GREAT 163 IDEA: Beat Your Deadlines

I collected this great idea during a brainstorming session with a group of business owners. After setting a deadline to complete a project or proposal, move the deadline up a few days in your mind. Meeting an earlier-than-promised deadline is guaranteed to impress your clients.

This strategy sets you apart from most people, who routinely miss deadlines and beg for extensions. Setting earlier deadlines also helps avert last-minute disasters. If a computer crashes, the printer freaks out, or someone calls in sick, you won't fall behind.

I have never missed a deadline. I once produced a project via phone while suffering from the flu. In fact, I used Zazzle.com, a very cool site that offers all kinds of premiums and personalized products, to create an apron that says, “Make a Promise: Keep a Promise.”

Holding yourself and your team accountable when it comes to meeting deadlines is critical to success. As a journalist, missing deadlines is just not an option. I don't recommend working while you are seriously ill, but sometimes work has to take priority.

Do the work. Then get into bed and sleep for a few days.