In any given business day – one hour slips by, then two, then three. “Oh goodness, I am tired now. And, you know, tomorrow is a new day. Who is going to know that I didn’t spend any time on my business today?”
I can honestly say that I have been there. It is very easy to not stay committed when I am only answering to myself. But, am I answering to just myself? No.
I have customers that want great soap. I have followers on Twitter that are not going to be interested if I only post tweets one day a week. I also have products to market. None of it is going to happen if I, or my help, do not implement plans.
So, what keeps me on the ball? I facilitated the #HandmadeChat this week, Organizing Your Day For Small Business Productivity. I shared some of my tactics, and many others shared their terrific productivity tips too. Here are a few of them:
Q1 WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK YOU DO DAILY TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS RUNS SMOOTHLY?
@anniesgoathill Planning. Plan ahead! Do not operate without a game-plan. Time is money.
@INDIEbusiness Each night, I write down what specific things I will get done the next day. Keeps me on track, helps me avoid distractions.
@SkinCaringSoaps Set up my priorities for the day… Goals ahead of time.
@anniesgoathill Remember the keys to time management: planning,organization, and action.
Q2 HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH TASKS TO PRIORITIZE
WHEN THE LIST IS SO LONG?
@anniesgoathill Determine which tasks are vital to the successful operation of your business.
@INDIEbusiness For business, I generally prioritize the tasks that lead most directly to money.
@AstridaNaturals I try to tackle anything that directly leads to customer satisfactionearly in the day. Answering questions… etc.
Q3 HOW DO YOU FOLLOW A TASK TO COMPLETION, EVEN THOUGH YOU WEAR SO MANY HATS AS A#SMALLBIZ OWNER?
@anniesgoathill Once a task is scheduled, make it your appointment. Stick to it.Stay focused. Your time is valuable.
@donnarosa Break larger projects down into smaller tasks. Or pick one large project and focus only on that.
@highwireinheels I have to use self talk because the multi-task demon tries to make me start on something else.
Q4 HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE TIME FOR SOCIAL MEDIA?
@anniesgoathill Social media is an important way for your business to publish content and interact with others
@SoapCoach Every day while I check my emails or once I am done with everything else.
@INDIEbusiness I don’t think about scheduling time for “social media.” I think about scheduling time to market my biz.
@anniesgoathill Schedule your Twitter, Facebook, and other social media time in blocks. 10 mins morning, 10 mins afternoon.
@anniesgoathill If you want personal social time, limit it to lunch breaks and after working hours.
Q7 WHAT THINGS HAVE WE NOT DISCUSSED THAT YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR FOCUS AND ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS?
@anniesgoathill Difficult as it might be, when you leave the office, say goodnight. Tomorrow is a new day. Enjoy life!
@bubsandscrubs Protect my health and energy levels. Need the strength to keep things moving.
The entire #HandmadeChat transcript can be downloaded here.
I hope you enjoyed this chat, and if you did, I hope you join us join us on Thursdays at 8pm ET and follow @HandmadeChat on Twitter.
The next #HandmadeChat will be held on 7/26, 8pm, ET. Melissa Rivera will facilitate Attracting Companies To Sponsor Your Website. Hope to see you there!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 