We all want to work smarter and not harder right? After all time is our most valuable resource, especially as a small business.
We are all trying to cram in work and life and get that elusive balance (hint: there is no such thing!), but how can we grow when we have a never ending to do list and not enough hours in the day?
Here are some quick hacks to help hacks that help to increase productivity and efficiency.
Listen to podcasts and 1 ½ speed
We love to listen to podcasts and we only do so in the car. To get through them fast we listen at 1 ½ speed! (you can list to them at x 2 speed but then they kinda sound like chip monks.
Outsource
Write a list of the tasks that would be better suited to a skilled expert. Outsource to a freelancer, contractor, or other professional is a good alternative. Think admin, bookkeeping and marketing.
Apply Parkinsons Law
“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” The idea that something takes a certain number of minutes or hours is merely a habit. Look at everything you do and see where you can get more efficient by simply giving yourself less time to do it.
It doesn’t apply to everything (driving in peak hour for example, not much you can do about that!)
Say goodbye to multitasking
Don’t multitask, the ability to focus on one task at a time and keep a consistent rhythm can make it easier to finish that task in less time.
Multitasking can actually hinder productivity – and it’s all because of the accumulated time people waste switching between tasks.
Plan, Plan and Plan some more!
Always plan for tomorrow at the end of the day. Spend the last 15 minutes writing down your next work days To Do List. Think: targeted To Do List, phone calls and significant emails.
Finish Difficult Projects First
Eat the frog! Get those tasks you don’t like out of the way first or sandwich them between tasks you do enjoy. Getting those hard and annoying tasks done first while your energy is still high will likely get them done faster.
Quick Hacks…
Unsubscribe & unfollow. Declutter your inbox.
Turn your email and phone off when working.
Call instead of email.
Take a nap
Check emails morning, & afternoon only.
Create email templates – responses to things people are constantly asking you, reaching out etc.
Schedule social media.
By improving efficiency in your business you will become way more productive, more organised and less overwhelmed so you have more time to do the things you enjoy. (No work Fridays!)
