Not enough hours in the day? This will help.

How is it, that with so many gadgets and tools designed to save us time, it can still feel like a constant challenge to juggle the to-do list? There’s the accounting and inventory, networking and marketing – it may seem like there’s an endless number of tasks and never enough time.

But time is precious as a business owner. And we know how important work/life balance is for our customers. So how can we help?

SBCA’s top tips for time management

To boost efficiency and minimise stress, here are some strategies to help:

Set goals

Make sure that your daily tasks support your business goals. Get really specific – a broad goal like ‘double my turnover’ can feel overwhelming, whereas a SMART goal creates focus and targeted action. What do we mean by SMART? Goals that are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

For example, a SMART goal might be “Increase my number of Facebook page likes from 500 to 700 in the next three months”. It’s specific, can be measured with analytics, is achievable and relevant to your business, and you’re clear about the timescale.

Prioritise

Ask yourself, “what actions are essential today to help me reach my goals?”. Then stick to it. Don’t deviate. Write down three or four core goals and check them off your list to give you a sense of progress and achievement.

Plan

You are 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down. Fact. It might feel like a waste of time taking an extra 15 minutes to write a plan, but you’ll thank yourself in the long-run. One of the most effective things to do is write a plan the night before. Not only does this focus the mind, but it also helps you to ‘decompress’ from the day and clear your mind for a good night’s sleep.

Delegate

Delegating is a sign of confidence. If you’ve got the right team in place, one of the most impactful management tools available to you is effective delegation. It also empowers your employees and you might be amazed at the boost in productivity and results when you use their talents for a common goal.

Try flight-mode

The constant distraction of bleeps and buzzing from WhatsApp messages, DMs and notifications can be a drain on your time and energy. Try switching to flight-mode on your mobile for a couple of hours each afternoon. This allows you to focus only on the essential tasks at hand.

Just say no

One of the most effective ways to power through your to-do list is to learn to say no. Coffee and cake with an ex-colleague may sound fun, but is it going to support your long-term business goals? Your time is precious. Be comfortable and clear about the right time to say no.

Time for you

We’re committed to helping you build a business that gives you the time and money to enjoy your life to the full. Managing your time effectively can be a huge help. After all, what are we working towards if not to enjoy our leisure and family time and make the most of life? If you need any more advice on growing your business effectively, we’d be delighted to help. Talk to us today