From marketing and PR to inventory and finances, small business owners must juggle many responsibilities. Learn how to stay productive and achieve business success.
Being productive takes practice and a plan. But anyone can improve their productivity and get more done each day. Here are some ways to incorporate productivity into anyone's daily work day, from stay-at-home moms to small business owners:
- Eliminate Distractions to Improve ProductivityDistractions are to productivity what kryptonite is to Superman. First thing's first, eliminate any and all distractions. This includes, but is not limited to, food, TV, phone, annoying noises (if possible) and anything else that could derail getting work done.
- Improve Productivity By Checking E-mail Twice a DayE-mail can take hours a day. From opening and reviewing to crafting answers, researching and responding. By limiting e-mail to just twice a day, enormous amounts of lost energy and time can be found and put to good use.
- Be Productive By Returning Phone Calls at the Beginning and End of the DayCheck voicemail as soon as the day starts. If phone calls are the basis of the work day, add additional times. But the key is to limit that time so the entire day isn't wasted answering phone calls. Pick one or two times a day to return all phone calls. However, it's important to customize this schedule based upon the number of calls received. For example, a sales person may need to allot 4-5 times during each day to return phone calls.
- Accomplishing the Hardest Tasks First is Most ProductiveProcrastinators despise hard tasks. That's why they put them off. Tackle the hardest, most dreaded tasks first. Break them up into smaller tasks if necessary. Once the hardest job of the day is completed, a sense of accomplishment takes over. That's the best time to jump on the productivity high and start completing easier, smaller tasks. Over the course of a few hours, an entire to-do list can be completed.
- Be Productive By Making a Daily To-Do ListIt's difficult to be productive if it's unclear what needs to be accomplished. That's where the trusted to-do list comes in handy. At the beginning of each day, list every single task -- no matter how big or small -- that needs to be completed by the end of the day. As the task is completed, cross it off the list. Some tasks may need to be moved to the next day. However, having a list will improve productivity by outlining exactly what needs to be done.
Improving productivity takes time, but anyone can increase their productivity. Take small steps and incorporate one tip each week to ensure your new routine sticks. Where there's a will, there's a way. Get on the way to getting more done today!
Copyright Allison Jackson. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Allison Jackson - Allison Jackson is a mom of two, a freelance writer and communications professional. With a keen interest in marketing, social media and ...
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