Maximising Productivity as a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, it can feel like there are simply not enough hours in the day. You try to stay as productive as possible but sometimes, it can all get on top of you. Here at alldayPA, we specialise in helping your business thrive. Contact us today to see how we can maximise your productivity!

Keep reading for our top tips on maximising productivity as a small business. 

To-do lists.

If used to their full potential, to-do lists can be one of your best assets. Have separate lists for tasks that are completed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly in order to keep yourself on track. Next, organise your lists by which tasks are the most vital, once you have a clearer idea of what needs completing and when, you’ll feel much less overwhelmed. You’ll also feel highly motivated when you start completing tasks.

Invest in quality training.

Training your staff to a high standard helps to limit the amount of time you spend micromanaging which means your attention is better spent elsewhere. It also improves morale within your staff as they feel motivated and invested in their own development. 

Delegate, delegate, delegate.

If you run a business which has even just one employee – use them to their full potential. Don’t struggle with a mountain of tasks when some of those can be completed by someone else. Outsource when needed too, it may cost you money at first but it is worth it if you’ll be increasing profits in the long run. See how we can help you with outsourcing your business phone lines here.

Social media, a blessing and a curse.

Social media is a must-have in business nowadays but it can also hinder productivity if you’re not careful. The most effective way to use it is to allocate time each day to check social media and emails. Scheduling software such as Hootsuite and Buffer will help you to organise in advance which posts are sent out and at what time. It’s also a great way to play around with when your socials are seeing the highest engagement and then adapt the time you post.

No multitasking.

Now this sounds counterproductive but hear us out. As tempting as it is to switch between tasks, don’t. It can actually have a negative effect on your productivity levels. Stick to a single task until it’s completed or until you can’t do anymore at that moment in time – in that case, shelve it for when you can and make it a priority to finish. 

Set time aside for lengthy tasks and set a timer so you stay productive! Don’t rush through them, this helps to limit having to go back and fix mistakes at a later date. Smaller tasks are better completed first thing in your day, this will give you more time to spend on larger tasks which require more energy.

Avoid time wasters.

Keep your meetings concise and have a clear agenda. Avoid getting stuck in unproductive meetings, they will only waste your time and accomplish very little. It’s also important to schedule meeting free days in order to catch up on those tasks where you’ve fallen behind. 

Unplug.

When deadlines are looming, it can be beneficial to unplug and work entirely offline. Limit the temptation to check socials and repeatedly hit the refresh button on your emails. There are apps out there such as Moment or Offtime that enable you to block social media and get work done. 

Declutter your environment.

Keep your desk clutter-free! It’s easy to be distracted by clutter or mess and can have a detrimental effect on productivity. If you find yourself in a creativity rut, change up the scenery. Taking your work home or to a local coffee shop can help you feel more relaxed and not as forced to create something.

No is not a bad word.

Don’t be afraid to say no. If a project doesn’t fit with your business’s main purpose; it can be draining on your time, resources and attention. It may feel selfish but you have to put your business first sometimes. 

Take care of number 1.

Your wellbeing must come first when you run a business or you’ll very quickly burn out and your company can take a hit as a result. 

• Stay hydrated – it can be easy to drink nothing but coffee to stay awake however water is your best choice. It’ll help keep you healthy as well as warding off headaches that are common with prolonged screen use.
• Eat well – the saying ‘you are what you eat’ is especially prevalent in today’s society. Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day and it’s convenient to reach for takeaways or fast food but where possible, eat a balanced diet to help keep sickness at bay.
• Exercise – this doesn’t have to be hours spent in the gym; just 30 minutes a day of walking and getting some fresh air will boost your wellbeing overall.
• Sleep  – as tempting as it is to stay up all night working, sleep is incredibly important. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night in order to function properly. Switch off electronics an hour before bed and find the importance in winding down, read a book or meditate – your productivity will increase as a result.

How productive are you day to day? Are you making the most of your time?

We understand that these tips aren’t always possible to follow 100% of the time but use them as a guide to help you get the most out of your working day! See how alldayPA can help you maximise your productivity with our wide range of packages.