Get Productive … In a Hurricane!

Hurricane Sandy isn't a nice chick!

We are so reliant on power, constantly connected 24 x 7.  It isn’t until we are left without our devices and laptops we realize how connected we truly are.

Living in Doylestown, PA means today we are going to be visited by the nasty lady known only as ‘Sandy’. To prepare for Sandy’s arrival we thought we’d share how to stay productive during a hurricane (so for those of you with power…enjoy this blog):

Before the Power goes out:

Create a basket of tasks that don’t require power: Set aside a basket or tray with things you can do once the power goes out i.e. handwritten notes, receipts sorting, brainstorming blog ideas or follow up items.

Write a blog: Now is a good time to get quiet and get some great ideas you can share with your readers. Writing when it is crazy outside can be inspiring, yes I mean on old-fashioned paper!

Clear your inbox: I am proud to say today … absolutely cleared my inbox – yes you read it right! I am not sure when that last happened but it sure does feel good (even if for only a few minutes). All those emails I have been ‘meaning’ to get to have been responded to.

Clear out spam: take a few moments to clear your spam, identify any ‘real emails’ (yes I had a few of those that snuck in there, sorry to those people) and permanently delete them.

Update mailing lists: if you manage e-zines or newsletters, take some time to update your lists with people who want to hear from you.

Schedule social media: Use Hootsuite to schedule upcoming blogs, posts and tweets for your clients, your followers and any speeches or presentations you might have. Highly productive and great to know it is all done!

Cancel all meetings: If you have any meetings by phone or Skype – allow people to focus on their safety and loved ones, don’t distract them with a meeting. People love to get their time back!

Charge everything: take a few minutes to plug in all devices and get your car charger handy for your cell phone in case you need to charge it up in your car!

Fill containers with water (or red wine… or champagne) whatever makes you happy! This way you know you have plenty of choices for later on.

After the power goes off:

Read: Light a candle or find a flashlight and catch up on those magazines or journals you have been ‘meaning’ to read!

Write follow up handwritten notes: take a few minutes to remind someone you are thinking of them by sending them a note.  You might have to wait a few days to post it… but they will appreciate the thought!

Snuggle up with a VIP (very inspiring person) – find someone you care about and spend time just chatting, catching up or playing a game – great recovery time!

Now batten down the hatches… and you can still be productive!

What are your ideas on how you can be productive during a Hurricane? Share your ideas with us here on our blog.

PS. If you want some reading while you are waiting out the Hurricane, check out several eBooks you can share with your team.