In part 1 of Freight Broker Training – Increasing Productivity we covered the four main points listed below.
1. Make a plan everyday
2. Prioritize as if your life depends on it…because it does!
3. Break larger projects down into smaller, more manageable pieces
4. Learn how to block out distractions
So in part 2 of increasing productivity I am going to cover three more ways to significantly increase and impact your productivity regardless if you are a freight broker, truck broker, transportation broker or a cattle broker for that matter.
5. Take periodic breaks to recharge
Sometimes a quick 5-15 minute break can be exactly what you need to regain your energy and focus. Things like taking a walk, meditation, snack break and light reading are great ways to relax and can pay huge dividends when you return to your work. Being a freight broker typically involves the ability to effectively multitask so when things are busy it can sometimes get a little overwhelming. Sometimes a quick break can be all it takes to unclog your head and grease the wheels of progress.
6. Stop procrastining and making excuses
Don’t get into the excuse or blame game, focus on solutions to problems and challenges you encounter daily rather than wasting your energy complaining about them. As far as procrastination goes, I learned a long time ago that if you prioritize your activities like described in #1 of part 1 you are less likely to put important activities off. On the other hand if you keep procrastinating on a low priority item, it’s probably not worth your time and/or that task may need to be delegated.
7. Find a schedule that works best for you
The fact is some people are more productive, energetic, creative, organized, etc at different times of the day or night. For example I have a tendency to be more creative at night and/or when things are really quiet. On the other hand I am very organized in the early morning. I have also found that I communicate and interface with people on a sales call or meeting in late morning. So it’s important to figure out what schedule works best for you and fit your activities to your schedule. Think about activities in terms of operations, revenue generation and strategy and block them together on days and times where you can have the biggest impact in order to set yourself up for success.
During my 18 year career as an entrepreneur I have tried a lot of different things to increase my productivity, some have worked and others have not. What I have come to realize is that each person and job is different, so what works for me may not work for others. The fact is, I use each of the 8 strategies on a on a weekly is not daily basis because I believe they significantly enhance my overall productivity.
So now what? That’s easy, pick 1 or 2 strategies that you think might work for you and give it a try. Last but not least, if you have any other strategies or things you do to increase your productivity reply to this post so we can share with others.
Regards,
Dennis Brown
