Getting Stuff Done - for Super-Creative Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are, by nature, full of ideas.

They think big, they act big, and they do big things.

But sometimes (OK, lots of times), building a business is about getting things done - not dreaming of new things to accomplish. This is a constant point of friction for my clients: how to balance the thrill of developing new ideas with the "get-it-done" attitude needed to bring great ideas to fruition.

Here is my solution: 

The most important thing for entrepreneurs to do is to keep both an 'Action List' and an 'Idea List.' The fact is that entrepreneurs are driven to come up with new ideas - sometimes several a day.

To be productive while keeping their creative edge, I ask them to create a weekly "Action List' based on some form of a strategic plan. These are items that they have prioritized for the week.

On a separate "Idea List," I tell them to write down every single great idea they have during the week. This is where they can put ideas that come to them in the middle of the night, while they're out running, in the shower, or while procrastinating on the items to be done on the "Action List?" ... come on, we all do it!

Together we review the "Idea List" at the end of each week and decide if any of the ideas need to go on the next "Action List," of if they should be filed for later (i.e. monthly, quarterly or annual) review.

This system accomplishes two things:

1. It keeps entrepreneurs accountable to specific actions that must take place to build on their vision.

2. It allows entrepreneurs free range to create and grow mentally, knowing that there is a specific place to hold their ideas until they are ready to build on them.

What do you think? Would this help you get more done?

Give it a shot, and let me know what you think!

Virginia Ginsburg is founder and chief consultant at Swell Strategies. She is passionate about supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in starting and running successful enterprises. An avid reader, in this blog she reviews books and articles and relates specific learning points back to entrepreneurial businesses.