One of the biggest time wasters is voice mail. Sometimes trying to connect with a real human is like playing a game of "tag, you're it."

But voice mail is very common these days and it can be work really well if you know how to leverage it to your advantage. The problem is that many people use it as a message dump instead of the effective communication tool that it can be.

All too often, people leave messages like, "Hello, this is [name] please give me a call. My number is xxx-xxxx."

Calling them back is inefficient for two reasons. You may not be prepared for the call or you may get their voice mail.

A better way to leave a voice mail is to leave your name and contact information and the reason why you're calling such as, "Hello, this is [name] at xxx-xxxx. I wanted to confirm our lunch date on X day at X time. No need to call me back if you can make it. If we do need to reschedule, please call me with an alternate date and time."

See the difference? The second method saves both people time. Think about that the next time you leave someone a voice mail. Make it a tool that helps your business, not one that wastes time and energy.

Denise O'Berry

With more than two decades of operational and management experience, Denise O'Berry has developed a sharp eye for how businesses get bloated with inefficiencies, cross-purposes and miscommunication -- and how they can retool for a sleeker, smoother, strategically focused organization.

An entrepreneur who quickly built her own successful consulting business, she helps other small business owners set priorities, take action to grow their business and create the balance they want between life and work. Her clients have ranged from telecommunications giants like Verizon to Mom-and-Pop retail shops with a primary focus on those having 10 or fewer employees and up to $2.5 million in annual sales.

Denise frequently speaks to professional organizations, is the author of three booklets, and several "how-to" manuals. She writes a weekly small business column, hosts an online small business owners forum and is called upon regularly by publications such as Entrepreneur, Bank Rate Small Business, Florida Trend, Inc., various newspapers, radio and television to provide expert comments on small business issues.