Time Management or "How a little egg timer can save you!"

Have you ever found yourself wondering how in the world you are going to get everything done? If you're like most people, the stress of feeling like there is too much on your plate is an all too familiar feeling.

Of course there are the obligatory "to dos" such as work deadlines, fulfulling requests from your clients, getting the kids to the doctor or the cat to the vet on time. But what about all the other projects you have floating around in your brain? For example, that e-book you've been wanting to write or the new seminar you want to create, or the mini-web sites you've considered building, or just taking the time for that new workout class that you know you really should take...When do these things get done?

If it's true that we attract what we need, then it's interesting to note that two of my friends happen to be time management and organizational wizards. I marvel at them all the time. The truth is, I'm pretty good at staying organized, but compared to these two there is much more to learn.

One friend is Ruth Klein, author of Time Management Secrets for Working Women, and the other is Dr. Jan Yager, author of Work Less, Do More. Both of these women have unique, creative and easy techniques for managing your time, your work, and your fun load much better.

As I read their books, I realized that I have a time saving technique that I use on a regular basis that has really made a difference for me. I call it the Egg Timer Technique. This is especially useful for jobs that one procrastinates doing because you either hate doing it (cleaning the house, doing the taxes, etc.) or it seems overwhelming (getting started on that thesis, writing the next great American novel, or developing a business plan for a new venture).

Let's use cleaning the house as an example of something one may not feel like doing (That's a pretty likely possibility for me.) I take the egg timer into the family room, for example, and set it for :30 minutes. For that amount of time, I am going to get as much done in this room as I possibly can and I promise myself that when the bell goes off, I will stop immediately and completely. It's important to keep this promise to yourself so that your inner child or your unconscious, or whatever it is that pays attention to what you say, will believe you.

What happens during this process is amazing. Before you know it, you will begin racing against the clock to get as much done as you possibly can within that :30 minute period. With only 6 minutes remaining, you may realize you have to vaccuum so you run to get the vaccuum cleaner and quickly run it over the carpet. I told you it's amazing. It really is. I never imagined myself running to vaccuum, but it works! It's the Egg Timer Technique.

What techniques have you found help you to get things done? How do you motivate yourself to get started on writing that book proposal, or developing that publicity plan, or cleaning out the garage?

The Perfect Pitch Letter

Writing a great pitch letter isn't brain surgery or rocket science. However, if you want to get booked for an interview, mind these suggestions:

Do:

Remember -- You are pitching an idea-not your book. The book comes later. First and foremost, pitch a great idea.

Do your homework. Be sure your topic matches the interests of the media outlet's target audience.

Do include your contact information at the top and bottom of the pitch letter. List your name,
e-mail address, and telephone number.

Don't:

Don't make producers or writers work to understand your message.

Don't ramble on and on. Get to the point.

Don't send a dull pitch or they'll think you're dull.

Taking care to approach media in the right way will go a long way toward helping you secure those important media interviews, which will in turn help you generate visibility for your book.

Joanne's Take on Radio

With a background in radio, here are three tips I can give you on doing radio interviews:

1. Speak up

2. Be energetic

3. Be mindful of time and breaks.

Doing radio interviews can be so much fun but there are things to keep in mind when doing so.

If you have ever been in a school or church choir, then you know about using the diaphram. Use it during radio interviews and speak up.

Remember, from the moment you open your mouth, you need to project energy. Then up that by 10%. Really!

Knowing the length of the interview and whether or not there will be commercial breaks is critical. Knowing whether an interview is 5 minutes or 35 minutes will give you a very good idea how long your answers should be and how many stories you will be able to tell to demonstrate each point you want to make.

Radio interviews are a fantastic way to promote your book. Be mindful of these three tips and you will be off to an excellent start.

Oh, and tip #4: Have fun!