Nov 10

Do you do internet marketing?  Whether you sell your skill as an internet marketer to other webmasters or if you market your own website, blog, product, or service, time management is key.  After all, your income depends on how much marketing you are able to accomplish.

Since time management is an important component of generating income as an internet marketer, you may be looking for helpful tips.  Yes, there is time management software available for sale, but this software is not only expensive, but it can be another source of distraction.  For that reason, rely on simpler tools, like a spreadsheet.

So, why should you use a spreadsheet for time management as an internet marketer?

It is free.  You should already have a spreadsheet program on your computer.  Whether you use Microsoft Word or Microsoft Words, one will be available to you. Since it is free to use and already installed on your computer, why not use one?  When properly used, this free tool will produce the same results as many expensive time management software programs.

It is easy.  Spreadsheets are designed to promote organization.  For that reason, it is easy for you to use one to your advantage.  Get started with a blank spreadsheet.  Fill in the tasks you need to complete on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  In fact, that leads to another benefit of using spreadsheets as a time management tool, your options.

You can create a spreadsheet however you want.  With that said, make sure your guide is always organized, easy to print, or easy to read on the computer.  Since spreadsheets are organizational tools, do not let them create more problems.  Take a few extra minutes to complete yours.

As previously stated, you can make a spreadsheet anyway you see fit.  Daily spreadsheets are ideal for going into great detail.  If you end up completing your tasks, but rushing at the last minute, you need to change your daily and hourly work habits.  The best way is with a daily spreadsheet schedule.  With a daily spreadsheet, you can do set blocks of time.  For example, in the columns record time blocks, such as 9am to 10am.  In the rows underneath, write what you want to do in that time frame.

If you are marketing your own website, as opposed to marketing for hire, your spreadsheet can be less in detail.  For example, do you want to write five articles for article directories?  Instead of writing the titles of each article, just write “Write five articles and submit.”  Once you have completed those articles, cross them from your list.  Being general lets you use the same spreadsheet each week, which is ideal for creating a common, productive schedule.  Just save a copy on your computer and print when the day arrives.

In addition to daily spreadsheet schedules, weekly are popular as well.  If you are okay with managing your time, but have only a few problems, a weekly schedule may work. Remember, if you have difficulties managing your hour-to-hour day, a daily spreadsheet is recommended.

When creating a weekly internet marketing spreadsheet schedule, start with the columns.  Write each day in a separate column.  This may require 2 printable pages.  In the rows underneath, highlight the tasks you want to complete.  In addition to being generalized, you can go into further detail.  For example, record the names of the articles you want to write or which directories you intend to submit to.

To use a spreadsheet as a time management tool, it is important to use it.  For that reason, print your sheet.  Having a detailed to-do list in the form of a spreadsheet right by your side will be easier.  In fact, regularly having to bring it up on your computer screen can technically be considered a distraction.  Remember, when looking to improve your time management skills, even the smallest distractions can cost you time and money.

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Oct 28

Do you work as an internet marketer?  If so, time management is a skill that can benefit you in more ways than one.  The ability to market online and a good sense of time management are nice skills to have, but when combined into one, they are an unstoppable force.  Why?  Because time management and internet marketing go hand-in-hand.

As important as it is to hear that time management and internet marketing go hand-in-hand, you may be wondering why.  If you are new to internet marketing, this is a common question and wonder.  To understand the importance of and connection between time management and internet marketing, it is important to examine the two.

Time management involves making effective use of your time.  Someone who has a good sense of time is likely to produce quick, yet effective results.  On the other hand, those with poor time management skills are easily distracted, unorganized, and easily fall behind schedule.  No matter how you make money, whether it be online or not, time management is important.

As for internet marketing, you already know that it is advertising online.  Internet marketing is used to draw attention to a website or blog.  That website or blog will generate income for the owner, which may be you.  As for how income is generated, it is often done through the selling of a product, a service, or the use of affiliate links.  Internet marketing is important, as people will not buy a product or service for sale if they do not know it even exists.

Those who implement internet marketing tactics online fall into two separate categories.  These categories include internet marketers for hire and webmasters who do their own marketing.  Regardless of which category you fit into, time management can generate income for you.  For example, do you work as a paid advertiser?  If so, the quicker you complete a project, the quicker you can move onto the next moneymaking one.  If you sell a product or service, quick and effective marketing can translate into sales.

As shown above, there is a direct connection between internet marketing, time management, and your income.  Essentially, the more you work, the more money you make.  This does not mean that you have to work 24 hours around the clock. What it does mean is that you need to manage your time.  When you do, you can increase productivity.  Meaning you get more work done, but in the same amount of time.

Now that you see the connection between your income, time management, and online marketing, it is important to get started.  If you are good at managing time, like if you always complete your tasks on time or ahead of schedule, you should be good to go.  On the other hand, if you procrastinate or run behind schedule, it is time for a change.  That change should involve eliminating distractions, creating a to-do and using it.

In conclusion, a good sense of time management is a beneficial skill to have.  It will not only improve your performance and productivity as an internet marketer, but in all aspects of time.  However, now it is important to focus on the internet marketing aspect.  By staying focused and on task, by creating daily to-do lists, by setting time limits, and by eliminating distractions, you can increase your earnings without putting in more hours.

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Oct 18

Have you just created a website?  If you work from home, your intention is to make money with that website.  Whether you generate income through affiliate links or by selling a product or service, internet marketing is vital to your success.  An internet marketing campaign lets consumers know you have something for sale.

Since internet marketing is an important component of making money with a website or even a blog, it must be incorporated into your business plan.  However, you might assume their isn’t enough room or time for it.  In fact, your first thought may be to avoid doing your own internet marketing and hire a professional.

Professional internet marketers are easy to find online.  To get started, perform a standard internet search.  After a close examination, you will find that most have a long list of well-known clients they work with, have an amazing list of testimonials, and so forth.  Also, a close look will show you that internet marketers do not come cheap.  In fact, the cost may surprise you.  Essentially, this may once again leave you rethinking your marketing approach.

So, what should you do?  Should you do your own internet marketing or hire a professional?  In all honesty, you should do your own.  Even if internet marketing is a subject that you are unfamiliar with, you can learn it.  It is a lot easier than you may have originally thought, especially when you have a good sense of time management.  In fact, if you have poor time management skills, you should work on improving those before you start an internet marketing campaign.

In terms of improving your use of time, there are many steps and changes you can make.  To get started, create to-do lists.  These can be done on a daily basis and outline each task you need to complete.  When finished, cross it from your list and move on to the next.  You can also eliminate distractions or interruptions.  Do you find yourself talking on the phone when you should be working?  If so, don’t answer your phone and don’t make any personal calls during business hours.  Once you eliminate distractions or at least learn to tone them out, you can start improving your use of time and productivity.

Once you realize the connection between time management and internet marketing and its importance, you can begin to get started.  If you are unfamiliar with internet marketing, research the subject.  There are many internet marketing forums where tips are shared.  Visit these forums.  What is nice about this approach is that you can ask questions if you have any.  Just remember to use online forums for research, not for personal chats.

After you familiarize yourself with a few internet marketing approaches, such as keyword optimized articles, signatures in message forums, banner and link exchanges, and so forth, you can get started.  Now, it will take you a little bit of time to master the trade.  For example, keyword articles can be difficult to write.  It takes time and experimentation to find the best keywords and properly implement them into your articles.  So, don’t give up if you don’t see results right away.  It will take time and a lot of practice.

Finally, it is important to not focus solely on one internet marketing tactic.  Even if you find a successful traffic and sale generator, use multiple methods.  The key is to properly manage your time so that you can give each opportunity a try over the course of a week or one month.

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Oct 12

Is internet marketing one of the many tasks you complete as a webmaster?  If so, you may feel overwhelmed.  After all, your to-do list may be two pages or longer!  So, how do you manage your time without feeling overwhelmed and worked to the max?  You do so by prioritizing your internet marketing tasks.

As nice as it is to hear that you can and should prioritize your internet marketing tasks, you may be wondering why.  For starters, prioritizing has its own benefits.  It lets you know what you need to do and how.  Items are often categorized in order based on importance.  In terms of internet marketing, this can make it easier to complete your daily duties, as well as in an effective manner.

What is ideal about prioritizing your internet marketing, aside from improving productivity, is your options.  Since it is your to-do list, you can prioritize its contents however you see fit.  For tips and suggestions on how to prioritize your tasks for the ultimate results, please continue reading on.

Before focusing on how you can prioritize your internet marketing tasks, make sure you can.  If you work as an internet marketer for hire, you work for others.  You may be provided with a specific list of duties.  This means that you might not have a choice, as these tasks may already be prioritized and in order for you.  However, if you do have freedom:

Start with something new.  Many internet marketers put off certain tasks, especially those they have yet to try.  This is mostly due to a fear of failure.  Yes, if an internet marketing campaign falls short, you lose money and time.  But, you also lose money by not taking the risk.  So, get your to-do list started with a new internet marketing technique you have yet to try.

Start with something you know works.  As previously stated, you want to try new internet marketing tactics, but that doesn’t mean you have to start your day with them.  If you want to ensure your time will translate into money, start with marketing tactics you know work.  For example, have you seen an increase in website traffic due to article directory submissions?  If so, start your day producing content to be distributed.

Start with something that is easy.  Internet marketing tactics come in all different formats.  Some are easier than others.  To get the ball rolling, start with a tactic that you know is easy.  For example, do you post messages on a related forum with an advisement in your signature?  If so, this is easy.  Starting with an easy task not only gets the ball rolling, but it can also help you get into your groove.

Start with something that is hard.  Do you have a hard marketing method on your to-do list?  For example, do you want to write two new pages of copy for your website?  If so, you may find this hard, as it is time consuming.  For that reason, move this step to the top of your to-do list.  When you get the harder tasks out of the way, you can breathe a sigh of relief and stop ferreting about it.

In conclusion, there are many ways to prioritize a to-do list.  Your choice should depend on your own personal preferences.  With that said, look for an approach that is easy to work with and one that improves productivity.

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Oct 4

Are you new to internet marketing?  If so, you may want to improve your time management.  So, how can you do so?

Realize that time is money.  Time is money is a common phrase that you may hear all the time; however, it is very important to an internet marketer, such as yourself.  Why?  Because your ability to manage your time and market a website, product, service, or blog will have a direct impact on your income generated.  For example, do you sell products on your website?  The more traffic you generate with marketing, the more sales you will receive.

Do not let your computer be a distraction.  As you can gather, internet marketing involves using the internet.  Yes, it is your job to use the internet, but you must use it properly.  Unfortunately, distractions are common when using a computer.  For starters, computers come preloaded with games.  There is also the internet factor.  These are many interesting websites online, as well as fun instant messaging programs.  Enjoy these things in your free time, but not during work hours.

Eliminate your distractions.  As previously stated, playing games on a computer or using instant messaging programs can be a huge source of distraction.  For starters, do not use them.  If your willpower to stay away isn’t strong enough, disable these programs or entirely delete them from your computer.

Since most internet marketers also work from home, it is important to eliminate distractions in the home.  When not working, do housework to have a clean and professional workspace the next day.  Do not watch television or answer the phone when working.  These tasks will disrupt your work, hindering your ability to market and make money.

Research.  Unfortunately, many new internet marketers make the mistake of believing that research is a distraction or a waste of time.  It isn’t.  As an internet marketer, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings online.  If you don’t, you may miss out on the “hottest,” way to market a product or service online.  So, research.  With that said, make sure research is all you do online.  If you visit an internet marketing forum, ask questions if you need help, but avoid socializing or personal conversations.

Brainstorm and create a plan.  Whether you are a new internet marketer or an experienced one, you should already have marketing ideas running around in your head.  This is good, but what should you do with those ideas?  Brainstorm and create a plan.  A good example involves taking your ideas, prioritizing them, and creating a daily to-do list or schedule.  For example, your first task could include updating a blog with a link to your website.  Task number two could include choosing a product to give away in a marketing contest, and so forth.

Execute the above mentioned plan.  Once you have a list of internet marketing tasks to complete, get to work.  Remember, it is important to stay focus and on task.  Work on crossing items off your to-do list.  Avoid distractions, such as surfing the internet, checking your personal email account, or watching the television in the background.  By focusing only on your list of things to do, you can get more things done as an internet marketer.

Outsource when you fall behind.  Whether you fell behind due to poor time management or if you just have too many tasks to complete and not enough hours, seek help.  That help can come from a qualified outsourcer.  Who you hire will depend on the task you need completed.  Do you want to design a banner for a link exchange?  Hire a graphic or web designer.  Do you want to write articles for article directory submissions?  If so, hire a freelance writer.

In short, there are many ways for you to get more done as an internet marketer.  The best way to see success, which should include extra income, is to work on your time management skills.  Do you see a problem or distraction?  Eliminate it as an issue and focus solely on the tasks at hand.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you how to improve your time management and get more done.

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Sep 29

Do you do internet marketing?  Whether it is your job to market websites, services, and products for others or if you are marketing your own personal projects, time management is key.  In fact, your ability to work and manage your time is directly related to your income earnings.  The more links you distribute and the more interest you generate, the more money you should make.

Since time management is an important component of becoming a successful and profitable internet marketer, you may wish to revamp the daily managing of your time.  If so, continue reading on for 6 easy steps to get started.

1 – Brainstorm

Do not make the mistake of jumping right into work.  Instead, take the time to brainstorm and develop a list of internet marketing tasks.  Decide what you want to do for the day.  How do you want to market and advertise today?  Do you want to update your website or blog?  Do you want to submit to article directories?  Do you want to buy advertisements on similar websites?  If so, list these items on a scrap sheet of paper.

2 – Prioritize

You might assume that you are done after brainstorming your daily tasks, but you are not.  Next, you want to create a to-do list or a detailed schedule.  To get started, prioritize.  If working for yourself, as opposed to a client, you have more freedom.  It is best to start with internet marketing tactics you know will work.  Since there is less gamble, your work and the energy you put forth should pay off.  For example, submitting articles to article directories is “safer,” than using Twitter to generate clicks to a website.

3 – Set Time Limits

As previously stated, you can create a detailed schedule.  When doing so, use blocks of time.  For example, 9am to 10am can be used for writing and submitting one article to EzineArticles.com.  This gives you one hour to do the task.  Yes, it does apply pressure, but a time limit can also serve as a source of motivation.

If you opt to create a detailed scheduled, set aside specific blocks of time.  Even if you don’t take this approach, still create a time limit.  Before you start each task, create a goal time to have it completed by.

4 – Stay Organized

Those who are unorganized often have poor time management.  And, those with poor time management are often unorganized.  To improve the use of your time, get organized.  Make sure you are working in a clean and professional environment, even if only working from a laptop at your kitchen table.

5 – Know When to Outsource

Outsourcing is not the preferred method of internet marketing, as it does cost money.  With that said, there will come a point in time where you fall behind or feel overwhelmed.  This is when you should outsource.  Outsourced projects do not need to be large.  So, even if you only hire a writer to write one article for directory submission, you are still receiving much needed marketing help.

6 – Don’t Waste Time

The biggest time waster when working as an internet marketer is the internet.  Yes, this seems ironic, but it is true.  There are millions of things to do on the computer and online.  Therefore, it is easy to get distracted and waste time.  Set rules for yourself.  For example, no checking your personal email, no communication with friends on instant messenger, no playing computer games, and no surfing the internet for random websites while working.  The internet is a great source of entertainment, but not when you should be doing your job.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you how to use time management. Borge Hansen http://www.yourcareergoals.net

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Sep 25

Do you work from home and on your computer?  If so, you are lucky, but also susceptible to distractions and interruptions.  Working from home does have its benefits, but interruptions are common.  So, how do you manage your time when something always comes up?

1 – Tone Out

Toning out interruptions and distractions is not easy, but it can work.  For example, are you working at an internet café instead of at home?  If so, you will find a lot of noise.  Don’t let the noise bother you.  Instead, just focus your attention on your work and the tasks at hand.  In fact, you may no longer notice the background noise after a few minutes, as you learned to tone it out.  As a last resort, relocate to a quieter location.

2 – Continue to Work

The best way to not let distractions and interruptions ruin your ability to market is to keep on working.  No matter what do it.  Focus your attention solely on the internet marketing tasks at hand and nothing else.  This allows you to get your work done and on time.

Note:  Continuing to work and ignoring interruptions can improve your productivity, but there are some instances where this is not advised.  For example, are you a parent?  Do not ignore or tone out your children.

3 – Do Not Get Frustrated

Getting frustrated is the worst thing you can do when faced with a disruption or interruption when working.  If you need to, take a short break or take deep breathes.  Remember, that distractions are usually only temporary.  For example, if someone calls you and you answer the phone, end the conversation quickly.  Interruptions that only last a few minutes can still cause you to lose focus and time, but they are not worth getting upset over.

4 – Handle the Interruptions

The best way to handle interruptions when working is to deal with them so they no longer become an issue.  For example, are you a parent whose small child is asking for a drink?  Making your child wait, even just for five minutes, will likely result in even more interruptions.  So, get your child a drink and then start working again.

The same can be said with distracting telephone calls.  If someone keeps calling your home, answer the phone.  If it is not an emergency, explain that you are working and end the call.  Tell the caller you will call back when you are finished working.

5 – Eliminate Interruptions
As previously stated, the best way to deal with interruptions is to make them no longer an issue.  This involves stopping the problem at the source.  Remember, there are some situations that you cannot control.  If you are a parent, work when your children are asleep, at school, or at daycare.  As for the phone issue, do not answer your phone.  Use an answering machine to screen calls for emergencies instead.

As reminder, you will always face interruptions and distractions when working from home.  There are some aspects of life and others that you cannot control.  That is why dealing with interruptions should be incorporated into your time management plan.  So, take steps to prevent these distractions and interruptions from causing you to lose money.  You can handle the issue at hand, tone out background noise, not let it get you down, and keep on working.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you how to deal with interruptions and distractions. Borge Hansen http://www.yourcareergoals.net

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Sep 24

Do you operate a website or blog that generates income through the sale of a product, service, or affiliate links?  If so, you not only need to be a webmaster, but an online marketer.

As a website owner who uses a website to generate income, internet marketing is important to your success.  For that reason, you need to implement it.  If this is a new step for you, you may be looking for guidance.  The first step is to familiarize yourself with popular internet marketing techniques. You can easily do this online or by visiting internet marketing forums.  Once you know how to market your website or blog, you start to implement the techniques you learned.  Unfortunately, this is where many new marketers make costly mistakes.

To ensure you get the most out of your newfound internet marketing knowledge, you need to create a schedule.  When properly complied and used, a schedule will increase your productivity.  Remember, the more traffic you drive to your website or blog, the more your earnings potential increases.  If that isn’t enough reason to create a schedule, continue reading on for five more.

1 – It Is Easy to Make a Schedule

An internet marketing schedule is essentially a detailed to-do list.  What you do is start with times.  Set aside blocks of times, like in one or two hour increments.  For each time slot, write a task or two.  This is what you want to do.  For example, do you want to submit an article to a directory or send advisements to your followers on Twitter?  If so, add to your schedule.

2 – You Have Many Options

Not only is making an internet marketing schedule easy, but you have many options.  You can compose a schedule by hand, in Microsoft Word, or by spreadsheet.  You also have the option of creating daily, weekly, or monthly schedules.

3 – A Schedule is a Guide

When you are familiar with internet marketing tactics, it is easy to advertise online.  Unfortunately, many run into problems with distractions.  It is easy to go from using the internet to research to reading the news or the latest celebrity gossip.  To prevent this from happening, use your schedule as a guide.  You want to avoid distractions, but if an interruption happens, don’t spend time trying to remember what you were doing or were about to do, just consult your schedule and get back to work.

4 – It Serves as a Source of Motivation

As previously stated, a schedule is essentially a to-do list with times attached.  These times are important as they add pressure and serve as motivation.  When you track your time with a clock or beeping alarm clock, you know when time is about to expire or has.  When most know they only have X amount of time to complete a task, they tend to put forth more effort and increase their productivity.

5 – You Can Extend Your Reach

In terms of internet marketing, there are hundreds of successful tactics.  You cannot implement them all in one day, but get the process started. When doing so, don’t place all your attention on one marketing tactic.  Unfortunately, if you do not have a set guide to follow, you may make this mistake.  The best way to market a website, product, or service is to spread your reach.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you how to make a schedule. Borge Hansen http://www.yourcareergoals.net

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