Once you start running a small business you’ll find that your day is always jam packed with things just waiting to get done. You have to look after every aspect of your business including administration, accounts, sales, HR, marketing and even customer service. That’s why it’s crucial for you as a business owner to know how you can manage your time and get more done every day.
Here are some time management tips to help you get started.
Make a To-Do List
This is one of the first things you can do to start managing your time. It doesn’t have to be complicated; a simple numbered list on a piece of paper will work just fine. If you have your list ready before you reach the office, you’ll know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it. This will save you a considerable amount of time.
You can also write down tasks you need to delegate to your employees. Why not email it to them on your way to work? That way everyone will know what they need to do and they can get down to work as soon as they step into the office.
Delegate Tasks
As a business owner you’re bound to feel like you need to do every little thing yourself to get the best results. But in order to be a successful business person you also have to learn to delegate your workload.
Focus on what you do best and assign the rest to your employees based on their skill sets. If you’re not able to hire full time workers you can always look into outsourcing work to freelancers. Setting up an internship program is also a great way to get extra help for special projects.
Don’t Micromanage
Once you’ve assigned a task don’t micromanage it. Sometimes it seems like your team won’t be able to do the job unless you guide them every step of the way. This might be true for a new, inexperienced worker but not for the older ones.
Exceptions might come up every now and again but don’t micromanage to the point where you have no time left for your own work. Trust that your team can do it and ask for their input. They might even surprise you with a more efficient solution for the problem.
Automate as Much as You Can
Use modern technology to your advantage. Nowadays it’s more than possible to let the computer handle routine and repetitive jobs for you. There are countless programs and apps out there which can create and send out invoices for you, email your potential clients, update your multiple social media accounts, keep your finances in order and even help you out in customer services.
You’ll find that once you automate these tasks you’ll have more time to focus on the bigger picture.
Remove Distractions
Distractions come in many forms. Some common distractions in the workplace include never-ending phone calls, nonstop emails, spontaneous meetings, noisy office machines and interruptions from employees and clients.
Occasional disruptions might be welcome but continuous distractions can shift your attention away from work and actually waste a big chunk of your time. To avoid this scenario inform your employees or co-workers so that they don’t disturb you when you’re working on something important. Turning off your email and cell phone for a while will also help you focus on the task at hand.
Take Regular Breaks
Making time for regular breaks is just as important as trying to get a maximum amount of work done every day. This is because our minds are not designed to focus on one task for extended periods of time.
When you take a break, you’re essentially refreshing your mind which then enhances your focus and increases your productivity at work. Some good ways to spend your breaks include going for a short walk outside, reading a non-work related book, chatting with a colleague, meditating and exercising.
Keep your Work space Organized
A cluttered and disorganized work space causes you to spend more time on tasks that shouldn’t take so long. If your desk is clean and well organized you’ll be able access your documents and files easily and get more work done more quickly. Using color coded folders, having separate incoming and outgoing piles and scanning important documents are just some steps you can take to ensure that everything remains organized.
A well-arranged office also gives off an impressive professional image and lets your clients know that your business is trustworthy. Time management is an excellent way to increase efficiency in your daily work routine. However keep in mind that unexpected issues can arise at any time and on days like that it’s just best to go with the flow.