No matter how much we try to do our best when it comes to our small businesses, there may be times when we get overwhelmed by the number of things we have to do. In times like these, productivity certainly drops.
This wouldn’t do at all; as a website creator, or whatever your online business is, you must be on top of your processes in order to be as productive as you can be.
While it’s sometimes inevitable to have a slow day now and then, as an entrepreneur, you must strive hard to reduce these non-productive days.
Here are some practical tips in boosting productivity like a pro.
Time management for entrepreneurs
An important challenge to being productive is managing your time. Try to keep track of and limit your time on each task.
Studies suggest that only 17 people are able to accurately track their time.
There are several online tools you can use to help you manage your time better. Rescue Time, for example, can be used to track the amount of time you spend on emails, meetings, and other tasks.
If you have a new task, set a deadline for it. It will give you focus and help you meet your goals. If you have an open-ended task, set a deadline for yourself to finish it early.
Also, remember to take on the difficult tasks first. You may put them off, but you will feel better if you just get it out of the way.
Use breaks strategically
To avoid getting fatigued (and losing more time in the process), make sure to take five- to ten-minute breaks throughout the day. These brief breaks can actually increase your productivity.
Our eyes get tired too, so you also need to look away from your screen for a few minutes. Take an exercise break; get up and walk around your building if you do not have time to go to the gym.
If your company has a gym onsite, take advantage of it when you can. It can be a great way to take a break if you are stuck on a task or if you are stressed out.
Get rid of distractions
Get rid of distractions when you can. Keep your office door closed if possible. If your co-workers come in to chat, just tell them that you need to finish a project.
Also, put some keepsakes on your desk to make your work less stressful.
Put some pictures or whatever you find pleasing on your desk; it can really help your mood, and when you are feeling good, you will be more productive, too.
If you like music, listen to it. It is a great way to focus; you can tune out distractions in the office while relaxing at the same time.
Organize your office
Keeping a clean desk can make completing your tasks much easier. Here are a few tips to organize your desk:
- Clean off unneeded papers and materials.
- Make the things you need accessible, and put those you use the closest to you.
- Establish some work “zones.” Make every part of your desk have a specific function.
- Label your files, file cabinets, bins, and anything else that needs labeling. This will make it easier for you to organize your things.
- Clean up your drawers and throw away things that you don’t need anymore.
- Revise your filing system. Do backups of your data and reorganize your files in an effective way.
- Create a WOR (Waiting on Response) folder. Use this to keep track of your pending tasks.
- Use storage boxes for your papers.
- Give papers discard dates.
- Make a meeting folder to list things you would like to discuss at your next meeting.
- Do all of your filing every week.
- Use a magazine box for any catalogs you may need later.
By making sure your office is organized, you won’t be giving yourself any excuse later on to procrastinate, thereby increasing your productivity.
Maximize your meetings
Say no to any unnecessary meetings. They can be a total time suck. Many people spend up to 30 hours a month in meetings, many of which are not necessary.
The next time you think you need to have a meeting, ask yourself if this is something you can accomplish on the phone or via chatting online.
Many companies hold standup meetings. These tend to go faster because people don’t want to stay standing up. Many types of teams have status meetings this way in the mornings.
Also, follow the “two-minute” rule so your employees will do the same, too. If you see any tasks that can be completed within two minutes, do them immediately. Do not put off those little things until the last minute.
Any entrepreneur worth his salt needs to be productive if they hope to see their small business succeed. With these tips, you can increase your productivity as a website creator, designer, or whatever field you might be in.
Ready to take your business online? Get started with Bookmark website builder today!
Originally published at www.bookmark.com on October 10, 2016.
