Daily Download

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A crucial component for quality client relationships is staying on top of your commitments.

There are dozens of time management systems, approaches, software and planners out there, but here’s one simple, straightforward habit you can implement immediately to cover your commitments.

At the end of every workday, before you eat dinner, before you wrestle with the children, perform a “Daily Download.” Mentally walk through your day, physically go through your notes, and pull every commitment into one action list. Write these things down for each:

• What you need to do next.
• Who you’re doing it for.
• When you need to do it.

Don’t wait until the next morning to do this, or even just before you go to bed. Do it while the day is still fresh in your brain.

Personally, I use a Palm PDA and have a category called “Open Loops.” Each item I glean from my Daily Download is added here. And only after I’m sure I’ve got them all down do I separate out the tasks into more appropriate, descriptive categories. However you choose to do it, your clients have given you their business, they expect you to take it seriously. Managing your actions professionally is one step to doing that.

[tags]getting+things+done, time+management[/tags]