Toolbox: The 3-3-3 Method of Time Management to Super-boost your Business Development Efforts
In this BD Tips Wednesday post, I look at: 'The 3-3-3 Method'.
What Is the 3-3-3 Method?
Let's start with the obvious: What is the 3-3-3 Method?
The 3-3-3 Method is a daily time management framework built on three blocks of activity:
3 hours of deep work – Focused, uninterrupted time on your most important projects/client work.
3 hours for meetings/collaboration session/short tasks – Key meetings and/or to-dos that are necessary but don’t require deep concentration.
3 hours of personal and business development time – Things that keep you and your practice moving forward personally and professionally; such as exercise, learning, writing a blog post, commenting on LinkedIn or having a coffee with a contact.
Why Does It Work?
Firstly, the 3-3-3 Method helps you focus on your priorities for the day. By limiting yourself to three hours of deep work, you push yourself to decide what really matters for that day. This avoids spreading yourself thin across too many tasks.
You achieve progress without burnout. Three hours of deep work is substantial, but it’s also sustainable. Instead of marathon days that drain you, you get consistent, high-quality progress.
You have structure without rigidity. The 3-3-3 Method provides guidance but leaves room for flexibility. Your “3 shorter tasks” could be emails, calls or admin. Your “3 maintenance activities” could be as simple as a having lunch with a colleague who refers you work.
Remember, the 3-3-3 Method is not about perfection. Some days, your deep work might stretch to 4 hours, or you may only tick off 2 maintenance activities. The power lies in the framework; it guides your attention without being a straitjacket.
Final Thoughts: Sustainably Growing your Practice
Making time for business development in your busy day doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, implementing simple frameworks in to how you structure your day can provide the most powerful ROI on your efforts.
Further Reading
Need Help With Your Business Development?
Get in touch if you want to talk about any of this. We also offer a very affordable BD Audit and Training package.
