“It is not enough to be busy… The question is: what are we busy about?” ― Henry David Thoreau
Does time always seem to be something you’re lacking?
If so, perhaps it’s time to take a look at what’s taking up so much of your time. Being busy doesn’t always reflect the success of a business. In fact, sometimes being busy can get in the way of being successful and growing your business.
So let’s look at 3 simple productivity methods that may help get you back on track.
1. Delegate.
The main thing that comes up when I talk to business owners looking to hire a Virtual Assistant for the first time is that they think they need to stay involved in everything. And I mean everything, even down to how the filing system should be organised.
That’s their first mistake.
There definitely are areas of any business that can and should be delegated out. Whether it is to internal employees, or outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, it’s the only way you’ll be able to grow your business.
So find someone you can trust, build up a relationship with them, discuss and set tasks, then let them get on with it!
2. Prioritise.
Whether you use good old fashion pen and paper, or something a little more 21st century, it’s important to write down your ‘To Do’s’ and then prioritise.
Some people say they can’t make lists as in actual fact it makes them more stressed out.
Really? In which case they’re obviously in dire need of some business support!
Unless you have a photographic memory, if you don’t write a list of everything you need to do that day, week and month, something is bound to slip.
My advice is to create a daily plan. Then within that set the top 3 tasks that need completing, as well as the top 3 tasks that have the potential to bring in new business. And stick to it.
If you can’t choose the top 3, then you need some business support – head back to step 1 for more details!
3. Time allocation.
Rather than starting a task and getting on with it until it’s complete, allocate time to it. Split your day down into bite size chunks i.e. 15 or 30 minute intervals.
When you know you’ve got just 30 minutes to work on something or attend a meeting, you won’t want to waste it.
If you realise at the end of that time you need a further 30 minutes, then simply schedule it in to your diary for the next day, and so on.
This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to productivity, but I often find that these are the 3 key players. If you can get yourself into a routine with each of the above, you’ll find you have the time to achieve everything you set out to do, and continue to grow your business successfully.
It’s so simple when you put it like that. It just takes constant practice and refining. I want to implement an exercise routine into my daily routines, but I’ve never really been able to stick to exercising!
I think though, in the long run it would help productivity. There are so many benefits to exercise… removes stress, improves concentration and stamina, makes you feel and look good which gives you confidence.
Wish me luck! haha
Thanks Will! I couldn’t agree more. Staying fit and healthy will help you from a business perspective as well – it’s certainly something I fit into my schedule on a weekly basis so good luck getting started!