What do Warren Buffett, Charles Kettering, and Dan Kennedy have in common? They mastered the art of valuing time, making swift decisions, and leveraging resources to transform productivity into success. From cutting toxic ties to embracing the power of delegation, this story reveals how discipline, focus, and the right associations can unlock extraordinary achievements.

No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is the art of transforming time into money, a philosophy Warren Buffett succinctly captures when he says, "That which is not worth doing at all is not worth doing well."

Entrepreneurs must understand the value of time, distinguishing between the mere passage of hours and truly productive, billable hours. Notably, Fortune 500 CEOs reportedly average just 28 productive minutes daily, and even legendary figures like Lee Iacocca claim top CEOs squeeze in only 45 minutes of meaningful work. The modern age, teeming with distractions like social media, makes productivity even harder to achieve.

The key to success lies in understanding the value of each hour, translating a yearly income target into hourly worth, and rigorously assessing where time is spent. Take, for instance, the travel costs associated with client visits, which can quickly eat into profits if not calculated based on your hourly rate. Time wastage like the daily Starbucks habit can cost thousands annually—money better spent or saved by valuing every minute.

Leverage is crucial. Entrepreneurs should seek to multiply their efforts through others, whether by employing other people's time, resources, or customers. For example, franchising lets others replicate a successful business model, while platforms like Amazon and eBay offer ready-made resources for sales. Collaboration, rather than doing everything oneself, is a hallmark of great entrepreneurship.

Moreover, successful individuals like Craig Proctor, who sold over 500 homes annually, attribute their achievements to maximizing productivity and valuing time. They embrace direct marketing and delegate tasks, ensuring every action aligns with their financial goals. Time valuing becomes a powerful tool, prompting entrepreneurs to eliminate inefficiencies and focus on activities with the highest return on investment.

Ultimately, the entrepreneurial journey demands disciplined time management, critical thinking, and the ability to leverage resources creatively. Entrepreneurs must surround themselves with people who respect their time's value, eliminate tasks not matching their hourly worth, and say no to opportunities that don't fit their strategic goals. By rigorously valuing time and leveraging others' resources, entrepreneurs can achieve extraordinary success, making time their most valuable asset.

Can You Unlock Warren Buffett's Secret to Transforming Time into Money?

In today's world, Time Vampires lurk everywhere, much like the ever-popular fictional bloodsuckers. These aren't the romanticized creatures of the night, but rather those who drain your energy and time, leaving you exhausted and unproductive. 

Among the most notorious is Mr. Have-You-Got-a-Minute?, who sneaks up with seemingly innocent requests that quickly spiral into endless interruptions. The solution? A firm boundary: "Let's meet at 4:00 P.M. for 15 minutes." By conditioning these time thieves to respect your schedule, you reclaim your time.

Then there's Mr. Meeting, who thrives in endless gatherings that often accomplish little. Enforce concise, goal-oriented meetings, preferably without refreshments to keep them brief. A lesson from Amazon's Jeff Bezos: skip the PowerPoint; know your stuff.

Watch out for Mr. Trivia, who derails your day with inconsequential matters. Equip yourself with a simple retort: "I'm only dealing with 9s and 10s today." This clear boundary helps maintain focus on what's truly important.

Even more insidious are those who turn every event into an emotional crisis, akin to soap opera drama. Cut through the theatrics by offering straightforward solutions or boring them with unrelated stories.

Time Vampires thrive on your willingness to let them in. A past mistake of mine was adopting an "open-door policy," which quickly transformed into an all-day feeding frenzy. The key lesson: your productivity is your responsibility. Successful people, like Dan Kennedy, are fiercely protective of their time, setting strict boundaries and prioritizing tasks to maximize productivity.

Entrepreneurs like Parthiv Shah initially resisted, believing constant availability was key. However, adopting a more controlled approach led to better focus and satisfaction for both him and his clients. By scheduling dedicated time slots and eliminating distractions, he found balance and success.

Ultimately, it's about rejecting the notion that you must be available at all times. Embrace being the "Unreasonable Man" when necessary to protect your time and achieve your goals. Remember, success isn't about never saying no—it's about saying yes to the right things.

Guard Your Time: Lessons from Jeff Bezos on Dodging Time Vampires

Interruptions plague productivity, especially for those tethered to a desk. Imagine being a business owner, interrupted every eight minutes. Dan Kennedy's clients confirmed this, one claiming ten-minute intervals, another at six, and one humorously asking for a stopwatch. When Dan had 42 staff members, his interruptions were every eight seconds—his fault for allowing them. But by learning to stop them, his productivity soared.

The key is mastering interruption. Here are five tactics:

1. Get Lost: Be inaccessible. When Dan traveled, his staff managed 80% of tasks, consulting him for just 20% via brief calls or faxes. He stopped going into the office, working from home with minimal interruption. A friend of Dan manages his business from a small office with no phone or fax—proving if they can't find you, they can't interrupt you.

2. Don’t Answer the Phone: Break the addiction to instant response. Phones are leashes, not liberating tools. Dan rarely answer calls immediately, scheduling phone appointments instead. Be difficult to reach—it helps rather than hinders your business reputation.

3. Get a Grip on Email, Texts, and Faxes: Control communication tools. Dan prefers faxes over email, as they require more thought and organization. Social media is a time sink; strict discipline is essential.

4. Set the Timer on the Bomb: Structure calls and meetings with clear start and end times. People will learn to be efficient when engaging with you.

5. Be Busy and Be Obvious About It: Busy individuals are interrupted less. The average worker faces 137 interruptions in an 8-hour day. Aspire beyond mediocrity by minimizing distractions.

Many entrepreneurs have adopted these strategies with remarkable results, including increased productivity and income. One business owner now works remotely, doubling his income and improving his health. Another has transformed from being owned by his business to truly owning it, taking a month-long vacation for the first time in 30 years.

Remember, interruptions are often unnecessary. By controlling them, you reclaim valuable time and boost productivity. Train your clients and staff to respect your time and operate within a structured communication framework. As Dan Kennedy advocates, these strategies are not radical—they’re essential for peak productivity.

Can You Transform Your Business by Mastering the Art of Avoiding Interruptions?

General Norman Schwarzkopf famously said, "Shined shoes save lives," highlighting the importance of discipline, a key to success. For over four decades, Dan has seen punctuality as the most critical discipline, defining success and failure. 

Being punctual grants you the moral authority to expect others to respect your time. Dan once had a client, a chiropractor, struggling with punctuality, both personally and in his staff. Despite implementing various rewards and punishments, he failed to see the root of the issue—his own chronic tardiness.

Punctuality links closely with integrity. Those who can't keep time often lack trustworthiness in other areas. Bill Clinton's notorious "Clinton Time," marked by habitual lateness, exemplifies this connection. Whether in business or personal life, respecting others' time reflects broader respect for their rights and opinions.

One memorable experience for Dan was with a potential client who failed to meet him on time at an airport during a layover. His tardiness foreshadowed his disorganized, dishonest behavior, costing Dan time and money. Successful people often use punctuality as a litmus test for integrity, influencing their decisions on whom to trust or work with.

Self-discipline, like Laffit Pincay Jr.'s relentless dedication to maintaining his weight for horse racing success, is another magic power that makes one unstoppable. Pincay's extraordinary self-control in diet and fitness allowed him to excel in a demanding sport, commanding respect from both men and beasts. This disciplined approach magnetizes opportunities and resources.

In Dan's own life, self-discipline ensures productivity, particularly as an entrepreneur. Despite his natural inclination towards laziness, he forces himself to work each day, knowing that achievement follows deliberate decision and action. 

Success leaves clues everywhere, emphasizing the importance of purposeful action over mere busyness. As Henry David Thoreau said, "It's not enough to be busy—so are ants. The question is: what are we busy about?" Purposeful busyness, driven by self-discipline, leads to successful achievement.

From Clinton's Clock to Pincay's Pace: The Power of Punctuality and Discipline

In a twist worthy of organized crime, the Manhasset police reported a peculiar theft from Office Max: steel file cabinets, multicolored folders, planners, and a labeling machine. It seems even the underworld craves time management tools. But don’t be fooled; success isn’t hidden in gadgets or color-coded planners. In truth, it's execution that matters, not innovation.

Consider time management akin to weight loss—if one perfect system existed, we wouldn't have a plethora. Dan Kennedy, a marketing guru, presents ten techniques that work, focusing on action rather than flashy new methods. The key? Find what fits you, then stick with it.

For instance, taming interruptions and minimizing meetings are crucial. Meetings often feel like a place to hide rather than accomplish. Lee Milteer, a coach, shares her wisdom—accepting lunch invitations only if they come to her preferred restaurant, saving valuable time.

Lists are another pillar. Kennedy uses lists for schedules, tasks, calls, and meetings. This method frees the mind for creativity, as fewer details compete for attention. Linking actions to goals is vital, a principle echoed by Jim Rohn. If you don’t have enough reasons to be productive, you won’t be.

Tickler files replace rusty memory, organizing tasks with color-coded folders for the upcoming months. Blocking time is a hidden secret—making appointments with yourself ensures focus on high-value tasks. Shaz Nawaz, an accountant, emphasizes planning and time blocking to manage multiple businesses effectively.

Creating a pressure cooker environment might sound daunting, but it’s about distinguishing pressure from stress. Focus improves under deadlines, a lesson from Disney and Jobs—pressure refines creativity, turning chaos into achievement.

Odd-lot time refers to those snippets often wasted. Scott Turow wrote his first novel during commutes, proving minutes matter. Profit from every moment, as Kennedy suggests, turning cars into classrooms with audio programs.

Living off-peak saves time—avoid banks on Fridays and supermarkets before holidays. Consider the attitude towards waiting; strategy can bypass unnecessary delays. Use technology profitably, but discern its true value. Kennedy advises caution—don’t adopt tech just because it's there.

Ultimately, these techniques aim to transform time management into goal achievement. Goals must be linked to time—book them as firm appointments. Protect them from Negative Interference from Other People (NIOP). View time as an investment toward personal productivity, armed with these techniques as your arsenal.

Is the Underworld Stealing Time Management Secrets from Office Max?

Decisiveness is a powerful tool to propel you forward, as illustrated by Charles Kettering's philosophy: while standing still may keep you safe, moving quickly is essential for progress—even if it means occasionally stubbing your toe. 

Indecisiveness often stems from uncertainty and lack of confidence, but quick decisions can lead to greater success. One entrepreneur recounts selling businesses swiftly, choosing a buyer, and closing deals in days, favoring decisive action over prolonged deliberation. Investing similarly, he acts fast on stock tips and outperforms the market, despite a few losses. 

Decisiveness also aids personal crises, like negotiating a divorce settlement efficiently without legal representation. Anecdotes from NFL quarterbacks and harness horse racers highlight the necessity of quick decision-making, as hesitation often leads to failure. Similarly, in business, quick decisions save time and lead to success.

Pat Williams’ story of a quick decision with Rich DeVos exemplifies the power of decisiveness in business deals. Entrepreneurs often face unhappiness from routine tasks, yet delegating these tasks can enhance productivity and happiness. 

Specialization outperforms generalization, as specialists earn significantly more. Entrepreneurs should conduct honest self-analysis to identify tasks they excel at and delegate or replace themselves in areas they don't. Mastering delegation involves careful planning and follow-up, freeing entrepreneurs to focus on high-impact activities like marketing, the most lucrative aspect of business.

Association plays a crucial role in productivity. Toxic people can sabotage your success, while positive, supportive individuals can elevate your performance. Entrepreneurs should eliminate negative influences and cultivate relationships with achievers. 

Mastermind groups exemplify productive association, offering shared knowledge, contacts, and opportunities to accelerate success. Napoleon Hill's mastermind concept emphasizes harmonious, success-oriented groups led by a strong leader. Effective mastermind groups facilitate rapid innovation and growth, but require careful selection and commitment.

The sunken cost phenomenon explains why people persist in unproductive relationships or projects. Entrepreneurs must disregard past investments in unsuccessful ventures and embrace the principle of the swift sword—cutting losses early to focus on fruitful endeavors. This approach, championed by figures like Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, encourages prioritizing performance over past investments. Successful time management hinges on cultivating relationships that support your goals and swiftly moving away from those that don't.

Decisive Triumph: Charles Kettering’s Philosophy Ignites Entrepreneurial Success

Ever felt swamped by tasks you're not skilled at, yet soldier on to save a buck? The truth is, buying time by investing in expertise can be a game-changer. Niels Bohr wisely noted that experts have made mistakes in their field, so you don't have to. Imagine the ease of delegating car troubles to Arthur Knight, who swaps out your ride, handles repairs, and returns it spotless—all with one call. It's not just about money; it's about freeing your time for what truly matters.

Consider Warren Buffett's bridge lessons from a pro or Arnold Palmer's golf coach—speeding up mastery is priceless. Successful folks often invest in coaching, understanding that focused expertise elevates their game. When hiring, ask: Has your expert actually done what they advise? Are they current? Do they have satisfied clients? And crucially, do you comprehend their methods? 

Dan Kennedy, a marketing strategist, embraced this ethos. Rather than dabble, he invested in writing mystery novels alongside a seasoned author, learning directly from the best. The same logic applies to real estate or estate planning—seek those with proven track records.

Achieving peak productivity requires mastering the inner game, as Picasso’s mother envisioned greatness. Psycho-Cybernetics teaches clearing your mental "calculator" to focus wholly on one task. Kennedy’s prolific writing stems from this mental discipline—no need for elaborate rituals, just clear the mind and create.

Crafting an environment to boost productivity matters too. Populate your workspace with psychological triggers—a clock to remind you of fleeting time, or motivational mugs. Whether surrounded by clutter or order, find what fuels your creativity.

Finally, rules are crucial. Frank Sinatra’s 20-minute rule for travel mirrors Kennedy’s phone call limits. Design your life to safeguard time—each minute is yours. Be the king of your domain, not a peon enslaved by distractions. Embrace the inner game of kingship; it's not about being a diva, but about pragmatic self-control.

In the end, success isn’t a mystery. It's about consistent action, focus on the essentials, and massive action when needed. Break the code of extraordinary success by asking: What are the few vital things you must do each day? Want to change your trajectory? Start with small, consistent actions, and watch transformation unfold.

Is Buying Expertise the Secret to Achieving Extraordinary Success?

In today's tech-driven world, the promise of increased productivity through digital tools has not always panned out. The rise in pedestrian deaths and distracted driving incidents highlights the dangers of our smartphone obsession. 

We're often caught in a cycle of constant checking, leading to a loss of focus and productivity. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison knew the importance of single-tasking—something that's increasingly rare. Learning to concentrate and maintain "sticktoitiveness" is crucial, whether you're a cashier at Target or a surgeon.

The internet, as Ross Douthat points out, has become an addiction that demands our attention, often at the cost of our privacy, focus, and relationships. David Sax and others have noticed that despite the proliferation of tech tools, productivity remains flat. This isn't just a lament about lost time; it's a call to reassess how we engage with technology.

Douglas Rushkoff and others warn of the mental chaos induced by our digital habits. The concept of "digiphrenia"—chaos brought on by digital overload—means we struggle to separate fact from fiction. We must ask ourselves: Are we using technology, or is it using us? Social media is designed to be addictive, much like modern slot machines. It's engineered to consume our time, offering dopamine hits and drawing us away from real-life experiences.

Observing our own behavior and that of those around us can reveal the extent of our addiction. Multitasking, while illegal in forms like distracted driving, is prevalent. It's time to question whether our digital habits are impacting our relationships and productivity.

Dan touches on the idea of wealth not just in terms of money but in terms of how you spend your time. Earl Bowman and others in the horse racing community exemplify wealth as fulfillment in doing what they love. Dan emphasizes that time is an asset, and managing it wisely can lead to true wealth.

Ultimately, Dan encourages us to define our own version of wealth and reverse-engineer our lives to achieve it. By focusing on what truly matters and resisting the pressures of the digital age, we can reclaim our time and find genuine satisfaction.

Unplugging the Chaos: Lessons from Bell, Edison, and Douthat on Tech Addiction's Toll

Entrepreneurship is an art that involves transforming time into money by recognizing the value of productive hours. This involves setting a clear income target and rigorously assessing how time is spent, ensuring every minute is invested wisely. 

Successful entrepreneurs leverage their time and efforts by delegating tasks and using resources efficiently. They prioritize activities that yield the highest return on investment, eliminate inefficiencies, and focus on their strategic goals. Protecting one's time from distractions and interruptions is crucial, and setting firm boundaries is key to maintaining productivity.

Punctuality is a reflection of integrity and respecting others' time, showcasing the importance of self-discipline. This discipline extends to making quick, decisive actions that propel progress and success. Delegating tasks to experts can free up time for high-impact activities, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and elevate their game.

Association with positive, supportive individuals is vital for productivity, while eliminating toxic influences can enhance success. Entrepreneurs must be willing to cut losses early and prioritize fruitful endeavors. Investing in expertise and coaching accelerates mastery, transforming time management into goal achievement.

In our tech-driven world, the promise of increased productivity through digital tools often falls short. The constant cycle of checking devices leads to distractions and loss of focus. Learning to concentrate and single-task is crucial in reclaiming productivity. Ultimately, wealth is defined not just by money but by how time is spent, emphasizing fulfillment and genuine satisfaction in one's pursuits. By focusing on what truly matters and resisting digital distractions, we can reclaim our time and achieve true wealth.

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No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs

Dan S. Kennedy

9 Key ideas

21 MINS

4.6 (106)

What do Warren Buffett, Charles Kettering, and Dan Kennedy have in common?

They mastered the art of valuing time, making swift decisions, and leveraging resources to transform productivity into success. From cutting toxic ties to embracing the power of delegation, this story reveals how discipline, focus, and the right associations can unlock extraordinary achievements.