Using the Time Zones

I have mentioned before that I tend to work very odd hours. Both the creative side of this job and the plugging-away-at-the-computer side benefit from striking when the iron is hot. I make the best use of the time by focusing on different aspects of different projects at appropriate times.

I've also mentioned that I work with clients all over the United States, and I've found that being situated in the Mountain Time Zone can be used to the advantage of everyone involved. I've become quite adept at working all the time zones. My evening work hours are uninterrupted by phone calls and emails, for the most part. This allows me to focus on completing phases of jobs for the clients and fabricators who I work with in the Eastern half of the country. By completing work and sending it out in my late evening, the East Coast and Central folks get an hour or two to look at it and get their feedback together before I hit the computer at 8:00 am my time the next morning. When it works, I hit the ground running first thing in the morning on the stuff I finished the night before.

A similar fate awaits the feedback I get from the West Coast. If it comes late in their day, I have the evening to work on it, plus an hour or two the next morning, and they see results of many hours work when they start their day.

The best utilization of time is critical to get products launched, and optimizing the work flow in every phase can make a big difference in getting to market quickly.