Video | List Producer

Start Your Day Fresh, Not Frantic

February 17, 2013/in Benefits of List Making, Boost Memory, Increase Productivity, List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Video/by Paula Rizzo

Home Office Toys (Photo credit: cogdogblog)

It happens to everyone from time to time. You walk into your office and your day is completely derailed because of added meetings, ringing phones and creeping deadlines. But there is a way to tame the beast. Check out my latest YouTube video for my number one tip on how to start your day fresh, not frantic. It’s a technique I’ve been using for years as a tv producer and it’s served me well! Hope it works for you — let me know how you do.

Never Pick Up Your Phone Again

January 20, 2013/in Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Video/by Paula Rizzo

Desk Phone (Photo credit: mnadi)

I’m going to share a productivity tip I learned a long time ago. In the past when I was working as a line producer of a local news station — I would always pick up my phone when it rang at my desk. I had to — it might be about that night’s show. Some people don’t have a choice.

But when I started producing longer-term stories and didn’t have a daily deadline the calls became too much. I get pitched dozens and dozens of times per day — whether it be through email or phone. If I talked to every single person who called — my productivity would suffer. So instead — I use a simple trick that has been extremely successful for me. Click on my latest YouTube video to find out how to make it work for you too.

Finding Success Through List Making

March 29, 2012/in Benefits of List Making, Decision Making, Fellow List Producers, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Video/by Paula Rizzo

Dr. Shannon Reece

Making lists will make you successful. I’ve said it a zillion times because it’s definitely worked for me. I’m an Emmy award winning TV producer and staying organized through list making has helped me to stand out in my field.

This is just one tactic for achieving more at work and in other aspects of life. Dr. Shannon Reece has a website that offers strategies and tips for women in business. I was included in her post “89 Famous Quotes That Will Rock Your World,” — I’m number 55. And she gave us “10 Ways to Create Free Time Out of Thin Air.”

I was honored to speak with her on her YouTube show “Spotlight on Success.” The show is designed to give you a leg up on starting and maintaining a great business. I’m excited to hear what you think!

Being Organized Helps Beat Stress

March 12, 2012/in Benefits of List Making, Books, Boost Memory, Decision Making, Fellow List Producers, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, List Making, Reduce Stress, Relationships, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Video/by Paula Rizzo

One of the things I love about being a health producer is that I get to cover “news you can use.” From the newest super food to a cutting-edge surgery — we often learn about it first. Not only does this information help people but it makes me look really smart at cocktail parties.

That said — I had the opportunity to produce a segment with life coach and author Margaret Moore (a.k.a. Coach Meg) about her book “Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life,” where she gave all kinds of tips and tricks for being less overwhelmed, less stressed and more productive. Love that!

Take a look at the video and accompanying article here for some ways to tame the frenzy in your own life. Here are some of my favorite Coach Meg tips:

Think about what puts you in a calm state and do it!
Set small goals to focus your attention (say to yourself for 30 minutes I’m only working on x)
Turn off your cell phone and/or email to get more done
Even super organized people can overload — build in breaks and time to relax
In the end you are the only one to hold accountable for your productivity

How Do You Do It All?

September 19, 2011/in Benefits of List Making, Books, Children, Decision Making, Fellow List Producers, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, Movies, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Video/by Paula Rizzo

I’m a big Sarah Jessica Parker fan — since the days of Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and that City.” Her latest film, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” tells the story of a working mother who aspires to do it all!

I don’t even have kids yet and I know exactly how her character feels! Trying to keep it all together at work and at home can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated. But as Sarah Jessica’s character has found — making a to-do list (even if they are in your head) will help you to prioritize and get more done. It will also help to keep you focused and save you time and money.

When you’re running on empty try to remember:

1. It’s OK to not be perfect all the time (this coming from a perfectionist!)

2. Give yourself a break! You are juggling your life, your family’s lives and all your responsibilities at work. Take some time out for yourself to recharge and do whatever you want to do. Even if that means watching the Golden Girls and eating popcorn!

3. Ask for help. No one will think less of you if you reach out for a little assistance. Two heads are better than one — most of the time.

4. Just say no. Of course you want to help with the bake sale and take the lead on a project at work — but if you can’t do it all, then don’t. It’s OK to say that you can’t pile one more thing onto your plate right now. If that means taking a hiatus from your book club — then so be it!

What’s your secret for juggling your work, family life, hobbies and social lives?