When we start our business, we only have one thing in mind: make a profit.
However, as days go by, things seem to become harder and more overwhelming – planning, meeting with clients, more planning, working on the site, meeting with the team, budgeting, answering emails and calls, filing paperwork, paying the bills, etc.
By the time that you realize that you’re working IN the business and not ON the business, you will be too exhausted to change anything.
So before that happens (or if it’s already happening), here are some tips on how you can simplify your business so that you can get more out of it, without being overwhelmed every single day.
1. Create Systems and Templates
It’s common in business to do a task over and over again, but for a different client. This is where creating systems and templates apply.
When working on a new project, it will make things easier when you have a checklist of things to do; like booking for an electrician, or if the plumbing pipe location is correct. That way, you won’t miss anything and you can be assured that you have delivered high-quality service.
All routine tasks can be systemized. Map out a step by step process for how you want various tasks to be completed. Also, make sure that they are easy to follow and understand.
2. Delegate
Once you have systems in place, train your people how to use them. If you’ve hired the right people for your team and you’ve trained them well, then don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to them.
Trusting your team might be difficult at first, but we all know that you can’t do everything alone.
Delegate the tasks that you don’t really like doing or you don’t really know how to do. Delegating tasks gives you more time to actually work ON your business, instead of being overwhelmed by daily routine. Trust your team to do their job and have more time working on making more money for the business… and eventually more free time for self, family, and friends.
3. Make Use of Technology
Still stuck with filing paperwork?
In today’s world, almost all documentation can be sent via email or fill up on a tablet or smartphone. So it’s only logical to invest in a server where you can keep all your important documents. It’s more reliable and saves you space and time (especially when searching for a specific file).
It also helps if you have an optimized website and is active on social media. This adds credibility to your business and makes it easier for your prospects to find you and know more about your services.
Another way on how you can make use of technology is automating invoices, reminders, and payments. This way, you wouldn’t have to spend time calling your clients asking them to pay, going to your bank personally to pay your bills or filing taxes.
And if possible, have all of your subscription due on the same day. You know how annoying it is, mentally and financially, to have different subscription pop out every now and then.
4. Shorten Your “To-Do” List
Yes. Create a to-do list… but shorter.
There’s no point in creating a 20-item to-do list when you know you can’t do all of them in a day. Not only will it make you lose your focus, but it’s also disheartening to end the day and seeing that there’s still more on your list.
Just focus on the top three things that you need to do for the day and nothing more. This will keep you calm and have more energy to actually finish the tasks.
5. Stick To Your Schedule
Having to stick to a schedule somewhat gives you pressure. However, it makes sure that you are actually accomplishing something for the day.
Having a schedule helps you focus on one task at a time and finish it quickly. This lets your brain go through tasks one by one instead of having all of them in your head at once, which will most likely overwhelm and infuriate you more.
6. Personal Time
This is the most important one. Take time to unplug and relax.
It will be easier to simplify things in your business when you actually have the energy to act on it. So go to sleep when it’s time to sleep, take vacations, do recreational things, spend some time away from phone calls and emails. Do whatever it takes to revitalize your body, mind, and spirit.
Being in business is never easy, but it doesn’t mean that you have to overwork yourself every time. Remember, work smarter, not harder.
