Being productive at work is tough. Between the constant demands from clients, colleagues, and potential leads, setting aside time to actually get work done – be it short term projects or longer term initiatives – seems to be more difficult by the day. Tools that used to be helpful to work and streamline processes like the phone, email, Zoom or Slack have become just another thing weighing you down. Your ability to make a living depends on your ability to be productive. Below are a few tips on how to increase productivity as an energy broker.
Block out your calendar
It may seem counter-intuitive to schedule time away from your clients and colleagues, but one way to accomplish work is to be “busy.” Creating time for yourself on your calendar will allow you to plow through pending items, from planning and goal setting to those nagging tasks that you’ve been putting off. This is one of the best ways to increase productivity as an energy broker.
Snooze your emails and incoming calls if you can
Another way to increase productivity as an energy broker is to snooze email and call alerts. This also applies to text messages. The quickest way to break your concentration is inbounds from anyone who can contact you, and while you can and should respond to them within a reasonable time – usually 24 business hours – few people are expecting an immediate response to their query. If you have an important negotiation or client case, clearly make time for that, but otherwise snoozing new notifications can have a positive impact on your productivity.
Take time away from the office
As odd as it may sound, one of the best ways to increase productivity as an energy broker is to take time off. There are numerous studies and anecdotal evidence that totally disconnecting from work at the right times is crucial to ensuring workers are energized, creative and ready to tackle the challenges that await them. No one works well when tired, and that includes brokers in the fast-paced energy industry.
These are just some of the ways that energy brokers can increase their productivity. Others choose to take up a hobby or exercise to replace their energy levels, and some may even consider getting help from a coach to optimize their time. No matter what way you choose to be productive as an energy broker, it can only benefit you, your business, and your clients!