The Need To Plan

The Need To Plan
Andy Stetzinger
2/26/2007


It's Monday Morning of a week that is sure to be memorable. We've got product launches, demos, updates, tweaks, and of course - The KeyThing 24.

Not to mention I've been asked by none other than IBM to review a User Interface on Tuesday Morning.

When I told Wendy about the KeyThing 24, she looked right at me and said, "Are you crazy?". Perhaps I am. However, I don't think so. Looking back, I was able to develop a full product in the back of minivan from Orlando to Atlanta. Of course, it didn't have any marketing to it, nor strong copy, or anything else that makes a product strong.

So what's the secret? What do we need?

Simple. A plan.

Without a plan, we'd be lost. The event would fail. It would be a disaster. An embarrassment.

To accomplish the tasks at hand this week, much more than just a work plan had to be established. I had to coordinate my personal schedule with the work schedule.

Step 1: Communicate with family and friends
If they don't know what you're doing, they're going to call, they're going to try to make plans, they're going to attempt to steal you away from your objective. Your family has to understand the schedule change so they can work with it.

Step 2: Establish "big picture" plan for other work items
Scott and I have planned out various things for as long as 6 months down the road. We know what's coming up, no need to spend time on it this week.

Step 3: Clear all non-essential items from my calendar
A review of my calendar, some emails and phone calls, and I've pretty much cleared everything off of it that I can.

Step 4: Deactivate Voice Mail on the phone
A phone call to my carrier, and I've disabled voice mail for the week. They have even scheduled it to be reactivated on Saturday, March 3rd.

Step 5:Dietary Supplements
I know I'll be working longer hours, and will be getting less than what my body needs to take in. So, natural dietary supplements have been added (nothing illegal going on here!)

Step 6: Elimination of distractions
I've also restructured my office a little bit. Took care of some clutter, and re-arranged some items as to not distract me. Also, during this time, I'll be wearing my noise canceling Bose headphones and listening to some good grooves.

Of course, with the headphones on, I won't hear the phone, and they can't leave voice mail...

Step 7: Scheduled breaks and downtime
There is no way the whole week can happen without knowing when a break is upcomming, or when I can rest my eyes and mind. So, breaks are setup in advance.


The plan is a simple, basic, strategic approach on how to handle any high-item week. One thing that is vastly important in all steps in order for the plan to succeed is communication.

Without communication in every step, the plan will not work.

Well, here's to a great week... check the podcast, KTTV, and newsletter for more this week...

~Andy