Successful time management might feel like a lost cause to many small business owners. Let's take a quick look today at some tips and tricks to help you get the most from your time on the job.
An article by the National Federation of Independent Business suggests these time-management tips for small business owners:
Set a smart schedule: A CEO interviewed for NFIB’s article divides her workweek into “focus,” “free” and “buffer” days. Focus days allow you to concentrate exclusively on business development. Buffer days are for strategic planning, paperwork, and internal matters. And your free days are up to you.
Use the right tools: “Managing your time and staying organized is made easier when you select smart online tools that work together seamlessly. Maura Thomas, speaker and author of Personal Productivity Secrets and founder of RegainYourTime.com, says there are five necessary components to an effective personal information management system: a calendar, a contact manager, a task list, a notes area and email.” Finding the right tools (and ones you find easy to use) to stay organized will help you stay ahead of the game and stress-free.
Don’t fear white space: Don’t over schedule yourself. Leaving approximately 20% of purposeful open time on your daily schedule allows yourself time to catch up on things or provide a cushion in case too many meetings go overtime. White space also encourages a relaxing break to the grind and can help promote higher productivity throughout your workday.
Trust your people: As much as you might want to, you can’t do everything yourself. Nor should you. Instead, master the art of delegation. Make sure you’ve got trusted people on your team to get the job done and then let them do it.
Take time to take it easy: Never taking time off work and always being available by phone or email is a quick road to burnout. Do yourself, your employees, and, ultimately your customers, a favor and take care of yourself with rest and relaxation so you can bring your best self to work every day.
Try some of these tips today and see if you can’t get time back on your side.
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