![](https://buffer.com/resources/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/oIpwxeeSPy1cnwYpqJ1w_Dufer-Collateral-test.jpg)
30 Tips from our Community on Working Smarter, Not Harder
Director of People @ Buffer
One of Buffer’s values is working smarter, not harder, and the #bufferchat community gathered to offer tips and ideas on living smarter.
How do you manage your energy throughout the day? What are your go-to productivity tips? Are there certain times of the day you produce your best work? Our community shared their thoughts with us! Catch the full recap here.
![bufferchat promo 5.20.15 v2](https://buffer.com/resources/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bufferchat-promo-5.20.15-v2.png)
What does “working smarter, not harder” mean to you?
- “”Work smarter, not harder” for me means maximizing efficiency. W/ high levels of productivity and time management.” @St_Elgin
- “Working smarter means cutting out the unnecessary steps that we take simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”” @jacksondame
- “Focus on what you know and outsource activities that don’t play to your strengths.” @SmartSuiteBree
- “To me, it means #Proactive and not #Reactive – having a plan allows you to be flexible.” @CShirkeyCollins
- “For me it means using the resources & support systems available! Don’t reinvent the wheel!” @AA_Schmidt
How do you manage social media during your time off?
- “Open up access to your social media to colleagues, put together content style guides and trust your team to cover it” @WhiteOctober
- “@buffer and @hootsuite are obvious choices that I regularly use to manage my social engagements even when taking a break” @Marcus_Boswell
- “Schedule everything I can, then enlist a rockstar co-worker to help manage live engagement!” @CarolinaOusley
- “Also summer vacations offer an opportunity for great content, sometimes being spontaneous converts better” @iangelidaki
- “The work will still be there when you get back. EVERYONE needs to take a break. Dial it down and deal when you get back ” @Ursula_Ringham
How do you manage your energy throughout the day?
- “Healthy snacks and time up from my desk” @Mz_EvanTaylor
- “Doing yoga and playing a few rounds of pool in the afternoons. Also brainstorm [sessions] help me focus.” @jayleehb
- “Bringing my pup into work w/me, she forces me to take at least a couple walks throughout the day.+2pm handstands and snacks!” @caitlin_pdx
- “Twitter chats and talking with other like-minded people gives me energy and motivation to get more done. Accountability too.” @jacksondame
- “Setting small manageable goals keeps my mind focused! Like a mental checklist” @thelifeofaworkgirl
What time of day do you feel like you can create your best work?
- “Early in the morning, usually before heading to the office. Those wee morning hours are so peaceful!” @unbounce
- “Don’t try and create a schedule based on what’s “normal” – find what energizes you and embrace it!” @joellecharming
- “Early in the morning when everybody is sleeping and my mind is clear and empty! With a good cup of coffee”@katairobi
- “I am most productive later in the day and into the night. I can do mornings but I’m best later.” @London_Lady
- “I also listen to my body/mind to see what’s in the mood for and will shuffle my tasks accordingly”@CarolinaOusley
What are some of your favorite mid-day breaks and activities?
- “I like to walk around outside if the weather is nice, read a bit of a book I started, or scroll through Tumblr.” @SamPereira91
- “Just like Edison, you need to alternate your current by moments of intense work followed by a break.” @Ross_Quintana
- “Realizing as I type this: coffee’s my answer to every question so far :/ but I spend my time at coffee shops for my break =]” @riabcruz
- “Subtle, Ambient music for the win! I can say that my #socialmedia career is powered by coffee & ambient music.” @thesociabelle
A5 Oh yes! Cannot forget going in the yard to play with my little boy Argos! #bufferchatpic.twitter.com/aW1vWkqZ9M
— Aubrey Lorraine (@theelephantfly) May 20, 2015
What’s your super secret tip for saving time?
- “Wake up an hour early & spend that time doing something you’re passionate about. Works wonders :)” @bhaesa
- “Be realistic about goals -> Use Pomodoro -> Manage to-do/idea lists -> Give yourself a break. More work done in less time :)” @ipsita_agarwal
- “Our internal book group liked the ‘Do it, Delegate it, Defer it’ mantra in Getting Things Done http://blog.whiteoctober.co.uk/2014/09/11/book-club-getting-things-done-by-david-allen/ …” @whiteoctober
- “Focusing on completing one thing at a time. Ignoring other distractions unless# absolutely critical.” @macksnapmatt
- “Plan out your day in advance/prioritize/be flexible enuf to squeeze in ad hoc stuff. Don’t waste time guessing what’s next.” @thinkSEM
Thank you so much for everyone who joined in on this great chat!
Catch #bufferchat each Wednesday at 9 am Pacific/noon Eastern and join our Google+ community for the latest news.
Do you have any comments or answers to these questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!
Image sources: UnSplash
Try Buffer for free
140,000+ small businesses like yours use Buffer to build their brand on social media every month
Get started nowRelated Articles
![](https://buffer.com/resources/content/images/2024/07/Changes-in-GraphQL-APIs.png)
As part of our commitment to transparency and building in public, Buffer engineer Joe Birch shares how we’re doing this for our own GraphQL API via the use of GitHub Actions.
![](https://buffer.com/resources/content/images/2023/04/olivier-bergeron-5JSZzMilCVo-unsplash.jpg)
TikTok's parent company must divest the app or face a ban in the U.S. Here's everything we know, plus how to plan ahead.
![woman examining a floor to ceiling bookshelf](https://buffer.com/resources/content/images/2024/03/Buffer-book-club.jpg)
How the Buffer Customer Advocacy Team set up their book club, plus their key takeaways from their first read: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.