Thirteen of the best productivity tips in the world and how to apply them to your small business
Posted on 30th November 2023 at 19:42
Thirteen of the BEST productivity tips in the world and how to apply them to your small business.
It’s no secret that productivity is crucial for any small business to thrive and achieve its ambitious goals.
Magda Bilska-Pereda (who heads up Alchemy Virtual Assistance in Hackey, London) shares some of the best productivity tips in the world that can be applied to your small business today…
1. SET GOALS:
Clearly define your business objectives and break them down into specific, actionable steps with defined timescales. This clarity helps you stay focused on the big picture, not get distracted and prioritise your workload to maximum impact.
2. PRIORITISE TASKS:
Determine the most important and urgent tasks that align with your most significant business goals. At Alchemy Virtual Assistance we love techniques like Eisenhower's Matrix, which is a simple tool to guide you in prioritising tasks based on their importance and urgency.
3. PLAN AND ORGANISE:
Create a daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly plan outlining tasks and allocate dedicated time for each. Utilise productivity tools like project management software, task managers, or digital calendars to stay organised and more importantly track overall progress.
4. DELEGATE AND OUTSOURCE:
Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to capable team members or external professionals like a dedicated Virtual Assistant. This frees up your time and headspace to focus on other more critical aspects of your business only you can do.
5. MANAGE YOUR TIME:
Practice effective time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (which is working in focused bursts with breaks), time blocking (assigning specific time slots for different activities), or utilising productivity apps that track and manage your precious time.
6. MINIMISE YOUR DISTRACTIONS:
Identify and eliminate or at least minimise distractions in your work environment. This could include turning off an any unnecessary notifications, setting aside specific time for email or social media, or creating a dedicated workspace.
7. STREAMLINE COMMUNICATION:
Establish efficient communication channels within your business. Utilise project management software & tools, team collaboration platforms, or instant messaging apps to ensure clear and timely communication across all your business operations.
8. AUTOMATE AND USE TECHNOLOGY:
Identify repetitive tasks that can be automated using technology. Invest in software or tools that streamline processes, automate data entry, or perform routine tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency. A tech savvy Virtual Assistant (like the ones here at Alchemy VA) can consult, support and guide you with this.
9. LIFELONG LEARNING:
Encourage a culture of learning within your small business and practice what you preach. Stay updated with industry trends, invest in training and development and continuously foster your growth mindset. Continuous learning leads to improved skills and creativity as well as innovative problem-solving.
10. TAKE BREAKS... SERIOUSLY:
You’re a human not a robot. Recognise the importance of breaks to switch off, recharge and maintain your overall well-being. Encourage your team to take regular breaks and support their unique work-life blend, as this ultimately enhances productivity and prevents nasty burnout.
11. LEARN TO SAY NO:
Don't overcommit yourself. Learn to say no to tasks or projects that don't align with your big goals or that you don't have the capacity to handle effectively. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.
12. AVOID MULTITASKING:
Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors. Instead, give your full attention and energy to one task at a time before moving on to the next. Switching off notifications can really help with this.
13. MAINTAIN WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
Prioritise your self-care practices and establish solid boundaries between your work and personal life. Take care of your physical and mental well-being to ensure sustained productivity and ultimately good health.
Every business and its leaders are unique and I hope that you’re empowered to adapt these tips to suit your specific needs and organisational structure. It’s wise to regularly assess and refine your productivity strategies to maximise efficiency and achieve long-term success.
Remember, productivity is a habit that can take time to develop. It’s also a journey as it’s rare that two days are the same in a small business! Be patient with yourself as you implement any new strategies and be sure to adapt them to your specific needs and work style right now.
Need some help getting your head around maximising your time or applying some of these productivity strategies?
Feel free to reach out to Magda directly to learn more about her Virtual Assistant services for entrepreneurs and small enterprising businesses.
Magda.Bilska-Pereda@alchemyva.co.uk OR 0203 4757 495.
Share this post: