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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To be a successful internet marketer, time management is important.  Unfortunately, many new to the business assume time management is difficult or costly.  Yes, it can be, but there are easy and affordable approaches you can take.  A few cheap ways to manage your time are highlighted below.

1 – Create a To Do List

A to-do list is a cheap time management tool, as all you need is a pen and a piece of paper.  If you prefer, your list can be complied in Microsoft Word or a spreadsheet.  Each morning or the night before, create a to-do list for yourself.  What tasks do you need to accomplish throughout the day?  For example, do you want to approach webmasters for banner exchanges or research website page ranks to find the best advertising deals?  If so, include these items on your daily to-do list.

When creating your daily to-do list, go into great detail.  For example, step number one could include approach five webmasters for link exchanges.  Once the task as been completed, cross it from your list.

Not only will a to-do list give you a set guide to follow, but it helps to promote motivation.  

2 – Create a Schedule

A to-do list is an easy way to manage your time, as you are provided with a list of what must be completed in a day.  Crossing tasks from your list may serve as a source of motivation, if not, a schedule is recommended.  Set aside a specific time frame for you to complete a task.  

Do you want to submit articles to directories you paid an outsourced writer to write?  If so, set aside a specific block of time to doing so.  For example, submit these articles between 9 and 10 am.  By keeping an eye on the clock, you know when you are starting to fall behind, allowing you to pickup the pace.

3 – Use a Desktop Calendar

Creating a detailed schedule or to-do list is ideal for internet marketers with serious time management problems.  If you are good at time management or staying on task, you can take a more lax approach.  One of those approaches is using a desktop calendar.

Desktop calendars are large in size, enabling you to write various tasks on a daily slot, but without great detail.  Do so.  Each time you complete a task, cross it from your calendar.

Desktop calendars are available for sale online and in many local department stores and office supply stores. They tend to retail for under $5, making them an affordable way to manage your time.

4 – Use an Alarm Clock

An alarm clock is a cheap way to manage your time as an internet marketer, as you should already have one in your home.  An alarm clock is ideal when used in conjunction with a daily schedule.  

As sited as an example above, you created a one hour block for submitting outsourced articles to directories with back links.  Set your alarm clock to go off at 10am.  This signals that it is time to stop and start a new task or quickly finish.

5 – Think of the Money

As an internet marketer, you may work for clients who hire you to drive traffic to their websites or you may do the same for your own websites, blogs, products or services.  Regardless of who you work for, it is important to think of the money.  This can serve as motivation.

When you stay focused and on task, you do your job.  That job is to drive traffic to a website, blog, product or service.  Many times, this will translate into money.  Remember the more you work, the more money you will make.

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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.

Technorati Tags: distraction, Internet marketing, time is money, up-to-date, work from home

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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When familiarizing yourself with internet marketing tactics, you may start to feel overwhelmed. After all, there are hundreds of ways to market a website, product, or service online.  Since it is impossible to do it all at once or even in one week, you need to manage your time.  When it comes to internet marketing time management, there are many dos and don’ts.

Do not surf the internet when working.  Internet marketing involves using the internet.  Unfortunately, it is easy to become distracted online.  Do you like reading the news or playing games online?  If so, avoid these websites during work hours.  Save internet entertainment for after-hours.

Do use the internet to research internet marketing.  Avoid surfing the internet for personal use or entertainment during your work hours, but do not avoid it altogether.  Since new internet marketing methods arise often, use the internet to stay up-to-date.  Remember, there is a difference between searching for fun websites and searching for research.

Do remember that time is money.  If you are new to internet marketing, realize that poor time management not only leads to following behind and unorganization, but it also means lost money.  Since you cannot sell a product or service without first advertising, you need to do so online.  If you don’t, you will not make any sales, resulting in a loss of income.

Do not play games on your computer during work hours.  It is not uncommon for some home based workers to turn to computer games when feeling stressed.  Yes, you deserve a break, but games are not the way to go.  Since they are installed on your computer, they are easy to access.  Playing a game for a 10-minute break can easily turn into an hour long distraction.

Do remember to have fun outside of work.  Right now, you have heard that you shouldn’t play computer games or surf the internet for entertainment purposes.  This may not sound like fun.  Realistically, work isn’t always fun.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time, but do so outside of work.

Do not check your personal email account multiple times a day.  Unfortunately, many home based workers believe checking email does not waste a lot of time.  For starters, even a second can be wasted time.  Since you will spend more than one second reading emails, clicking on links, viewing attachments, and responding, this wasted time can easily add up.

Do create a separate account for business use only.  If you sell a product or service online, you need to check your email.  This is how you are notified of a sale.  This is okay, but eliminate distractions by keeping personal emails and work email separate.

Do not give up when overwhelmed.  Internet marketing is important to selling a product or service online; therefore, it must be done.  With a wide range of marketing options, you may feel as if you have to do them all.  Yes, you are encouraged to do so, but not at once.  If you find yourself overwhelmed, do not stop for the day, but take a short break.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you what to do and not to do. Borge Hansen http://www.yourcareergoals.net

Technorati Tags: avoid surfing, become distracted online, overwhelmed, time is money, time management

So, how can you stay focused and on task as an interenet marketer?

Avoid online forums.  Unfortunately, it is easy to market a website, product, or service online.  With the use of signatures, posting in an online forum can be considered a form of marketing.  However, use your best judgment.  Choose message boards inline with what you need to market, such as a pet board for pet products.  Set aside a specific block of time for marketing on forums, like 30 minutes.  Stop when your 30 minutes are up.

Avoid instant messaging programs.  If you are marketing a product or service you sell, you should not need to have an instant messaging program open on your computer.  The only exception would be if you are internet marketer for hire who uses instant messages for business purposes.  Other than that, do not socialize on instant messaging programs.  In fact, avoid them at all costs.

Avoid surfing the internet.  Since internet marketing relies on the use of the internet, you will need to use it.  There is a difference between surfing the internet for internet marketing ideas and viewing random, but interesting pages.  For example, search online for internet marketing forums where the latest tips are shared, but avoid other websites, such as those for news, gossip, and sports.  View these websites on your own time.

Avoid checking your personal email.  One of the biggest time wasters in the day of an internet marketer is email.  If you are currently using one email account for personal use and business use, stop immediately.  An email account just for business enables you to check your email throughout the day, but without getting distracted with personal messages.

Let everyone know you work.  Unfortunately, not everyone understands the concept of working from home.  Some actually think it is nothing more than a clever disguise to be lazy and watch television all day.  This means you may find friends, family members, or neighbors calling or stopping by for a visit.  Do not let this happen.  Instead, let everyone know you do work a normal job, just from home.  Also make it known that you will not be available during work hours unless for emergencies.

Create a to-do list.  Having a daily to-do list by your side is one of the best ways to stay focused and on task as an internet marketer.  Why?  Because you have a specific guide to follow.  For example, your list for the day may include marketing on message boards, writing search engine optimized content, and so forth.  As you complete each task, cross it from your to-do list.  A to-do list not only serves as a helpful guide, but as a source of motivation.

Create a detailed schedule.  If you have time management problems, a simple to-do list may not be enough.  If that is the case, create a detailed schedule.  A schedule is essentially a to-do list with times attached.  Set aside blocks of time for specific internet marketing tactics, such as message board marketing or article directory submission.  Keep an eye on the clock.  When you have a deadline, you are likely to increase your productivity and stay better focused.

Know the consequences of not staying on task.  It is nice knowing how you can stay on task as an internet marketer, but you need to know what the consequences are for not.  Unfortunately, many make the mistake of believing they will just fall behind.  Yes, this will happen, but there is also the money aspect.  Time that is wasted, as opposed to spent marketing a website with affiliate links, products, or services for sale translates into money lost.  Essentially the more marketing links you distribute online, the money you can make.

In my new ebook Motivation To Succeed Online I teach you how to stay focused.

Borge Hansen

http://www.yourcareergoals.net

Technorati Tags: Internet marketer, schedule, stay focused, time management, to-do list