You’re always on-the-go, making that next deal, attending that important meeting and keeping everything afloat. Finding the time to handle the day to day stresses of your business can be a real task. Even if you utilize a receptionist or assistant, those little responsibilities can creep up and worm their way into your downtime, making life stressful. Nobody wants stress. Luckily, there are ways to keep those small tasks manageable and keep your free time truly free.
Below, we’ve laid out a few hacks to keep your business running smoothly, saving you time and yes, money.
Use that Phone
We’re all on our smartphone day-in, day-out, anyway. Why not utilize those specific functions and features that come pre-loaded (those ones that you’ve never checked out!) to help with your business. Most phones come pre-loaded with a host of helpful business apps like Notes and Keynotes, the Wallet app, Reminders, Calendar, Voice Memos and more. The “Numbers” app can help you plug in statistics, while “Pages” helps you draft out memorandums and work emails. All of it comes with your phone most of the time, so there’s no added costs.
That being said, if you find yourself needing a more specific app, those exist all over the app store in a wide variety of options and price points.
Software
So many business people aren’t using specific software for their needs, and you should. Whether you’re a writer utilizing grammarly, a designer using Photoshop, or just delegating certain tasks with POS and HR payroll software, there are so many different programs that will help save you tons of time and money. Almost all of these software programs are affordable and easy to use.
Batch Tasks
Batch tasks, or grouping tasks, are where you take a handful of things that need doing and delegate a certain amount of time per day or per week to take care of them all. Rather than doing short little tasks throughout every day, rounding them all up and taking care of them during this specific time will help you feel more organized and on top of your schedule, leaving more time throughout your day to focus on other things.
Business + Pleasure
There’s a reason that “working lunch” and other types of meetings moonlighting as social gatherings have become so popular in recent years. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with making that coffee date a working business meeting, for hosting a company drinks night to discuss key points, or to meet up with a colleague for a quick workout and business chat. Every successful businessperson knows that you’re always “on”, even in your downtime, and many people find that they work best when they’re relaxed, social and having fun. And hey, having a working lunch means you can write off the bill, so you’re saving money, too.
There you have it. Just a few quick business hacks to save yourself time and money, helping take care of the details so you can focus on the most important part of your growing business: the business itself.