Moms with young children know how difficult it is to have a quiet time to devote to other tasks that are not attending the house or children. So when we have 10 minutes to sit at the computer we want to: check mails, participate in social networks like Facebook or Twitter, reading blogs, websites, and e-books.
In the case of mom bloggers, all this adds up: writing posts, post, read reviews, reply, review statistics, subscribers, fans, etc, etc. It’s wonderful to have so many ways to connect and learn from other moms. But often we do not seize this opportunity because we waste a few minutes we have on unnecessary tasks, we could perform more effectively or distract us from the most important task. I hate getting out of the chair with the feeling that I wasted time, and I imagine some if not most of you feel the same.
So I would like to share some of the decisions that have helped me improve my time on line:
1. Centralize all email accounts. If you have multiple e-mails like most bloggers, your best bet is to centralize all in one place. You’ll save lots of time. I personally love using outlook! At First I thought it was more of a headache but after getting used to it, I am lost without it!
2. Cancel subscriptions. Until very recently I was receiving dozens of emails daily from newsletters and blog updates in which I did sign up for. But let’s face it …I Never had time to read them all and usually eliminated without even opening them. To end this frustration, one of the first steps I took was to remove many of the subscriptions. For a month, each time I received an email asking me if I was really interested in this blog. In most cases the answer was “no”, so I simply canceled the subscription. In the more interesting I decided to subscribe via RSS. In this way I keep up with the latest content without cluttering my inbox.
3. Use RSS. The news reader automatically checks all sites in which I am registered to and really enjoy. It helps me by displaying the new content only . In addition to saving room in my inbox, saving much time as possible to me to be aware of the latest articles and news without having to navigate through each website for updates.
4. Not moderate every blog comment.
Moderating almost every reader’s comments had seemed the best option when I started blogging. I didn’t want a lot of spam. However after having thousands of comments waiting to be approved that changed! I use Akismet which helps cut down the spam! This is a lifesaver! Also my settings are set to approve any comment from a reader that has previously approved comment and to hold a comment in the queue if it contains 2 or more links.
5. Disconnect from Facebook, Twitter and Message Boards.
Being permanently connected to Facebook, Twitter and lurking the message boards was a constant source of my distraction. I could not really concentrate on any work because I was always being sucked in with the latest news, gossip, drama, posts and comments. The best strategy I’ve found is to connect only when I intend to participate in social networks and all my other duties are COMPLETE!
6. Turn Off the Messengers (no the away or busy sign don’t cut it)! I admit I use to be on yahoo and skype for HOURS! I would get carried away in a conversation and never got anything done! If you’re on my list I am sure your noticing I am not logged in much anymore. I only log on when I know I have time to chat or I need to ask someone a quick question AKA Jammie! HAHA
So now it’s your turn! Share your strategies. I’d Love to hear how you optimize your time online?
This was definitely helpful to me. I am always wondering how I can optimize my time online. I think you’re right about disconnecting from social networks like facebook when work needs to be done and to sign out my messenger while I’m working. I think starting tomorrow I will be utilizing this method. Thanks!