Invisible Productivity
Posted By Michelle Ichinose - April 24th, 2008Yes, I know what you’re all thinking. Sounds like a bunch of bull, right? Well before you pass too much judgement, allow me to explain. Invisible productivity is all those other things you are constantly doing to further productivity even though they may not be directly identified through looking at the revenue numbers at the end of that same day.
This includes things such as building relationships, prospecting new clients, organizing your contact info, organizing your day, reading industry books, etc. In our industry, you cannot itemize these tasks and put an exact number on how lucrative each one is. You just have to trust that by doing those things which go over and beyond the bare minimum of what is necessary to get by will soon prove to increase revenue.
I have definitely had those weeks when I feel like my work is dragging me down and I am just doing enough to keep up, but once you decide to take the reins and refuse to let your job control you, you suddenly gain clarity, feeling as though you are on top of the world and capable of accomplishing anything.
For me, staying in control of work and life always means staying organized. Taking that extra fifteen minutes at the end of the day and then again first thing in the morning makes such a difference. When I take the time to plan my day, breaking it down into sections and deciding what to focus on in each of those time slots, it allows me to manage the chaos and inevitable surprises that are thrown in my way without getting too off track.
I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about and each have your own way of how to maximize productivity, both invisibly and that which produces instant gratification…like when you finally give into my nagging and drop our GreenTea offer.
Bottom line is, don’t forget to ignore those things that may not produce instant revenue like GreenTea (that was the last comment, I promise), but that help you stay organized, informed, and are constantly bettering you at your job. After all, the more you invest in yourself, the better you will be able to benefit the company.
Trust me…I am a BIG fan of seeing BIG numbers come in at the end of each day, but there is a lot that goes on behind that number that can indicate a productive day as well. You just have to remember that it’s a combination of both that will keep you on top of the world!



