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Posted 11/20/2008 by TomB, Acct Mgr
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Pulled from source:
http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/08/13/the-not-to-do-list-9-bad-habits-to-stop-now/
Tim Ferris (author of the 4-Hour Workweek) lists 9 "not-to-dos" for the entrepreneur to "strive to eliminate":
This week I realized once again how “not-to-do” lists can be just as effective—often more so—than to-do lists for upgrading performance. The reason is simple: what you don’t do determines what you can do. Here are nine stressful and common habits that entrepreneurs and office workers should strive to eliminate. Focus on one or two at a time, just as you would with high-priority to-do items.
I’ve worded them in no-to-do action form:
1.) Do not answer unrecognized phone calls
2.) Do not e-mail first thing in the morning or last thing at night
3.) Do not agree to meetings or calls with no clear agenda or end time
4.) Do not let people ramble—forget “how’s it going?” and embrace “what’s up?”
5.) Do not check e-mail constantly—“batch” and check at set times only
6.) Do not over-communicate with low-profit, high-maintenance customers
7.) Do not work more to fix overwhelm—prioritize
8.) Do not carry a cellphone or Crackberry 24/7, seven days a week—make evenings and/or Saturdays digital leash-free.
9.) Do not expect work to fill a void that non-work relationships and activities should It’s hip to focus on getting things done, but it’s only possible once we remove the constant static and distraction.
If you have trouble deciding what to do, just focus on not doing to re-focus. Different means, same end. Embrace the anti-Nike: Just don’t do it.
#1 and #5 is a problem for me personally.
First, As a Regional Account Manager, if my phone rings. I answer it. ALWAYS...
I only don't answer my phone if I am on the line with a potential client or existing customer. After my call is done, I trace the call back on my caller ID. What would happen if I did not answer my phone? I could miss an opportunity to not give a potential client the great services we provide.
Second, I get a fresh new e-mail that comes in. How can I resist? What if it's urgent? I had 2 potential customers requesting an online demostration and wanted a call back ASAP to talk the details.
Your thoughts?
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