7 Proven Time Saving Tips For Small Business Leaders

 
The old saying is “A Stitch in Time Saves 9.” Whoever came up with that one was spot on. It is especially important to the self-employed small business owner.

New start-up businesses are typically a one-person operation, especially in the beginning, and there is never enough time to get things done.

This will probably be even more important in the days and weeks to come when your business starts to get back to resembling some kind of normal.

More than likely you will be called upon to pick up the pieces and get going because your business can’t wait.

Finding time to do everything yourself will not be easy.

Here are 7 Time Saving Techniques that will help.

1. Everyone needs a schedule… Even You.

The best approach is probably the easiest here. Grab a notebook and write down a list of tasks you want to accomplish.

In today’s world, you can easily find a digital solution for this schedule and that is great because there are many out there. However, the best way to start is often the old-fashioned way… pen and paper.

I like to use a method that goes like this:

The first step is to write down everything that needs to be done today.

Then tick off everything that can be done in 5 minutes or less, and finally make a wish list for what you would like to get done if you have the time to do them.

Start with doing all the 5 minutes or less stuff, followed by the rest in order of importance, etc. Very simple.

Once you can do this successfully then you can move on to the digital schedulers.

2. Don’t Multitask… Keep Your Focus.

The worst thing you can do is to try and accomplish two or three things at one time.

Pick a task and stick with it. If it is a larger task that will take a fair bit of your time, then break it up into smaller chunks taking time to “chill” in between them.

You may even wish to use a timer, so you don’t lose focus. Trust me, this works and can save you a whole lot of time.

3. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize.

The world may tell you to start with the easy tasks first , but not me.

I am telling you (once you have completed the 5 minute or “less” tasks) to tackle your more difficult issues first.

The reason here is quite straight forward and that is your most productive work time usually is when you begin your day. Whatever time that may be.

Prioritize your tasks that way and you will not only save time, but you will accomplish more.

4. Distractions Are Time Wasters

Here are some simple rules to avoid distractions during your productivity.

• Turn off all notifications on your devices
• Forward all your calls
• Do not respond to emails unless they are time-sensitive
• Close the door • If you work from home, as many are doing, let everyone know that you have a real job and that you cannot be disturbed. There will be break times for that.

The busier you get the more you need to avoid distractions that will eat your time up.

5. Make Technology Work for You

One of the worst things you can do is to spend more time running your business than growing your business.

Growth is very important, so it is best to try and free up some of your time by using technology.

• You can use online programs to help you do your “books” and keep your records.
• Look at a scheduler program so your blogs and posts and emails can be scheduled and pre-written.
• Use technology to outsource jobs that can be done cheaply yet effectively. “Fiver” is a great source for this.
• Set up online banking.
• Use an online Invoicing program to send invoices and receive payments from customers.
• Set up your smartphone to be as effective as possible in communicating with customers.

6. Short Term Measurable Goals

A business without measurable goals is like a rudderless ship. You have no idea where you are going and there is nothing that you can do about it. Set short-term goals. Yes, set long-term goals as well but to save time and be most productive you need to set short-term goals.

The key here is that they are measurable. If you achieve them or if you don’t, you will want to document them. You will learn as much or maybe, even more, when you fail to achieve a goal than not.

A successful goal is not to repeat failure. Learn from failures and correct them. This will save you tons of time in the future.

7. Stop the Mess!

I know there are people who swear that they know where everything is even though their desk is piled high with paperwork. And others where you can’t see the top of their workbench through the clutter.

Stop the mess. You may actually know where things are, but it takes you forever to find it.

One guy told me that he was proud of the fact that he never throws anything out.

Come on, trash is trash, clutter is clutter and a mess is a mess.

Your state of mind will usually be reflected in the state of your workspace.

Get organized and save TIME.

The issue of time, how to use it and maximize it, is something that touches everyone.

However, this issue is especially important to self-employed small business owners because they have to do almost everything on their own.

If you are a member of the Self Employed Business Academy, you can discover the tips and hacks about saving time and money, by checking out the course in the Learning Center called ‘Working Smarter’.

If you are not yet a member of the Academy and would like to find out more about how you can run a successful business and get back your life, click here.

The Academy will be the survival center for all your small business needs.

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