OK, so a busy solopreneur is kind of redundant. All solopreneurs are busy. Show me one who isn’t, and I’ll show you someone who’s not paying the rent next month.
However, the key is being productive and efficient without neglecting your personal needs. Here are five quick productivity tips to keep you organized and boost your productivity.
1. Prioritize
Take time to prioritize tasks. There is no such thing as multitasking. Even people who think they are multitasking are really only concentrating on one thing at a time. They are just switching between tasks quickly, increasing the probability of human error.
The key is to prioritize tasks and projects by level of importance. Laser focus on one task at a time as you move down the list. You’ll get a lot more accomplished throughout the day. Besides, studies show that trying to multitask actually inhibits productivity.
2. Schedule
Following a schedule makes efficient use of your time. Schedule business hours and follow them. If you don’t, you’ll work around the clock until you burn out. Instead of trying to completely eliminate distractions, schedule time for them. Take 15-minute breaks every two hours to check in on Facebook or look at your phone.
Schedule your Netflix binge for the same time every week. Appoint a time each day to return emails, perhaps at the end of the day. If you get emails throughout the day, then consider returning them before lunch and at the end of the day. It will help keep interruptions to a minimum.
3. Use tools
These days there are tools and apps for everything. Consider utilizing efficiency and budgeting software to cut down on end-of-the-month tasks. Download a scheduling app and pair it with an organization tool to stay on track throughout the day.
This will help eliminate unnecessary paper and ensure that important items aren’t overlooked. Depending on your business, customer relationship management software can be a lifesaver. It will help keep customer information cataloged and at your fingertips.
4. Delegate
As a solopreneur, it can be difficult to resist the urge to do everything. People think it saves time, but that’s not the case. Don’t be afraid to delegate specific tasks or projects to people who are equipped to handle them. Perhaps some jobs can be outsourced.
You can always review the work, and it will free up valuable time for you to concentrate on other important aspects of your business. Using resources wisely is the best way to turn a profit — and that includes your time.
5. Put yourself first
Sometimes this can be hard for solopreneurs. You can’t give your business 110 percent if you don’t have it.
Eat healthy foods and incorporate exercise into your daily activities. Make sure you get adequate sleep. Take the time out to rest and rejuvenate. This will help keep your mind sharp. Whether you’re putting in hours at an office, or you’ve started a home business, you need to step away from your work area to make time for yourself.
Taking time for yourself is the best way to honor your business and your clients. If you do, you’ll be able to give the business your all.
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