Often we forget to recognize the direct correlation between time and money. It's in these moments that we can suffer from ETS (Easy Task Syndrome). Everyday as tour and activity operators we are faced with decisions with how we allocate our time. Depending on mood, time of day, the season, the number of cups of coffee, the weather, the day of the week, the snow conditions, how much sleep we got last night all affect what we spend our time doing. There is no debating that the easy tasks need to get done. In most cases the easy tasks are what we enjoy doing. But, at what cost? Below is an excerpt from an article posted on Inc.com:
The allure of easy tasks:
Taking care of simple things will whittle away the time you have to focus on important tasks. "If you are like most people, you keep your email program open at work all day. Consequently, each new message is an invitation to drop what you are working on to check it." Read more...
In your case it may not be a new email that distracts you from the important project, the metaphor still applies. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before you dive into your next task:
- Is this the most important project for my business?
- Will completing this task generate more revenue?
- Will my customers benefit from completing this task?
- Will completing this task make my employees/company more efficient?
- Will completing this task permanently solve a core problem with my business?
Below are three simple tips to help avoid ETS:
1.) Set Reminders: Use the alert or reminder function in your calendar app (google cal, ical) to keep track of the "important" things that need to get done.
2.) Share the important tasks with other members on your team. Setting team or group tasks help force completion by using the power of community ... otherwise known as "peer pressure."
3.) Reward the completion of important tasks. The true reward for completing important tasks should be increased sales and revenue or improved business efficeincies. You should also include a stiff pat on the back (or at very least a beer).
It is important to fight the urge to simply cross things off your list, and begin to force yourself into to those more difficult tasks. I wrote an earlier post about the difficulties of "change": /when-changes-send-you-running-for-cover The Flybook staff works with customers routinely who struggle with the thought of diving into problems within their business that seem overwhelming, or scary. Let us help, we do it everyday.
About Us: The Flybook is a reservation management system designed for activity and tour operators. The Flybook has recently released the GO. Platform that has raised the bar for business software dedicated to tour and outdoor based businesses. The Flybook is more than just online booking. We are an enterprise level system that manages everything from activities, rentals, lessons, lodging, staff schedules, reporting and more...