Walk Like a Giant, Sell Like a Madman

8.9. Extend Your Hour of Power to Other Tasks

Apply this same technique to any aspect of your business. The more you hate performing a particular chore, the better a candidate it is for an Hour of Power.

Consider extending your Hour of Power to different aspects of your marketing plan. Set aside an Hour of Power once or twice a week for writing blog postings or articles. Set aside another Hour of Power for contacting reporters. Spend an Hour of Power reviewing your marketing plan, improving what works, and removing what doesn't. Spend an Hour of Power networking with other professionals in your industry or sending greeting cards to past clients. Your Hour of Power could even be an hour meeting at the local Rotary or Lion's Club or another community event.

When establishing an Hour of Power for any activity, keep the following key points in mind:

• Expand work; condense time. Pack as much work into that hour as possible, so the task seems nearly impossible.

• Set a clear, measurable goal. You can't get much clearer or more measurable than 100 phone calls in one hour.

• Stick to one hour. Do not fall for the temptation of giving yourself more time. At the end of the hour, stop.

• Schedule a specific hour of the day or week. If it is not written down on your calendar, it is too easy to push off your schedule.

• Eliminate distractions. Devote your hour to a single task.

• Keep accurate records to keep yourself honest.

You need to hold yourself accountable for your Hour of Power commitments. When I ...