actually generate results (aka leads for your business)?
Here are my Top 3 productivity hacks to crunch it out and stay top of mind.
Productivity Tip #1: Change the scenery.
It’s easy to get into a pattern. That’s the basics of human nature.
We do what is comfortable. Like it. Shampoo, rinse and repeat.
Whether you work out of an office, or a co-work space, or a coffee shop – wherever – change the scenery once every 30 days.
At a MINIMUM once a quarter.
Why?
If you’re a relational human being at all (hint: we all are), you will build new relationships at each place you go to.
Which can be good (relationships = leads), but also bad (talky people = less focused work time for you).
So rotating your place of focused work, helps you be uncomfortable enough to make new friends (good) without getting tied down in conversations that don’t move you forward (bad).
Right now, I’m writing this article at the local public library.
Ultimate productivity booster.
Why?
You can’t leave your stuff around. There are signs everywhere. “Do not leave your items unattended. Unattended items will be removed.”
So….you have to go to the bathroom. But you REALLY want to get these two things done before you break your flow, close up your laptop, pack it in your bag, and walk away.
Because you know that you’re going to lose 10-15 minutes of productivity time, and your flow, when you break down only to set it back up again.
Need to get lots of work done fast?
Go somewhere where you don’t feel comfortable leaving your stuff unattended.
You’ll hold it.
You’ll get it done.
Productivity Tip #2: Cell Phone In DND or Airplane Mode
As a writer and strategist, little more bugs me than having my phone go off or blow up while I’m “in flow”.
Being in a state of “flow”, I know I can get more done, in less time.
So I work hard to minimize distractions.
Worried your family might have an emergency while you’re on task?
Most phones allow you to customize your Do Not Disturb settings.
Otherwise, I’ll check the phone when I’m done with my focused work.
Productivity Tip #3: Turn Off ALL Notifications
Want to go really crazy and get A TON done and make some real connections?
Go into your phone settings, navigate to the Notifications panel, and turn off Notifications for email, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other platform you’re on.
Now, take it to the next level.
Go into your calendar and wait for it…
Schedule set times in the day when you will check your social media accounts and your email.
Creating schedule times will keep you from mindlessly scrolling Facebook, interacting with people who don’t need or won’t use your services.
Facebook Ads can deliver better results for less of your time than 30 comments or post likes a day.
Summary
Now, you may be saying if you’re in a service-based, super competitive industry (like real estate), “No way! I’m not going to miss a call or a round-robin!”
I get it.
So you have to edit these tips to fit your business model.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
If you feel you can’t use Tip #2, then try tips #1 and #3.
Heck, try just Tip #1 to start.
Even one change, out of this list of productivity boosters, will help you be more focused and mindful of your time.
And if you’re mindful of your work time, you’ll have more time to spend with those you love and care about, without losing momentum (and leads).
If the idea of being “out of reach” when turning your phone off or turning off notifications drops a big pit of anxiety in your stomach, it’s time to reevaluate.
If your business model is based solely around whether you’re physically available or not available, that’s a scary place to be.
Life happens.
Setting up a few simple systems can help reduce the stress on you and your family in the event that you’re unavailable for some time.
Are you a real estate broker/owner in need of a little assistance growing your leads?
Have you considered working with a real estate marketing company?