From managing employee schedules to keeping up with the latest industry trends, it’s no wonder that operators of small businesses often struggle to get everything done. The good news is that the right time-management strategies can deliver major savings over the long term. In this article, we’ll share seven smart tips that can help you keep time on your side.
- Do a Time Audit
Before you can figure out how to save time, you need to understand where your time actually goes. Do a time audit by keeping track of all your activities for one typical business day, including meetings, emails, phone calls, and commuting. When it’s all tallied up, you might be surprised at which tasks are dominating your work hours.
- Create a Project Prioritization Matrix
When you have lots of projects on your plate, it can be hard to determine which ones should take precedence. Use this simple tool to categorize your tasks and ensure that each one gets the attention it deserves:
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|
URGENT |
NOT URGENT |
|
IMPORTANT |
(Do these tasks now) |
(Do these tasks later) |
|
NOT IMPORTANT |
(Delegate these tasks) |
(Delete these tasks) |
- Swap Multitasking for Pomodoros
We all think we can multitask, but research shows that the human brain just isn’t capable of doing more than one thing at once. Try the Pomodoro Technique instead:
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- Select one task
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Do the task
- Stretch for five minutes
- Repeat the above four times
- Take a 20-minute break
- Automate Repetitive Tasks
Depending on how you use them, new technologies can be time-wasters or powerful productivity boosters. Explore software programs and mobile apps that can enable you to streamline scheduling, expense tracking, social media marketing, and managing sales leads. There are also new AI tools that can help you optimize job listings, decipher contracts, respond to customer inquiries, and more.
- Eliminate Low-Impact Meetings
Entrepreneurs simply don’t have time for meetings that drag on and don’t add value to their business. First, limit attendance to the essential people. Second, set clear agendas and goals, so everyone can walk away with a sense of accomplishment and direction. Finally, designate a day of the week or time frame when no internal meetings will be scheduled.
- Take in an Audiobook During Your Commute
Whether you’re in traffic for an hour each way or you just need to make your way from the shower to your home office by way of the coffeemaker, you can use your commute time as an opportunity to develop new skills and get inspired by other leaders. To save money, check out the free titles on Libby.
- Count on Us
From easy-to-use mobile tools to our complete suite of treasury and merchant services, Citizens Bank of Tennessee has all the solutions you need to streamline your business banking – so you can focus on the big picture. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of all the products and services we offer – schedule a quick in-person or virtual meeting today.