It seems like we never have enough time; life is busy, schedules are packed, and the days seem to pass in the blink of an eye. As business owners, we often find ourselves asking, “where did the time go?” However, as more and more people are striving to embrace work life balance, you might not actually need more hours in your day. Rather, you may need to consider some ways that you can maximize productivity. So, today, let’s discuss a few tips that can help you achieve just that.
Use technology
Technology has limitless options, and leveraging these tools can be a life saver for small business owners. Whether it be cloud-based project management tools, or productivity apps, utilize technology to help boost productivity. From Miro, to Asana, to Microsoft Planner, it is amazing how technology can help keep you organized and on schedule.
Technology can also free up valuable time that is spent doing things manually, scrambling to remember where you put something, or what your upcoming commitments include. As more people work remotely, taking advantage of online tools can create a collaborative space which will encourage creativity and productivity.
Organize your space
Whether you work from home, or in an office, organization is your best friend. From a well-arranged desk to online management, using tools that help you stay on task will promote productivity. Clutter and disorganization can often lead to increased levels of stress, distraction, and feelings of overwhelm and frustration. Therefore, a little order can go a long way.
Manage your time
When you set clear and attainable goal, your to-do list will look much less daunting! At the beginning of each week, create a list of what needs to be accomplished. Then, place them in order of importance. This way, you can work your way through your most important deadlines, projects, or meetings.
Another thing to consider is time blocking. If you haven’t heard this term before, don’t worry! It’s a simple system that we suggest you start implementing it into your daily routine. Time blocking is a technique where you schedule blocks of time during your day to accomplish specific tasks. As business owners, we are often guilty of taking on too much, and we attempt multi-tasking to hit those deadlines. When you time block, you allow yourself time to focus on a specific goal. This will not only increase your productivity, but it can also help alleviate stress and burn out. Just as you would schedule a meeting, and give your full attention, the same goes for tasks during this allotted time. Turn off your notifications and get to work!
Utilize your team
As a leader, you are only as strong as your team. Therefore, it is vital to surround yourself with people who, ultimately, make your job easier. Not only is it key to hire the right people, but it is equally vital to motivate, encourage, and inspire them on a continuous basis. Create an environment that people want to be a part of, and you will build a team that you can rely on.
Delegate tasks, ask for feedback, and work collaboratively to help increase productivity within the entire organization. Regular check ins, mutual respect, and gratitude are key to not only the overall morale of your employees, but will help encourage them to be productive, and valuable members of your team. It can be tempting to multitask when you are a business owner! However, this is a habit that results in time being wasted, kills productivity, and can demonstrate to your employees that you lack trust in your team.
Do you find you are more productive when you follow some of the tips we discussed? How do you help promote productivity in your business? Find us on LinkedIn and share your tips with us!
