Staying organised is a challenge for many people, even Public Relations (PR) Professionals. Some days everything is under control, but there are also days when the task lists just keep getting longer, no matter how much you try to get things done. So what can you do? Follow these simple steps to staying on top of your tasks.

Always answer your emails
Whether the email is from your boss, client or media colleague, respond immediately. If you don't have the answer right away, at least acknowledge it. Let them know you are on top of it and that you'll get what they need by their deadline or propose a more feasible one.

Respond as quickly as possible
Try to avoid deliberately postponing responses. Quick responses make your clients and suppliers feel valued.

A light day can quickly spiral into a heavy one and that email may slip through the cracks. If you happen to see an email while you are on assignment for example, set a reminder to respond at a less busy time.

Keep a to-do list
Make it a rule; never rely on memory. Tasks can become overwhelming and the brain without consent will begin to throw out things, things that you need to remember. So make a note of it in a place that you are most likely to see it again. An overlooked assignment could cost you a client.

Check it regularly
Creating a to-do list is great, as long as it’s being used. It makes no sense creating a list that you never take the time to revisit. After completing each task spare a second to refresh yourself of what’s left to be done.

Do end of day reviews
Lastly, close to the end of each business day do a final review to confirm that you’ve covered your deliverables for that day. You may realise at that point that you hadn’t checked on something that you said you would by close of business.

Be keen to follow these steps and never miss a deadline! No matter what, always aim to maintain reliability. Your clients must be able to count on you.

Remember stay organized, stay reliable. There is nothing more expensive than a missed opportunity.