1. Warn them about your time limits. Know someone who can talk for hours? Sometimes you just don't have the time. Next time she calls, right at the start of the conversation, tell her you've only got 5 minutes to spare right now. When those 5 minutes have passed, tell her it was wonderful talking, but you've got to hang up for now.

2. Set an egg timer. Many phone calls get lengthy because you get so involved with the conversation that you lose track of the time. This can be both time-consuming and expensive. Set an egg timer for a specified amount of time (5-15 minutes serve most conversations well), and politely end the call when the timer goes off.

3. Prepare ahead of time. Before you make your calls, make a list of the items you want to cover. This way, you're not wasting your time, or the time of the person on the other line, trying to remember things during the conversation.

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak and E-zine, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site.