PROPERTY MANAGER 3-16-20

PROPERTY MANAGER EDITION

How to Cut Down on DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS and Up Your Productivity HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR COVER STORY

5 Reasons Why

YOU NEED A MENTOR

FEATURED PROPERTY MANAGERS

AUSTIN PEARSON MATT WOOD & MIKE O'CONNOR

DUKE KIMHAN

PROPERTY MANAGER EDITION

MATT WOOD & MIKE O’CONNOR 9

DUKE KIMHAN

For Matt Wood and Mike O’Connor, they explain. “We hir 17initially the real estate industry was opers to create a custom d a part-time pursuit. They both had to see how our work o successful careers at a consulting looking, and even have Austin Pearson believes that when “It’s headac firm and decided to go in together that allows potential tena you build a business, you begin estate.

Justth on a few investment properties. a property whenever “We got a single family homewith in This system involves the a foundation of honesty, place to slee Atlanta, then a 32 unit apartment tenant taking a photo stability, and dedication. Clients And I loveof complex, and just kept going,” uploading their credit c have come to expect21this high realthen estate.

Matt explains. They were only mation, and receiviT level of standard when the Pearson ways you toca in their 20s, but already had over that allows access 150 rental units. Soon, the success erty for one hour.

This name is onMATT the door and they have AUSTIN PEARSON WOOD of their side hustle led to the need people in the door and yet to be disappointed.

It’s clear Austin’s lov for a property management company. “After goingO'CONNOR the rental process. & MIKE Austin and his team a place to la through a few, we decided to that take things intoPearson our own hands.” That’s when they decided to drop their Clients are continuously appreciative of of seasoned property managers his non-pro old jobs and form Perimeter Property Services, a Property Services’ determination and s carry these founding traits throughout their property company, Au one-stop shop where investors could take their prop- recently said, “The PPS staff are con management company, PRG Management. erties and let Matt and Mike handle the rest. professionals. I’ve been Housing investing inAss re erties for over 15 years and have dealt in providing “You basically drop a property in ourislaptothat is of property Realty managers. I come can sayindivid with c Tocan know PRG Management know Pearson not ready to rent and we will do everything needed that this group is by far away the best tha brokerage founded 2009 byprofessional, timely, c to Group, get it readya tofull-service go, rent it out and keep it rented,” dealtin with.

They are Austin, his brother Parker and their father Kirby.

The Sitting Mike says. “We have CPAs, attorneys and access and overall just good people.

Theyon are to Pearsons every professional necessary.”

Not only that, but managing more than 10 units for me inath began their careers at the Chicago Board of consumes Matt and Mike can help their clients downsize or market and I have never once had to wo Trade by building a successful commodity brokerage. likes to stret scale up, as they are both licensed agents. Serving things not being taken care of. All this From there, they decided to expand their already thriving pl the metro Atlanta region, they currently have 14 prices are more than fair!diamond, Cheers to PPS! employees, just asreal hardworking they are.

A Pearson Realty businessall into estate. asSince 2010, avid golfer,” little over two in the business, they manage As Matttotaling and Mikein look ahead, they want to Group hasyears completed over 2000 transactions, more than 550 units. They focus on streamlining to sustainably grow their business. “We of $430formillion.

Austi thevolume rental experience both tenants and owners. looking to get more intoWhile the community been incredi “Our business is software focused. We brought ment aspect of the business.”

They love e ourAustin companyand into his the 21st century with portalsofourthe about they do, their favorite team offer some best what service in but “We’re startp clients can use to make the business more efficient,” just be their team.

AUSTIN PEARSON

CONTENTS

4) BECOMING THE BEST OF THE BEST

6) HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR 15) 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR

19) 8 TIPS ON USING DISRUPTIVE THINKING TO IMPROVE INNOVATION

22) HOW TO CUT DOWN ON DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS AND UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

the Chicagoland area, as proven by their 50% referral addition to l rate and client loyalty to both Pearson Realty Group goal for the For more information about Matt Wood and Mike O’Connor, and PRG Management. “We have three different end of 2020. call 404-736-7139, email Matt@perimeterps.com or Mike@perimeterp primary services,” Austin explains. “One is full-service our high-end perimeterpropertyservices.com or visitwhere investment management, we take all the day-to-day management activities off the owner’s plate. We offer a Copyright Top Agen Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 financial-only package, which is the use of our proprietary property management software, which handles a lot of mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com the administrative and financial responsibilities. And No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine then there’s the full-service homeowner’s association is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for management.” opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change https://branches.guildmortgage.com/az/phoenix/phillip-wright-794-rrpwr.html www.

address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S.

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They offer clients guarantees and comforts that help take the stress out of property management. “We offer a 30 day cancellation guarantee that keeps us on our toes, while still providing the highest level of service,” AustinMagazine Top Agent To find o says. “We’re a young, hungry and technologically savvy p

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Becoming the Best of the Best

By Verl Workman

Becoming one of the best agents in your market requires hard work, time, and dedication. One of the most important things you can bring to the table is your real life market knowledge and expertise. As you increase your market knowledge IQ, your confidence will grow and you’ll win the trust of your clients.

• Preview all the homes that come on the market in that area. By attending all the open houses and tracking price reductions on properties in your area, you’ll know the nuances that pictures cannot convey…but be careful with your time.

• Track closings and sold prices in your target area so you become To do that, you need to know more familiar with list-to-sell ratios about your market than the average consumer. That’s more of a challenge • Become familiar with vacant land than it used to be since consumers in your target area can easily find market statistics online, quickly and easily preview • Get active in the community by listings on the web, and access public doing things like attending county meetings where changes in zoning records without many barriers. and housing are to be voted on, and Clearly, becoming an expert offer your input requires effort, more now than ever before. Here are a few things you • Write articles and offer your can do to establish yourself as an expertise to newspapers and radio stations on trends and happenings in expert in your area. your area • Select the area you want to become • Start a community blog where you an expert in

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post information and articles that affect those homeowners • Gather e-mail addresses of people interested in what is going on in the area, and begin a monthly Podcast where you discuss trends and market information.

• Read local and national real estate magazines, articles and blogs to stay caught up with what is happening nationwide so you can compare your market to other similar markets around the country.

Technology is a valuable asset for consumers and agents alike, so find ways to put it to work for you. By establishing yourself as the expert and sharing your unique knowledge Top Agent Magazine

through public sources like blogs, print media, emails, and unique approaches like Podcasts, and public videos, your customers will increasingly look to you as the definitive source. Data is everywhere, so think in terms of how to educate your customers and make them experts so they don’t have to do all the legwork. By doing so you’ll win their respect and loyalty.

Bottom line: get fully committed to becoming an expert in your chosen career and you’ll reap the rewards.

Verl Workman is the national technology speaker/trainer that stands out as #1 when it comes to showing companies and their sales associates how to make money using today’s technology. © Verl Workman. All rights reserved.

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 6

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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DUKE KIMHAN Top Agent Magazine

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DUKE KIMHAN For Duke Kimhan, going ‘above and beyond’ isn’t an option, it’s a requirement.

When he first entered the real estate industry as an investor in Florida, he soon had ten rental homes, but wanted to expand even more. “I thought, ‘why don’t I go into this industry on the selling side, and learn the 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

ins and outs of that. It didn’t take me long to come on board with a real estate company as a broker,” he says. “Soon I was working with a development company selling all new homes.” He then began working with a successful team that sold over $100 million every year. “It was a fine-tuned machine,” Top Agent Magazine

he explains. Through this he soaked up as much knowledge as he could, understanding what it took to operate a business at this level. Once Hurricane Katrina hit, however, Duke made the decision to return to his home state of Hawaii.

Not one to wait around, Duke immediately entered the real estate industry again, this time setting his sights on property management. Eventually he opened up his own Top Agent Magazine

business, Hawaii Pacific Property Management. He utilized all of his extensive experience as an investor and broker to create the perfect solution for owners wanting to rent their properties. He knows what his clients want, and is determined to earn their trust. Duke is so confident in their process of finding the right tenants that he even guarantees to cover the cost of eviction if it ever were to happen. “I tell them, we pay for the legal costs of evicting tenants if it Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

was someone we chose to put in the property,� Duke says.

Duke takes great pride in his company, leading to the happiness of not only his owners, but his tenants as well. “Most owners stay 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

with me for years,� he explains. Hawaii Pacific Property Management never leaves any stone unturned, regularly checking in with tenants and owners to find out how their experience has been. Reviews about their business are also easy to find, with Top Agent Magazine

almost 100 written on Yelp. A recent one read, “Hawaii Pacific Properties has been managing multiple rental units for me the last 6 years and I am highly satisfied with the professionalism, positive attitude and timely response to any issues provided by my rental agent. Definitely would recommend their services to family, friends and anyone who wants to be associated with a company that is trustworthy and responsible.�

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Although work takes up much of Duke’s time, he is also heavily involved with the community. The company frequently volunteers with the Humane Society, and Duke is a member of several groups, including the Professional Standards Committee, and serves as president of the Real Estate Business Institute. He was also recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Honolulu Board of Realtors. During any free time, Copyright Top Agent Magazine13

he’s enjoying time with his wife and golden retriever, playing poker or travelling.

As Duke looks towards the future, he’s excited to continue growing with at least 100

new properties per year. One thing is for certain: he will never tire of this business. “The relationships we have with our owners and tenants are long lasting ones. I really enjoy the interaction.”

For more information about Duke Kimhan, please call 808-277-4677, email duke@hipacificpm.com, or visit HiPacificPM.com http://

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the Top Agent Magazine

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 16

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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AUSTIN PEARSON Austin Pearson believes that when you build a business, you begin with a foundation of honesty, stability, and dedication. Clients have come to expect this high level of standard when the Pearson name is on the door and they have yet to be disappointed. It’s clear that Austin Pearson and his team of seasoned property managers carry these founding traits throughout their property management company, PRG Management.

To know PRG Management is to know Pearson Realty Group, a full-service brokerage founded in 2009 by Austin, his brother Parker and their father Kirby. The Pearsons began their careers at the Chicago Board of Trade by building a successful commodity brokerage.

From there, they decided to expand their already thriving business into real estate. Since 2010, Pearson Realty Group has completed over 2000 transactions, totaling in volume of $430 million.

Austin and his team offer some of the best service in the Chicagoland area, as proven by their 50% referral rate and client loyalty to both Pearson Realty Group and PRG Management. “We have three different primary services,” Austin explains. “One is full-service investment management, where we take all the day-to-day management activities off the owner’s plate. We offer a financial-only package, which is the use of our proprietary property management software, which handles a lot of the administrative and financial responsibilities. And then there’s the full-service homeowner’s association management.”

They offer clients guarantees and comforts that help take the stress out of property management. “We offer a 30 day cancellation guarantee that keeps us on our toes, while still providing the highest level of service,” Austin says. “We’re a young, hungry and technologically savvy property management company. At the end of the day we understand that what we provide to our clients is a service.”

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“It’s headache-free,” Austin continues. “I love real estate. Just the physical aspect that everybody needs a place to sleep, and the beauty of the physical properties.

And I love seeing owners investing, making money in real estate. There are endless opportunities and endless ways you can specialize in real estate.” And he means it.

Austin’s love of real estate and its ability to offer people a place to lay their head every night is shown through his non-profit involvement. In addition to running a company, Austin also sits on the board of The Benevolent Housing Association, a 501c3 non-profit that specializes in providing affordable housing to low- and moderate-income individuals in Chicago.

Sitting on the board and working with his family consumes a lot of his free time, but when he can, Austin likes to stretch his muscles by getting out on the softball diamond, playing tennis and hitting the links. “I’m an avid golfer,” he says.

While Austin and the Pearson Realty Group team have been incredibly successful, they won’t sit on their laurels.

“We’re starting a real estate investment fund,” he says in addition to looking for growth within the company. “The goal for the brokerage is to have a hundred agents by the end of 2020. And we want to have a thousand units getting our high-end, headache-free management services.”

To find out more about Austin Pearson, please call 773.325.2800, email austin@pearsonrealtygroup.com, or visit pearsonrealtygroup.com www.

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8 Tips on Using Disruptive Thinking to Improve Innovation You might be wondering what disruptive thinking is. How can anything disruptive be good? Well, if you’re caught in a stagnant place, shaking things up might be exactly what you need to gain some momentum in your personal or professional life.

the norms that keep you from being creative and implementing big ideas. Here are some simple things you can do to find opportunities that might be hidden if you stay stuck in the status quo.

Sometimes taking a step out of your bubble will give you a much needed perspective and allow you to achieve the breakthrough you need to take things to the next level. There is no more valuable commodity in today’s business world than innovative thinking, and the key to innovative thinking is breaking down

1. TAKE RISKS

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Without risks, there usually won’t be any major rewards. Sure being steady and careful might keep things going marginally well, but if you really want to go big, you need to go all in sometimes. If you go through the history of great innovations, none of them

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were achieved by playing it safe. Embrace mistakes. Learn from them, they often provide valuable insight and that will lead to great success on your next attempt.

2. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT INDUSTRY This might seem counter-intuitive, but you’d be amazed at what you can learn by looking into successful companies, no matter what the business type is. You’re almost certain to find valuable solutions, systems or technology, that might fit your business, giving you a unique advantage over the competition.

3.BE CURIOUS Break some of your daily habits, even if it’s as simple as ordering a new dish at your favorite restaurant. Even the smallest changes can help spark a new idea. Always be on the lookout for new ways to do things. Little innovation are all around you. If you remain curious and keep an open mind, you’ll be surprised as to what might spark the next great idea.

4. PICK THE BRAIN OF A NON-EXPERT Yes, there is a lot to be gained by having access to someone with an expertise in your field, but you can learn a lot from a newcomer as well. They are a blank slate, and may inspire you with their completely unique point of view on things as someone just starting out.

5. BE LESS JUDGMENTAL It’s very easy to dismiss a new idea. You have experience and that can oftentimes lead 20

to a million reasons why something won’t work. But there really is no harm in ignoring your initial impulse and thinking it though a bit more. If you or someone you work with has passion for an idea, it’s definitely worth pursuing.

6. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE We tend to look at things in a linear way.

If you feel like you’ve stalled out on something, literally flip the script. Re-imagine it from different perspectives, reverse engineer the process. Anything you can do to see it from all angles, might get the creative juices flowing again, and could even lead to a breakthrough.

7. VALUE CHAOS Yes, it’s great to be organized and have a plan, but sometimes a little randomness can be that added ingredient that makes it all work. One of the major keys to successful disruptive thinking is breaking up everyday patterns. Sometimes the path to rational solution is filled with chaotic moments.

8. BE WILLING TO LET GO Don’t be rigid. Even the best ideas can always be refined and improved. You’ve invested a lot of time in your idea and it can be hard not to cling to it, but input from other people will only strengthen what you want to do.

Having big ideas is great, but you also need to be pragmatic. Recognize changes you might need to make to get your big idea implemented. Disruptive thinking is all about flexibility.

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MATT WOOD & MIKE O’CONNOR For Matt Wood and Mike O’Connor, the real estate industry was initially a part-time pursuit. They both had successful careers at a consulting firm and decided to go in together on a few investment properties.

“We got a single family home in Atlanta, then a 32 unit apartment complex, and just kept going,” Matt explains. They were only in their 20s, but already had over 150 rental units. Soon, the success of their side hustle led to the need for a property management company. “After going through a few, we decided to take things into our own hands.” That’s when they decided to drop their old jobs and form Perimeter Property Services, a one-stop shop where investors could take their properties and let Matt and Mike handle the rest.

“You can basically drop a property in our lap that is not ready to rent and we will do everything needed to get it ready to go, rent it out and keep it rented,” Mike says. “We have CPAs, attorneys and access to every professional necessary.” Not only that, but Matt and Mike can help their clients downsize or scale up, as they are both licensed agents. Serving the metro Atlanta region, they currently have 14 employees, all just as hardworking as they are. A little over two years in the business, they manage more than 550 units. They focus on streamlining the rental experience for both tenants and owners.

“Our business is software focused. We brought our company into the 21st century with portals our clients can use to make the business more efficient,”

they explain. “We hired developers to create a custom dashboard to see how our work orders are looking, and even have a system that allows potential tenants to see a property whenever they want.”

This system involves the potential tenant taking a photo of their ID, uploading their credit card information, and then receiving a code that allows access to the property for one hour. This gets more people in the door and speeds up the rental process.

Clients are continuously appreciative of Perimeter Property Services’ determination and skill. One recently said, “The PPS staff are consummate professionals. I’ve been investing in rental properties for over 15 years and have dealt with a lot of property managers. I can say with confidence that this group is by far away the best that I’ve ever dealt with. They are professional, timely, courteous, and overall just good people. They are currently managing more than 10 units for me in the Atlanta market and I have never once had to worry about things not being taken care of. All this and their prices are more than fair! Cheers to PPS!” As Matt and Mike look ahead, they want to continue to sustainably grow their business. “We are also looking to get more into the community management aspect of the business.” They love everything about what they do, but their favorite part might just be their team.

For more information about Matt Wood and Mike O’Connor, call 404-736-7139, email Matt@perimeterps.com or Mike@perimeterps.com, or visit perimeterpropertyservices.com https://branches.guildmortgage.com/az/phoenix/phillip-wright-794-rrpwr.html www.

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— 22

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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