Klok is a simple calendar-like tool that anyone can download (the lite version is free) and begin to use within minutes. Here are the main features:
- Users set up a list of projects that you typically spend time on during the day (proposal work, meetings, blogging, tweeting, or client work). The kind of work you do depends on whether you're employed or self employed, but your list of projects is completely up to you.
- When you begin work just select one of these from a drop down list and Klok begins to time you.
- A small bar floats on whatever you're using (Web, Word, email, whatever) so you know you're being timed. This visual reminder ensures that you Klok off whenever you pick up the phone, pop out for a coffee or browse Facebook etc).
- At the end of the day, look at the day view to see how many hours you've actually spent working, and on what.
I've discovered that the few minutes I spend taking breaks or talking to friends can amount to an alarming amount of time in each day. I've also discovered that clock watching works for me, it motivates me and I feel driven to rack up as many quality hours as I possibly can in each day.
Delivering absolute quality on each client project means that I refuse to count an hour or minute that wasn't spent on their project, or that wasn't productive quality time. (Seth Godin calls it 'shipping' - getting the job done, and getting it done really well). Klok now allows me to time my work accurately, and now my clients can be assured that the time they're paying me for is 100% quality, with absolutely no distractions. It also allows me to understand when I've gone over the allocated project time, and to make an informed decision on what do if this happens.
I've discovered that the few minutes I spend taking breaks or talking to friends can amount to an alarming amount of time in each day. I've also discovered that clock watching works for me, it motivates me and I feel driven to rack up as many quality hours as I possibly can in each day.
Delivering absolute quality on each client project means that I refuse to count an hour or minute that wasn't spent on their project, or that wasn't productive quality time. (Seth Godin calls it 'shipping' - getting the job done, and getting it done really well). Klok now allows me to time my work accurately, and now my clients can be assured that the time they're paying me for is 100% quality, with absolutely no distractions. It also allows me to understand when I've gone over the allocated project time, and to make an informed decision on what do if this happens.
Now, what I 'ship' is the product of completely focussed expertise, and knowing this motivates me.
It won't work for everyone, but if you think you'll like it, try it. And get ready to increase your productivity, motivation and enjoyment of the day you spend at work. www.getklok.com
It won't work for everyone, but if you think you'll like it, try it. And get ready to increase your productivity, motivation and enjoyment of the day you spend at work. www.getklok.com
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