I have realised a simple way to increase my own efficiency, as well as making myself feel stronger and more positive. Its easy to turn the dead time, during the day when I am carrying out menial chores, into informative and productive moments. My hands and my eyes may be busy, but my ears are redundant and my brain is barely ticking over, so I can focus on activities that use these spare parts, turning dead time into spare time.
There are many online publishers who produce podcasts on a whole variety of subjects, and its as easy as finding and downloading these onto a portable MP3 player or even onto a mobile phone. The only other thing you need is somewhere to take notes when you are stimulated by a practical idea or a useful thing you could do.
Simple home or office chores like filing and tidying can be great for shorter podcasts. Or if you have to drive somewhere you might have time to listen to something a little longer. Needless to say, rather than relying on pen and paper, or jotting on your organiser, you’ll find a voice recorder safer and more practical behind the wheel. Now rather than being a mundane waste of time, the weekly family sumermarket run is an excellent time to work through longer material.
One of my favourite sources at the moment, especially considering my current focus on developing my own consultancy practice, is RainToday.com. Although their main products are webcasts and in-depth articles via annual subscription, they do produce 10 minute audio digests of their regular interviews with authors and speakers with specific experience and insight that can help develop your techniques for marketing and selling professional services. Check out their feed at http://raintoday.libsyn.com/rss or see their main web site for other materials.