How can you be more productive when you run a business? There are so many plates to spin and duties to fulfill, there is never enough time in the day to get everything done. As an entrepreneur, you need to find ways to cut through the noise and maximize your productivity, working smarter, not harder, to achieve the best results.
To help you make the most of your limited time, here are five tips to make you more productive.
Find Your Working Style
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. Everyone works differently, so you need to find the right style for you. Some people are early birds, and get their best work done in the morning. Others, however, find they are at their best working away late into the night. There are countless tried-and-tested techniques for productivity, such as Deep Work, the Pomodoro Method, and Time Blocking. It will pay to do your research and find your own way.
Organise Your Time
Although it may not seem like it, there is more than enough time in the day. You just need to organise it effectively. Make a plan for what you will achieve every single day, and schedule your entire day into individual tasks. This will give you focus and accountability throughout the day, and ensure you spend more time working and less time on the things that don’t matter.
Embrace New Technology
New technologies are being introduced all the time, and many of them can allow us to work more effectively and efficiently. Artificial intelligence is the big buzzword at the moment, and there are so many applications that can enable us to save time, minimise error, and delegate tasks more constructively. Take a look at the top 100 AI tools and you’ll no doubt find something that could change your life.
Delegate Effectively
A good leader knows how to delegate. If you find it hard to relinquish control, and feel the need to oversee everything your employees are doing, you are not only wasting your own time, but you are preventing your staff from reaching their potential. The best bosses hire great people and trust them to do their job well. This allows you more time to focus on growing your business, meeting influential people, and maximising profits. Outsource the tricky jobs you don’t want to do, and be willing to spend a little money if it means freeing up valuable time and resources.
Have a Rest
It might sound a little counterproductive, but ensuring you get plenty of rest will help you to work more effectively. So many leaders overdo it, and end up succumbing to stress, anxiety, and burnout. You won’t work well after a night of no sleep, so set some boundaries for your workday. Clock out at a sensible hour and take some time for you. Spend time with family, get some exercise, and a good night’s sleep. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and recharged, and nothing can stop you then.
