If small business owners weren’t running their businesses, they would make skillful jugglers because if it’s one thing small business owners do well, it’s juggle their time. Important decisions need to be made while at the same time not neglecting the day-to-day running of the business and managing emails and accounts.
In our last 2½ years in business, we’ve come to learn that time management is critical in ensuring no part of the business, large or small, is ignored. Here are our top tips for managing your time better.
Make a list and check it twice.
The best place to start is prioritising tasks in a list. With so many diverse tasks in any given day it’s almost impossible to remember everything. Even something as seemingly trivial can become costly and have rolling effects for weeks to come.
As lovers of technology most of us at 542 use different apps to help us keep track of time. While some (ah-hem Craig) keep it simple with a good ‘ol paper and pen.
For those of you wanting to use an app check out Clear.
Clear is the to-do and reminders app that promises to keep you focused on what really matters. Clear is simple and has a clutter-free interface that makes it easy to stay organised. It’s easy to use too: simply pull down to add a new item and swipe right to complete a task – simple.
Cost: AU$6.99
Download from the app store here.
Keep your diary in check
It may sound like a no-brainer, but carefully planning your week with a diary or calendar will ensure you don’t miss anything important on your list. It can also help avoid wasting precious time and ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Embrace technology
Thanks to technological innovation, in particular Cloud technology, business owners on the go can manage their workload at any time from anywhere.
Making use of programs such as Skype mean no more time wasted on long emails and downloading apps/add-ons for your Xero can mean reconciling invoices on the go while waiting for your next meeting to arrive.
Know when to call the pros
Though many business owners act as head of accounting, sales, and marketing to cut cost, it helps to hire a professional. A qualified accountant can add much more value to your business, while you focus on other areas of your business. Not sure what type of value an accountant can bring to your business? Check out 4 things your accountant should do here.
Trying to do everything on your own is a common small business mistake. Delegate jobs that are routine, require no special skills or are time-consuming. Delegation can be a good opportunity for people to progress in their jobs.
Need to outsource your small business accounting?
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