The Key To Time Management Is “Less”
The Key To Time Management Is “Less”Small businesses owners often struggle with time management. They try to take on everything themselves and the end result is far more work still left undone every single day. You could spend money on time management software, but the root problem still isn’t solved. To be more efficient while running a small business, you will do more by doing less. You will even have time to focus on friends and family instead of just the business.
Too Many Roles
Small business owners rarely have one role in the business. Most serve as a manager, sales person, receptionist, accountant, IT technician and various other roles all at one time. No one can effectively handle all the roles of a business. At some point, each role will suffer because you are spread too thin.
Think of larger businesses with teams in each department. With experts devoted to each part of the business, the entire company runs more efficiently.
Small businesses may not have the budget to hire multiple employees. They can hire virtual assistants to handle much of the workload. They save money and are better able to manage their time and business.
More Devices, Less Accomplished
It would seem like having constant access to the workplace would make you more efficient. You’ll save time by not being tied to a single device, right? Wrong! Studies have shown that by using multiple devices, a person is more distracted and less productive. When attention is divided between a computer, smartphone and tablet, less work is actually done. Instead of using all devices at once, only use one at a time. All apps and documents can be synced between devices, but trying to multi-task by using several devices at once only serves to leave you feeling burnt out.
Planning Without Acting
Often times, business owners spend their day constantly reorganizing their to-do lists. As more tasks crop up, other important tasks are pushed to the bottom of the list. As a result, they end up planning but never actually acting. Instead, start the day by deciding which tasks are most important. No matter what else happens, these tasks must be completed. Set tasks by priority. Getting these tasks done first makes the rest of the day easier.
Manual Helps No One
With all of the online platforms, mobile apps and automated services available to small business owners, there is little reason to do everything manually. Take advantage of technology. Instead of inputting the same data into multiple programs, use online programs that sync. Instead of manually handling all administrative tasks and payroll, use online services that do these tasks automatically. Why do everything the hard way when easier, less time consuming methods are available?
More Apps, Scattered Productivity
The bad thing about technology is the seemingly infinite number of programs and apps available. Instead of using more apps, set a limit on which are used. The more programs you have at your disposal, the more time it takes to learn and use each one. Instead, limit yourself to apps which offer the most benefit to your business. You save time and get more done.