Ebiz Snap

Simple Systems

A system is a way to complete a task in the most efficient and/or cost-effective manner. If you develop routines and then create efficient systems to carry out these daily routines, you’ll see your productivity skyrocket.

Let me explain…
Remember earlier when I gave you an example of how to handle your email? You might consider that an email system, because it’s a proven way to save time answering emails.

That’s just one example. However, you can create an efficient system around virtually every major task you perform. Doing so will save you time and money.

Example: Let’s suppose you’re selling products on eBay. If you have multiple auctions going at any moment, then you know how time-consuming it is to create the auction ads, take pictures, touch base with prospects and customers and pack and ship the merchandise.

In order to save yourself a whole lot of time and hassle, what you’ll need to do is create a series of systems for uploading your auction ads, answering your customer inquiries, closing your auctions and doing the actual packing and shipping.

Example: You may want to develop auction templates for your ads. That way you don’t have to fiddle with the design, and you can use the same terms and disclaimers in all of your ads. It will only take a few minutes to create and post each ad if you use a template.

Second, you may use auction software and tools to create and monitory your auctions.

Third, you may set aside a special email just for your auction questions and set aside two time blocks per day to answer questions.

Finally, you can create a packing and shipping system that makes the process go quicker.

Example: You may set up an “assembly line” system to pack and shift product. You may buy your postage online so you don’t have to spend time waiting in line at the shipping center. And instead of packing and shipping every day, you may just ship products two or three times per week.

See what I mean?

Tip: I mentioned this before: Ask knowledgeable others for advice about the quickest ways to complete your tasks. If we continue the online auction example, you’ll want to ask other auction marketers what sorts of systems they use for the various parts of the online auction process.

Once you’ve discovered the best and fastest way to complete a task, then write down the steps (or create a process map if you’re a visual person).

Once you have it down on paper, you may again ask knowledgeable others to see if they have any additional hints or tips to make your system even more efficient. Then you can implement your system and start using it regularly.

Tags: Time Management

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