Hey there…

Running a small business can be a rollercoaster ride, don’t you think? There’s always so much to do and so little time. I don’t know about you, but I can find it hard to stay productive and get things done when juggling multiple responsibilities. Fear not, because there are some simple tips that can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

ONE AT A TIME

Firstly, I like to set clear goals and then prioritize my tasks. I’d recommend that you break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a to-do list. It can be tempting to try to do everything at once so you feel like you’ve got a lot done, but personally, I find this ends up being a recipe for overwhelm. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency, and focus on completing them one at a time. This will help you stay organized and focused. In fact I’m so keen on doing one thing at a time, that I named my membership programme ‘Do One Thing!’

LEAVE HOME

Also, distractions can be a real productivity killer, so it’s important to minimize them as much as possible. I like to turn off notifications on my phone and computer, close unnecessary tabs and apps, and find a quiet space to work. If you’re easily distracted by social media or other websites, consider using a productivity tool to block those sites during work hours. When I’m writing the content for ‘Do One Thing’ I actually leave home for a few days and lock myself away on my own! That might give you an idea about how easily distracted I can be…

B is for Brand with Ailsa Stanson Brand Advice

TAKE BREAKS

Don’t be too hard on yourself though. Taking breaks and resting may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually improve your productivity. Schedule regular breaks into your workday, and use that time to stretch, walk around, or do something relaxing. This will help you recharge your batteries and come back to your work feeling refreshed and focused. I like to do yoga or breath work as a reward, or if it’s a lovely day, I usually go for a walk in the sunshine.

SCHEDULE EVERYTHING

As you already know, time management is critical for us small business owners. Make a schedule or use a planner to help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. Set specific times for work, breaks, and leisure activities, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. This will help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have time for both work and play. It might be something as simple as your phone calendar, but make sure that you schedule EVERYTHING you plan to do that day, allocate times and stick to them. If you find the time you allocated wasn’t realistic, try to remember that for the next time you schedule that same task.

FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

Finally, staying energised, motivated and positive is essential for productivity. Be nice to you! Celebrate your accomplishments, even if they’re small, and try to remain upbeat towards your work. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, try breaking down your goal into even smaller, achievable tasks, or enlist the help of a friend or colleague to keep you accountable. I find that accountability is a big part of what ’Do One Thing’ offers members. Knowing that I’m there on the side lines and I’m going to be asking them to report back and let me know how they got on that week seems to spur people on to find a little time each day to get things done. Finding time every day to work ON your business, not just IN it, is (in my opinion), the absolute key to building your brand and growing your business.

So there you have it, my five top tips for being productive and getting things done as a small business owner. With a little bit of planning and organization, you can stay on top of your workload and achieve your goals. So why not give these tips a try and see how much more productive you can be?

You’ve got this!

Find out more about ‘Do One Thing,’ my low cost Brand Building membership by heading to the ‘Do One Thing’ tab on this website or clicking here

By for now…

Ailsa

B is for Brand – Achieve Brand Clarity