Avin Kline

If you’re like most people, the idea of getting more done is very appealing but also elusive.

Outside of the philosophy of David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD), which I subscribe to very much, my main suggestion is simple:

Work less.

I know what you’re saying, “I don’t have enough time to do everything I need to with the time I already spend working.” You may be an exception, but a lot of people will find that they get more things done because they have less time to waste.

The trick is to schedule the amount of time you’re going to work and make sure that you have other intentional things to do when that time is finished (like reading, biking, a date, etc).

It might just work … what the heck?

The bad rap and how not to have it.

In case you haven’t been in the United States in the last couple of decades, the term “network marketing” has gotten a really bad rap.

Just Friday, I got an out-of-the-blue call from a highschool friend. He wants to get together this week so we can talk about an investment thing of some sort that he has - sounds like a network marketing deal. I’m a softy so I happily said yes to get together - even though I’m not looking right now.

The problem is (and this is THE problem) he never asked if I am looking for, or even want, what he has - he just forced an appointment on me.

The bottom line is that network marketing can be a really sweet deal - I know a lot of people who are $$$ through it - but what sucks is the call you get from a friend who’s acting really weird and acts like he wants to get you into something, but he never asked you if you’re wanting what he’s got. All of us at one time or another want something - whether it’s an affiliate biz op or freakin’ soap! But if I’m not wanting it right now, don’t waste my time, your time, or make things really weird between us.

I’m guilty too.

1. Ask if they are interested in reading the book (and give them the freedom to be honest)

2. Lend one book at a time

3. Ask for a general time-frame for them to get it back to you (open-ended makes relationships weird)

4. Make sure they feel okay with returning the book half-read (or not read at all)

Anything to add?

You probably know the starting point for anything entrepreneurial: find a need and fill it.

But something to think about is that sometimes the need is already being filled … you can just fill it better - a need in and of itself.

Google made search better. Apple made mp3 players better. DVR made recording TV better.

You don’t always have to start from scratch - sometimes you just need to make it better.

• You’re sitting around a table
• You’re with others who share a common interest
• You’re sipping on coffee and eating

This sounds like a good time with friends or it sounds like many typical work hangouts disguised as meetings.

I’m not saying meetings shouldn’t be fun … because they can and maybe even should. I’m not saying all meetings are pointless (keyword being all). I’m not saying you shouldn’t hang out with co-workers.

I am saying that meetings could typically take a third of the time or less if they only had a clear purpose and an end time established.

I am saying that there is plenty of time to hang out with coworkers - just not while pretending to be productive.

I am saying that meetings can be a huge waste of time … while feeling like you’re actually doing something.

I am saying that many companies would have to find something else to spend half their time on if they didn’t have to disguise so much unproductive and wasted time as work meetings.

Something to think about (in your next meeting?).