As a personal brand coach for high-achieving professional career and business women, I often find myself delving into the intricate details of clients daily routines. One of the most key parts of our work is helping clients build a better working week. Before your build a personal brand you need to make space to actually do the work. By analysing the work diaries of our clients, we've unearthed invaluable insights that can help you create more time for your personal brand and work more intentionally. In this blog post, I'll share the key lessons we've learned and provide actionable tips to enhance your productivity and personal branding efforts.
Work diaries are more than just a log of tasks and meetings. They are a mirror reflecting your priorities, habits, and time management skills. It's a profound moment when a client gains a clear picture of where their time goes and how it aligns (or not) with their goals goals. Here are some of the most significant insights we want to share with you to help you get a head start on a productive season ahead.
1. Identifying Time Drains
One of the most common revelations is the identification of time drains. These are activities that consume more time than they should, often without contributing significantly to your goals. Remember we don't want to add personal branding to your to-do list, we want to get you working more efficiently. Identify your top three time drains and implement strategies to minimise them. This could mean delegating tasks, setting strict time limits, or even eliminating unnecessary activities altogether.
2. The Importance of Prioritisation
High-achieving women often juggle numerous responsibilities, making prioritisation crucial. Work diaries reveal whether your daily tasks align with your long-term goals. Getting clear on your top priorities is key and making space for those. Remember you don't need to do everything to the best of your ability - save your perfectionism for when it matters.
3. Scheduled Personal Branding Time
Many clients realise that while they plan for career or business growth, they often neglect their personal brand. Work diaries help highlight this gap. Schedule dedicated time for personal branding activities. Whether it's writing a blog post, networking, or updating your LinkedIn profile, treat these tasks as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Remember career strategy shouldn't be left to a Friday afternoon.
Conclusion
By identifying time drains, prioritising effectively, scheduling personal branding time, you can create more space to build a powerful personal brand. It's about focusing your time and attention on the 20% that is going to move the needle. Remember, your personal brand is a reflection of your professional journey—nurture it with the time and attention it deserves.