http://www.amandamillerlittlejohn.com/podcast

Who doesn't want to get more hours back in their day? In today's episode I discuss how you can get more done in the time you already have.

People always ask me how I get so much done. Well I'm only productive because I compartmentalize my time, a habit I picked up when my children were very young and I was growing my business while working from home.

I have used batching and theming to hack my schedule and grow my business even when I had very limited time. Batching and theming are perfect for those of you who are still working 9-5 and need to figure out how to build your brand on the side. Batching and theming are also great for newbie entrepreneurs who struggle to effectively organize their time now that they have it all to themselves.

In today's episode I share what batching and theming are as well as the 4 ways you can use them to get a handle on your schedule:

1. Identify what tasks you're always doing and try to isolate those tasks into themes

2. Assign your themes/categories to a day - it's fine to double up on a day. For example it's totally fine to focus on business development on Monday Mornings, and networking on Monday afternoons.

3. Put your task categories on your calendar - make an appointment with yourself and block off your time!

4. Keep your appointments with yourself. Be disciplined and find your rhythm which will take a few weeks to get it right but once you find the rhythm that works, you'll thank me!

Get accountability if you need it - do you have a friend who is building his/her business while working full-time? Do you know another small business owner who just started out? Why not sync your calendars 1-2x each week so you can get more done together? You could meet at a coffee shop or one of your office spaces with the singular goal of getting things done in one category.

This episode was brought to you by The Branding Box - the home study system designed to help you define your purpose, clarify your marketable message and promote your expertise. Learn more at http://www.amandamillerlittlejohn.com/box

Podcast production courtesy of the ever talented Audrey Adams - http://www.theadamsreport.com