3 min read
If you’re a small business owner feeling overwhelmed and unproductive, there are many systems to help improve productivity. Setting up an organized workspace, prioritizing your schedule, using tech tools and delegating tasks can help you to save time and create more streamlined systems.
Organize Your Work Space
Set up your workspace with zones for each type of task your business regularly attends to, such as a place for storing office supplies, inventory storage, filing and shipping. The best way to maintain organization is to create a clear location for everything. Use labels to save time searching for items.
Consider the layout of all workspaces, such as the size and location of desks and the ergonomics of chairs. Have sufficient lighting at all workspaces to reduce eye strain. Try to eliminate any noise or visual distractions in your workspace.
Prioritize Your Business Goals
Determine clear goals and priorities for your business. When setting your goals, set SMART Goals, those that are Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic & Time Limited. Specifically who, what, when, where and how are you going to reach each goal? Make sure these goals include a clear action to take and a result you’d like to accomplish within a given time frame. Share these goals with your employees and create a standard manual of operations for all employees to understand the methods your business uses to reach these goals.
Organize Your Schedule Based on Your Goals
Use scheduling and planning strategies to manage your time. Focus first on high priority items to make sure your time is spent pursuing your goals. Break all projects into small steps and estimate how long each step will take. Time block your schedule, for example, plan to spend every Monday from 10am-11am in a staff meeting, every Tuesday from 9am-12pm focusing on a marketing project, etc. This will help to set up regular routines for your workplace.
Use Tech Tools to Save Time
Automate regular tasks with technology. There are many apps to help you better manage your time and your business processes. Use shared digital calendars to keep track of your meetings, deadlines, vacation time, etc. Use productivity apps and digital to-do lists and task management programs such as Evernote, Asana and Trello to work collaboratively and stay on track.
Delegate Some Tasks to Other Experts
As a business owner, realize that your time should be spent on your area of expertise. Be ready to delegate some tasks to other experts, such as lawyers, accountants, social media marketers, web designers, event planners, professional organizers, cleaning services, lawn care services, personal assistants or your qualified employees.
Better organization of your workspace, your schedule and business processes will not only improve your productivity and increase income, but it will also reduce stress in your life.
