4 Ways Business Owners Can Free Up More Time Each Day
Business owners are often wearing many hats. It might work in the fledgling stages of your venture, but it is not sustainable as you grow.
One person juggling too many things can either result in errors and delays, or it could lead to burnout and poor health. With so much riding on the shoulders of business owners, it only makes sense to work smarter, not harder.
There are many ways entrepreneurs can plan their time efficiently so they can focus on what they do best. There are no medals for doing it all yourself and surviving without adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and exercise. It may work for a while, but such a lifestyle can catch up to you in the form of injury or illness. Here are four ways business owners can free up more time each day.
1. Team Up With Tech
Just like you wouldn’t add a long list of numbers manually anymore, or open a dictionary to check spelling, you can use other software to simplify your life. Don’t feel overwhelmed by technology. It doesn’t have to be very complicated or require a computer science degree to use. Many tech companies offer free trials and demos for business owners to check out how certain programs can simplify your life. They often have affordable plans for small businesses too.
Instead of investing in many kinds of tech, look into some do-it-all small business software that can centralize your data. You can schedule appointments, create estimates, send invoices, and even plan social media posts in one place. With these types of tools, it’s also often easier to delegate because everyone is on the same page with access to the same information. Even if an employee leaves, others can pick up from where they left off. With cloud-based software, teams in different parts of the country — or world — can still access the same information.
2. Divide and Conquer
Different people specialize in different roles. Some people may take the best photographs for your small business, but they cannot come up with catchy captions to go with it. Others might be a whiz with numbers but cannot patiently deal with customer service calls. Therefore, it makes sense to divide and conquer. Find and retain talent in their area of specialization. Not only will they be happier in the roles they excel in, but your customers will also see the value in having the right people in the best roles for them.
You can even outsource some of the roles without hiring full time staff. Some projects like copywriting or packaging can be done by interns or on a freelance basis too. As your team grows, you will have to keep an eye on everyone. That’s not a bad thing. If you have hired the right people, you will not have to micromanage. You will not feel stretched thin like you did when you handled it all alone. What if you fall sick one day? A business should not come to a standstill. That is why delegating can make a big difference.
3. Diffuse Distractions
Even if you are responsible for fewer functions in the business, you still need to identify time sucks. Some people find the pomodoro technique very useful where they set a timer for 20 minutes and work diligently on a task before taking a break for 5 minutes. You could set such a timer on your phone or even purchase gadgets specifically designed for this technique.
Notifications from different apps and new emails can also distract anyone from completing a task. If you have the willpower, then you could ignore the notification sounds until you take a break. If that is too hard, mute notifications and only check social media once a day. Put your phone on do not disturb mode, which will only allow emergency contact calls to come through. An occasional break from work is healthy, but scrolling on TikTok can leave you flustered when you realize you’ve spent a good chunk of the hour looking at recipes you may never try.
4. Create and Respect Boundaries
When one is used to multitasking, they often end up with more than they can chew. Learn how to say no respectfully. No is not a bad word. Truthfully, it can empower you to free up some time and focus on yourself or your family. If you live alone or do not have family nearby, saying no can give you the freedom to pursue some hobbies. Taking a walk after work, swimming, gardening, or baking may not be on your to-do list for your business. However, stepping away from the profit and loss statements and inventory can be good for you.
Similarly, respect the boundaries of those who work with and for you. Create a culture of no work on the weekends and no emails after 5:00 p.m. Unless there is an emergency, these limits are doable. Once you project yourself as someone who is not available 24/7, the expectation will trickle down to the rest of the team.
These are just some ways business owners can free up time. It is up to you to take these seriously for a healthy future for you — and your business. By taking some help from technology, delegating, and setting boundaries, you will not be a frazzled captain of the ship. Then you can see a healthy work-life balance becoming part of the company culture for everyone.
