BATCHING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BAKING COOKIES

Have you ever heard of "batching?" No, it has nothing to do with cookies - those of you that know me well, know that I have no business giving any sort of cooking advice! 

Batching is a time management strategy where you "batch" together similar tasks to make them more efficient. If you aren’t currently batching your tasks, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to get more done with less time and effort. 

Often times, getting ready to do a task or switching between tasks takes more time than the task itself. By putting like tasks together and blocking out all other distractions, you save all that prep and switch time. I also find that by batching tasks that require a similar mental state makes it much easier to put on the right mental hat for an extended period of time.  

For example: 

• You might need to be social (make calls). 
• You might need to be analytical (making client notes or recommendations). 
• You might need to be creative (writing an article). 

I want to give you a few real life examples of batching. 

My VLOG.  

I, like you, run a busy practice.  It is difficult to take several hours out every 2 weeks to write, prep and record a video. Not only does it take time, but I have to be in the right mindset.  I can’t do this very well if I have client calls, interruptions and distractions.  

Also, silly thing, but I have to do my hair.  Its not something I want to do a Saturday morning, because I don’t want to be recording this in my sweatpants…know what I mean? 

Solution: I batch. 

Here is how I get it done: 

1. I have a file that I keep VLOG ideas in.  I send myself an email anytime I get one and consolidate all of my ideas. 

2. I schedule a full or half day just for recording videos.

3. I then backward plan to have my notes all written up in advance of video day.

4. On the day of, my only job is to come in and record 3-4 videos for release over the next month.

(Confession, I am just getting this process worked out.  It's not perfect, but batching is helping me be more consistent with my VLOGS while not having to take time off all the time to get it done.) 

Your Business 

I realize that you're probably not doing VLOGS - I’m not doing them for my practice…the compliance would be a pain. But there are still tasks that lend themselves to batching. 

Here are some: 

Emails 

Check them 2-3 times a day. Aim for anything on fire and delete any junk. In my case, I spend 30 minutes or so dealing with those issues. Your goal should be to get below 10 "checks" every day. 

Client Notes 

I have a list in my journal of notes I need to do. I collect them with all pertinent documents. I put on some soothing music, because I honestly don’t love doing them. Then I set little micro-goals: Do two and then you can have a cappuccino. Celebrate each one that gets checked off! 

Appointments 

I know one very successful guy that wants to do two days with five appointments each day. That would overwhelm me, but it matches how he likes to work: Sprint for two days and then concentrate on administrative tasks for two days. And then off for three days! 

Get started 

I challenge you to look at your business and see where batching might help you get more done in less time. Look for opportunities, block the time out on the calendar, tell your staff it's sacred...and Batch away. Then reward yourself with whatever floats your boat! 

I hope that you've enjoyed this information and I'd love to hear from you! As always, you can connect with me at [email protected]. 

With Purpose,

-Lucila

Have any questions or feedback? I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. Also, find tips, support, and motivation at The Intentional Advisor Mastermind Facebook group!