Time-Management Specialist

Bringing relief to people under inordinate stress is just one of the many benefits of being a time-management specialist. In addition to making the workplace a little less of a sweatshop, you’ll be assisting clients with setting goals, developing action plans, defining priorities, and scheduling/delegating tasks. You may decide to work as a consultant, identifying problems for harried company executives in pursuit of higher productivity. But you may also decide to add on additional services, such as seminars for large groups or individual personal productivity training. Th e opportunities to make money from time are there, you just need to send the message out to the many people in need of your services. Quick profitability is a defi nite possibility with this low overhead business, but you need to charge appropriately for your time and expertise. One last tip: Don’t forget to offer periodic refresher courses to former clients; you’d be surprised how many of them would welcome the opportunity.


Word-of-mouth advertising keeps initial costs low in this business, because it is based on credibility and trust of the specialist. To present a professional image, allow a minimum of $250 for business cards, letterhead, and brochures. Computer costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000. Remember that organizational dues will be necessary to continually network and prospect for clients; set aside at least $250 per year for this valuable lead-generator. Charge at least $75 per hour for corporate consulting and $1,000 per day for conducting seminars for groups of professionals.


The art of managing time is relatively new to businesses. Hence, competition may not be a significant problem. If you enjoy leading others to dramatic results in a short period of time, this career can be extremely enjoyable. But you should be advised that this work demands a lot of your own time and energy to get started; are you able to practice what you preach? It may take as much as a year or two before you are able to make a full-time income.


Jennifer Annandono, Managing Partner of the Progressive Leadership Center in Kent, Ohio, says, “I greatly enjoy demonstrating to others how to have a more balanced work and personal life. My feeling is that time management is about setting goals and implementing new tools that will promote achievement.”


Annandono says she could not do without a cell phone, voice mail, computer, and printer.


“It is always more effective to market your service as the ‘benefit’customers will receive rather than focusing on various features you might offer. Much of my marketing success is based in community interaction and word-of-mouth referral. The best advice is: always be a product of the service you provide!”


“I would have spent the months preceding the opening of my business selecting centers of in?uence. If you are not already established in the community, it is never too early to identify and communicate with those individuals who know and trust you and clearly understand what service you provide.”


Approx. cost of start-up: $1,000 to $6,500


Approx. potential earnings: $20,000 to $40,000


Typical fees: $75 to $100 per hour or $100+ per person for classes


Where to promote: Free workshops/seminars and other public speaking, wordof-mouth, networking, news releases, written articles, Web site with some free tips


Qualifications: High level of organization, analytical ability, punctuality, ability to deliver on your commitments, an open mind


Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, fax, printer, time-management software, handouts


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Preparation time if you are not already using a previously written program, licensing fees if you are