Whether you are running a business, running a household, or just trying to run your life better, it's a good idea to keep an eye on how much time you spend on the phone. If you are constantly in touch with friends and associates, you may discover phone time is a productivity drain. Using the phone may also be distracting you from more pressing duties. Or you may need to track phone time for billing purposes. Finding out just how much time you spend on the phone can improve your business and your personal life.
Things You'll Need:
- Clock or watch
- Time tracking computer or PDA application
- Step 1
Monitor the time lapse indicator on your phone. If you make most of your calls using a cell phone or PDA, you're in luck. Most models offer a feature that displays the length of a phone call down to one-hundredth of a second. Be sure to watch the display as you are talking and write down the reading when the call has ended. Many landline phones that have an LED panel display can also help you track phone time.
- Step 2
Check your watch or clock at the start and end of every phone call. It may be a bit less accurate, but you can always track your time the old-fashioned way. Writing down how much time you spend on the phone is key.
- Step 3
Record your phone time. You can create a spreadsheet to track time by the day, week, or month. You can also search online for time tracking software that may make the task easier or more convenient. A web-based online system will help ensure the data is secure. There are also general time tracking applications for handheld PDAs.
- Step 4
Use a phone time tracking application. An application may be available for just this purpose for your cell phone or PDA. Check your PDA's manufacturer website, related blogs, or forums.
No comments: