8 steps to sanity and profit for small business owners
Early on in my business journey I learned that the key to running a successful business was to work on my business more than I worked in my business. I’d worked so hard to grow a following of loyal clients whom I loved but now I was also loaded with an abundance of business tasks, many of which were a drag. My evening hours were spent doing boring admin and everything I couldn’t get done in between clients during my busy business day.
As a small business owner, I wanted more out of my life! I was no longer being creative in my business and was paralyzed by my long to-do list and not knowing where to start. Something had to change.
I wanted to share the 8 things I’ve learned about actively carving out time for the most important things. Things that will make the most impact on you and your business.
1. Love what you do
This is an obvious one that gets ignored all too often. When you truly enjoy what you do, work doesn’t feel like work and you’ll feel motivated to get things done. Delegate or outsource those things that you hate or procrastinate over or that you are bad at – spend your time doing what you love and do best. Free yourself from the ‘grind’!
2. Find a nook
Get out of the 4 walls you are in every day. Work on things that will really propel your business forward, get out of the customer & staff based workplace and find yourself an inspiring-space. Your busy business is distracting you from your full potential. Beautiful, clean and tidy spaces promote productivity, efficiency and put you in the right mindset.
I was no longer being creative in my business and was paralyzed by my long to-do list and not knowing where to start.
Turn off WIFI and Facebook notifications. Whether it’s a cafe or a really nice space at home that you know you can dive into getting-shit-done, make your chosen zone a regular place you go to. Soon it will signal to your busy mind “it’s time to focus”. Your staff and clients will cope without you for a short while.
3. Vision and Productivity are related
For me, productivity always dropped when I lost sight of the what and the why. Sometimes I hit a wall and just can’t move forward on a project or decision I need to make. I’ve learned when this happens, it’s time to go back to the beginning and get really clear on the vision where it all started from. When a task seems unachievable, I break it down into smaller bites. Not only do I feel more encouraged to achieve it, it’s good problem-solving practice. Find the issue, break it down, and overcome it little by little.
4. Write things down
Our brains are much more complex than any computer, but humans have their shortcomings. When I have hundreds of thoughts on my mind, many of them will be not be committed to memory. I forget to take meat out of the freezer for dinner or to get milk on the way home. This causes me stress, but I’ve learned it can be easily avoided. I often write down what I need to do when I think of it. I actually email myself. I know I am in my inbox often enough to see the memo and get it done. When you write something down, the process of creating a coherent thought to put on paper helps burn that idea into our brains. Remember to only write down the important items… if your list gets too long with every little milk and meat activity – you’ll be a stressed out maniac.
Mum and son night. #imourjammiesandwedontcare #teddybears #inbed #familybonding #mumandson #timelylife #beingsilly #inthebigbedwithmummy A photo posted by Larissa Macleman (@risssmac) on
5. Use technology that’s available to you
I love technology and there are so many amazing things available to us today. I know I’m perfectly capable of doing everything on my own. But why should I?
I use many amazing tools to eliminate the need to repeat anything that I can automate. Automating routine jobs means fewer mistakes and smoother running without the need for constant input or remembering yet another task to take action.
Automate everything you can, from accounting processes, client reminders and auto responses in emails to Facebook messages to sales (online shopping and online bookings). It’s worth the effort and time investment upfront to save many hours later.
6. Brain Breaks
Don’t trick yourself into thinking if you work solidly for 2 hours straight you’ll get more done. It’s simply not true. Your brain needs a break on a regular basis. In fact, ideally you will stay focussed for only 25 minutes before you take a mini break of 5 minutes.
As a creative type, I have two problems to overcome daily. Getting into-the-zone and staying in-the-zone.
Knowing I only have to focus for 25 minutes takes all the pain away and I can settle in. 25 minutes disappears quickly, and the 5 minutes to go to the loo or fill up my water gives my brain some thinking and processing time. When I come back into-the-zone, I’ve worked out some of my issues or blocks and can carry on fresher with a new perspective.
7. Exercise with a side of productivity
When I’m busy the first thing to be dropped is exercise. But it’s sooo good for my body and mind. A solution I’ve used from time to time when I need to catch-up with someone or have a meeting is to suggest having a walking meeting. Instead of sitting in a cafe or the office, we go walking instead, get a takeaway coffee then continue to walk and talk. An added bonus is burning off the coffee and sugar calories at the same time.
Getting out for some fresh air is great for productivity. It gives our brains some time to filter all its thoughts. You’ll come back more productive after a brisk walk. Helping you do more in less time.
8. #selfcare
Lastly, your body is what will carry you through this marathon of life and running your business. Take care of it. Get regular exercise, eat a good diet and make sure you’re allowing yourself plenty of time to sleep. I don’t believe in balance but I do believe in #selfcare.
As I practiced these 8 things, a few interesting changes started happening. I started to get my nights back to myself and my family and when I was with clients, I was able to give them complete focus, rather than be distracted by my long to-do list.
I closed my fully booked column and stopped taking on new clients. I started to block out time for my business responsibilities. Over time, as I saw less and less clients my business started to take off!
There is no “magical secret” to creating more time or making more money. For me, it is about actively carving out time for the most important things that will make the most impact. I enjoy a routine that is flexible enough to satisfy my creative outbursts and allows time to get the most important things done that will grow my business exponentially.
I still have to actively practice these steps daily, it’s not my natural style. I love shiny new objects or ideas that distract me. Once the wheels are in motion, and I’m in the flow, I find I can enjoy many more awesome “get-shit-done” days.
Good luck in your endeavor to carve out time for the most important things and remember a little #selfcare.
Oh my goodness! This is EXACTLY what I feel about my own business and what I so often say to clients. It's also what inspired me to run workshops where we actually work ON our business, get away from our four walls and take action!