You've researched and bought a computer. You've set it up in an appropriate area, and made sure you have a proper printer and all the necessary accessories and repair utilities programs you might need. You've also chosen the programs that will do the type of work you want. Now, how do you get down to business?

While computers can do wonderful things, what finally gets accomplished still rests on your shoulders. While computers can operate at great speeds, the person operating the computer is the one link that determines what the computer does. We all know the person who got their first computer, Their day disappeared and they finally realized that they were spending way too much time fine tuning their computer and not accomplishing much work.

They thought that they were working very hard, but nothing was happening This is an easy trap to fall into. The answer? Stick to the business at hand. While we think we are working hard, we might not be working as smart as we think. Sticking to business takes discipline and here are some suggestions that might help develop some good work habits.

SCHEDULES: There are certain functions that need to be done such as backing up or optimizing your hard drives. Unless you have problems with your computer that requires maintenance, schedule your back ups and file maintenance at least once a week. Whether you have a Zip, Jazz or a tape drive, there are several programs that allow for unattended back ups. All you have to do is check that they were done correctly. You'll need a specific day and time. Put it on your schedule and keep it there. Make a plan and follow your plan!

ORGANIZING YOUR WORK! Let's look at a hypothetical person named Dennis Wheeler, a business consultant, as an example. He works by himself and is responsible for all aspects of his business. He must contact current, potential and new clients. He creates his own marketing materials as well as designs and creates his own seminar materials. In addition, he meets with current and prospective clients throughout the week at outside meetings and at his office. Dennis also does his own bookkeeping, invoicing, and billing. He's pretty typical of many sole proprietor businesses today.

Dennis quickly realized that making sales was his bread and butter. He prioritizes his time to spend the majority of his day contacting and getting new clients. Knowing that the majority of his potential clientele are available during normal work hours Monday through Friday, Dennis uses this information to his advantage. He schedules different tasks for each evening of the week. At the end of each workday, he summarizes finished tasks and to be done activities and prioritizes them for the next day and week.

Each Monday evening, he allocates time to do only new marketing materials such as letters, brochures and follow-ups. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, he works on seminar materials and research projects for up coming seminars. On Thursday evenings, he takes care of his bookkeeping and readies everything for mail on Friday. On Friday evening, he quickly prepares a list of all left over tasks and schedules them for Saturday evening, and takes a break.

Realistically, it's very difficult to maintain this type of schedule every day. However, Dennis has followed this plan for so long that it is now second nature and works very well the majority of the time. It does take discipline.

Now let's look at the main part of his day to see how he schedules his work with his computer. Dennis uses a contact management program "ACT" that maintains his client base. Dennis can schedule meetings, phone calls and to-do items. The program provides reminder alarms that keep him on track in addition to indicating scheduling conflicts. Additionally, each contact has a history that tells Dennis when he talked to them and a note section keeps him abreast of exactly what they discussed.

If he needs to send a letter, or package, ACT has a mini word processor that will merge the necessary form letters to the person he wants the information to go to. He can print the necessary documents right away and take a break or put them into a queue for later retrieval. It's fast and efficient for Dennis. As with all databases, this program also requires regular maintenance to work efficiently. Dennis prefers to do this in addition to backing up his client base files daily.

TAKING BREAKS is another important area of discipline. Remaining at the keyboard too long can take it toll in "R.I.S." (Repetitive Injury Syndrome). Take a two to four minute break and walk around and move your neck, head, arms and legs. Specialists recommend no more than fifteen minutes at a stretch at the computer. There are even computer programs that will interrupt your computer to remind you to take a break. Some companies require these breaks for good reason.

It's a good idea to keep fit and exercise regularly. Make this part of your routine. It will pay off in the long haul.

The old saying that "time is money!" is still true today. If you follow these basic ideas of sticking to business, planning and scheduling your work, organizing your activities for optimum efficiency, and taking proper breaks, you'll have plenty of time to get your work done.

One of my favorite sayings also shows the other side of reality, "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans." If you have a good routine, you'll be amazed how much you can get done. While computers are wonderful work tools, their defining difference will come from your proper time and resource management.

Now you can really et down to business!