The snow banks in Boston aren’t the only things piling up. When you can’t seem to get things done, when you’re running out of surface space on your desk to work, it’s time to realize that you are getting in your own way. Are you stuck? You don’t have to be! Here are some productivity tips for business owners.
CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY
Do you wake up grouchy, tired, dreading a picky customer you are meeting with that day? If you start your day with negative undertones you are setting yourself up for personal disaster. And remember, you are at the helm. You set the tone at the office and if you’re stressed, unhappy, and unmotivated don’t be surprised if there is a trickle-down effect. If you’re typically not a morning person, find a way to become one or at least find a way to look and act the part. Surprisingly enough, you will find yourself actually feeling better. This will help you handle those tasks you don’t like or want to get out of the way. You’ll also be setting a good example for those who work with and for you.
PRIORITIZE YOUR WORK AS A BUSINESS OWNER
Put the unpleasant tasks in a pile and do them first, if possible. If some of them are too overwhelming, grab some coffee or do something you really like to do in between to break things up. It makes sense to tackle the things you don’t want to do and get them out of the way. Then you have the rest of your day ahead of you!
TAKE A WALK, AND GRAB SOMEONE TO JOIN YOU
Exercise is good for the body and soul. When it gets to be too much, take a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs. Sometimes you may need to be alone, but if you need to vent another there is probably another frazzled persona around you who could use the walk and fresh air as much you do! This may give you a new perspective and the burst of energy you need.
ENJOY YOURSELF
Remember that the bottom line isn’t just about sales and customers. Keep things light and remember why you wanted to go into business in the first place. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and are fun to work with. Enjoy what you’ve built!
STAY ORGANIZED
Clutter will drive you crazy and is a huge time waster. This goes for your physical environment and your filing system on the computer as well. Take the extra time to get organized, and then find a way to keep it that way. Frustration will affect your productivity so don’t get to that point. Find out what works for you and stay on top of it.
CUT DOWN ON MEETINGS FOR PRODUCTIVITY
Some business owners spend half of their day in meetings. Is this you? Figure out how to have some YOU time in the company by asking yourself, “Is this meeting productive? Is it necessary?” If the answer is yes, find a way to communicate with everybody without wasting that precious hour. Make sure the meetings accomplish something and you are not just micro-managing your staff because you like the sound of your own voice. Let them do the jobs you hired them to do.
DELEGATE
You hired talented, qualified people. Again, let them do the jobs you hired them to do. Non-revenue generating tasks should be delegated so you can focus on your business and what you do best as a business owner.
If you are still the sole person in your business consider hiring a virtual assistant or better yet a business concierge; this allows you to delegate to someone that has you and your business needs covered as little or as much as you need until a full time position is warranted.
PRODUCTIVITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR A BUSINESS OWNER
Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself. There will be days when nothing goes as planned and things just aren’t in your control. Accept this and remember that you’ve got this amazing company and perhaps tomorrow you will see the surface of your desk! Follow these productivity tips for business owners for a more successful and productive day every day.
