3 tips for effectively using a planner

When you are running a small business, it's up to you to keep track of all your meetings, phone calls, deliveries and other happenings. That's a lot to remember. If you aren't already using a physical planner or a calendar app, you are missing out on a great way to help manage your time and business. Here are some tips for using those tools effectively:

1. Find the one that works for you
If you dislike the way your planner is organized, you just might bury it in your office and not use it. Similarly, if you are uncertain about the way to use a calendar app, you might not take the time to learn it and will end up forgetting about appointments. Finding the app or physical planner that fits your needs will make you much more likely to use it. Those who like the tangible version should pay special attention to whether the pages offer large areas for you to write each day's to-do list, and if there are wide enough lines for you to write in. Also note the planner's size and portability, as well as its durability. If you toss it in your briefcase with all the other things you carry, will it hold up for a whole year? Consider finding one with a small pocket folder to use as a business card holder. People who prefer to use a digital planner may want to find an app that syncs with their preferred email service. Look for one that will allow you to see your employees' calendars as well to make scheduling meetings much easier.

2. Write it down
Have you ever missed an appointment only to look back at your calendar and see it was never added there? Or maybe your phone never reminded you that it was happening, so you continued working oblivious to what you were missing. To avoid these scenarios, always write down meetings and appointments immediately when they are agreed upon. You can quickly jot in on a Post-It Note while still confirming it on a phone call, but then add it to your planner or calendar app right away. Having proof of when you have appointments  will help to make you more accountable as well as improve your timeliness as you will always know when you need to be somewhere.

3. Don't lose track of it
Each morning when you go to your office you probably have several things that you make sure you have before heading out: your house keys, your cellphone and your laptop. Add your planner to this list and always be sure you have it on you. You never know when you'll get a call or an email and need to add something to your planner when you're out and about. Also, you can't write in your planner if you don't know where it is. If it isn't easily accessible you may put off adding something to it and end up forgetting altogether.  If you use a calendar app this issue is eliminated – you just need to make sure you have your cellphone with you.