“Does it generate revenue?”

This is one of the questions that floated around the room during our Genius Shared retreat in Chicago a few months ago.

We were discussing goals, productivity, and action plans (things that send a tingle up the spine of every productivity nerd).

But many of us forget to apply the “does it generate revenue” test to our actions.

If you’re running a business, this has to be the litmus test for everything we do during working hours. Not that every single thing you do has a direct line to revenue, just that you get those things done FIRST.

Yes, you can write a blog post (just make sure you’ve optimized it with a call to action).

Yes, you can Tweet (just track results…have you created a social segment in Google Analytics?).

No, you can’t keep your personal Facebook page open on your desktop all day.

Yes, you can attend a luncheon for people in your industry (just go in with a plan to chat with potential partners).

No, you don’t need to check email more than 5 times in an 8 hour work day.

Yes, you can go for a run after you accomplish that one big revenue-generating thing for the day.

On a day-to-day basis, make sure that you’re investing time in the things that will keep your business moving forward.

What are you doing FIRST today? Does it generate revenue?

Photo Credit: gothick_matt via Compfight cc