There are countless distractions and habits that waste your time in the course of a day's work. Here are 9 simple things you can do today to save time for better productivity and more free time after work.
1. Crank up Internet speeds
It may feel as if you're saving money every month on "value" Internet services or 3G mobile plans, but in reality you're wasting a lot of time waiting for pages to load and files to open. Upgrading may not cost you anything if you switch providers and take advantage of new-customer offers. But let your mobile carrier or Internet service provider know before you go through the hassle of switching. Chances are they will upgrade you at a great price rather than lose a customer.
2. Filter your email inbox
Small business owners in any industry have reasons to subscribe to email lists and useful trade publications. However, there is a limit to what you can digest while staying productive. Take a few minutes and narrow your list of daily emails to one trade pub and one general news or sports email. Otherwise, assign them junk mail status. You'll find your mornings becoming more productive immediately.
3. Set multiple deadlines per day
Simply by vowing to set multiple goals for the day, you'll learn to stop making excuses and analyze why the job did not get done on time. It requires changing your mindset in order to be more productive, but the beautiful part is that it can be done with a simple resolution. Have several deadlines in place for each part of your work day. If you take the time to plot out your week, you will save hours on end. Start today.
4. Use small business apps
Small business apps for your smartphone, tablet, and desktop computer can solve such time-consuming problems as overseas communication, finding a contact's business card, and more. In fact, there are six essential apps you can download instantly to avoid wasting time completing everyday tasks of this kind. Most of them are free in basic versions.
5. Plan outdoor excursions during off hours
Commuting is typically worst at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., while the lunch hour that is most hectic is 1 p.m. As an entrepreneur, there is no reason to play by these rules. Schedule a late lunch with clients so you know service will be efficient and late-morning or afternoon meetings to avoid rush-hour traffic. These time-saving strategies can be implemented immediately and help you reduce your stress level, too.
6. Put office collaboration tools to work for you
Once you gather a few employees on your team and start communicating online, you'll need organizational tools that can make the process smoother. A perfect example is Trello, the collaboration tool that helps you manage projects without calling team members to ask for a status update. It is in front of you, in real time, with automatic updates. This free service and many other communication tools are instant time-savers.
7. Restrict time on social media
As with email inboxes, there are countless updates, messages, photos, and random posts that can attract your attention throughout the day. Unless you are managing the social media channels for your business , it is unlikely that you are profiting from the constant connection to Facebook and Twitter. Take a few minutes during lunch to check in if you must, but vow to avoid social media throughout the day and you'll find plenty of extra time.
8. Do away with the tedious work
You probably never expected to handle payroll and accounting when you started your business. Chances are that should still be your policy after you have learned the basics. No matter how much you believe you are saving by handling these tasks yourself, you are better off devoting your valuable time to efforts that bring in new clients for your business. Take a quick survey of how outsourcing to a company like AccountingDepartment.com delivers an affordable alternative.
9. Combine desk work with exercise
No matter how busy you get, it is never a good idea to give up time for exercise. The invention of a treadmill desk allows you to combine the necessary tedium of working at a desk with the invigorating activity of walking. When you need an extra boost of energy but have no time for a jog in the woods, these desks offer a major multitasking tool. Shop for one when you have finished work for the day. If a treadmill desk is not in the budget, take a 30-minute walk at lunch. Your physical and mental state will be better off for it.
No matter what resolutions you make to save time, it takes a prolonged commitment to see the effects. However, you can start now and implement any of these nine ideas today.
