Managing Multiple Projects

Mike wrote -

> I'd like to hear from those of you who feel
> you're
> winning the battle of managing more than one
> project at a time and succeeding.

Until about a month ago or so ago, there was no way I would have put myself in this category. But just a slight paradigm shift and encountering a new tool has made all the difference in the world for me in the last 6 weeks or so.

> What are your strategies, methodologies and
> philosophies for determining how to most
> efficiently allocate your time and
> resources?

Let me give you some background first. Like many here, I work a full time job during the day. But I also write custom software for various clients when not at work. I also have other projects of my own that are product related. I typically use my commute time, (on the bus), and off hours to develop and test the software. But I was frustrated because I wasn't spending the time I wanted on *my* projects. The problem with the custom software is that it's very time consuming and there are only so many hours in the day I can devote to it. It was consuming all my time. I was even working on these software projects while my son was at an early class from 5:30 am - 6:20 am. (I provide his ride since he can't drive yet.)

Then I started working with Julie Jordan Scott, (check out her web site at www.5passions.com), and Julie made just one suggestion. She suggested that I start using that 45 minutes early in the morning to work on *my* projects. She also suggested that I use mind mapping as a way to plan the projects. Now, mind mapping is a kinda left brain/right brain kinda thing. And being the typical computer geek, I was a left brained kind of a guy. So I was skeptical to say the least. But I trusted Julie enough to try it. I did my first mind map on paper. I liked it so much and it worked so well that I now do my mind maps using mind mapping software, (the one I use is at www.mindjet.com). Then I discovered that I could use other tools that I already knew about in conjunction with mind mapping. So I brainstormed the tips for an upcoming e-booklet. I couldn't believe the difference. I accomplished more in one month on my own projects than I had in probably the last six months. Another thing I learned was that that 45 minute block can really be used to good advantage. Why? Because it's totally uninterrupted time. I can probably accomplish more in that time period what I would normally accomplish in a 2 hour block of interrupted time.

So. There are some thoughts from a new convert. *g*

Rick Smith, "The Net Guerrilla"