Ask any business owner, and they’ll tell you, that time is money.
Being self-employed is full of learning curves, and what works best for you one moment will not the next – including how you work. Luckily having a clear, simple, and efficient workflow is the key to making time WORK FOR YOU! Not sure where to start? Here are 5 tips to help you get started!
5 Tips for wedding planners and event pros to streamline workflows and manage time effectively
1. Set office hours and stick to them
One of the benefits of being self-employed is that you can set your own hours, but that doesn’t mean that you should be working 24/7. It’s important to set office hours and stick to them as much as possible. Doing so will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
2. Get organized
Another key to successful time management is organization. When you’re the boss, there’s no one else to keep track of deadlines and tasks but you. That’s why it’s so important to have a system in place for tracking everything that needs to be done. Otherwise, things will quickly start falling through the cracks.
Business tech has come a long way, and there are many options out there. Being there is no one size fits all platform, we always suggest you try them all! Start free trials, ask other business friends and make a list of the options out there!
3. Take breaks
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if you only have a few minutes here and there. Stepping away will help you recharge and come back feeling more productive than if you had plowed through your tasks without taking any breaks at all.
4. Outsource as needed
Starting a business means you are going to wear a lot of hats, but that won’t mean you are actually good at wearing all of them. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, it may be time to delegate some of your tasks to others that are more qualified to do them. This could include hiring a virtual assistant, or outsourcing some work to contractors or freelancers for your social media, blogging, SEO, or website work.
5. Learn to say no (politely)
One of the hardest things for business owners to do is say no. No to business, no to clients, no to opportunities, etc., however it’s an important skill to learn. There will always be people or projects that take up more of your time than they’re worth. Learning to say no (politely) will help you preserve your time for things that matter most.
Creating a successful workflow and time management system is crucial for any business (new or established)! By following these 5 tips, you’ll be well on your way to increased productivity and efficiency in all your future business endeavors!