With everything that 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic has thrown our way, you must consider taking steps to reclaim your time to achieve any business-related goals you have.
Due to the continuous workload, there being no shortage of distractions, and that our perception of busyness is constantly changing, we will always feel “too busy” to get things done. However, below we have outlined some methods you can practice to ensure your time is being used efficiently.
- Delegate tasks effectively
It would be beneficial to assess all tasks and delegate them to the right employee, with support, ensuring you are specific with communications, both verbal and written and that mutually agreed expectations and objectives are clarified.
Ask your employee to repeat back their instructions to ensure they understand. Additionally, set a time frame for the completion of this task and request a notification once this is done. You can even set a time to review the outcomes together.
By implementing this system, you will not only build trust and respect amongst your employees, but you will also improve communication, motivation, efficiency and higher productivity. Plus, jobs will be completed on time and successfully.
- End working with the wrong clients
All companies will need to think efficiently about business decisions, such as who you do business with. For example, you will be better off acquiring contracts with reputable companies which will, in turn, decrease the risk of late paid invoices, enable you to form good relationships with clients, increases your chance of getting projects finished on time and also ensures a good cash flow.
- Streamline your onboarding
In order for new employees to acquire the necessary behaviours, knowledge and skills to become effective organisational members of your business, consider implementing these following ideas:
Automate as much as the onboarding process as you can, to leave less room for human error and fewer priorities to get lost, which will ultimately leave you feeling less stressed.
Clarify your new workers’ duties, perhaps with written documentation, to reduce any potential confusion and enable them the opportunity to voice any worries before they start.
Get payroll and other personal details out of the way, to ensure new employees do not feel stressed about any potential accidents in this area.
Inform new workers of your company’s policies and procedures with a copy of these documents, as well as any rules or devices and any other details that would make the employee feel welcomed into the workplace.
Plan follow-ups with employees for a period that suits you, perhaps the time frame of the probationary period. Once workers settle into their roles and start to take on responsibilities, it may be apparent that they need extra training or they have concerns about their duties, which you will need to factor into your schedule.
- Turn queries into paid projects
The first step in this method is to identify how you can add value to a project, for example, providing start-up business support.
Next, consider the cost-related implications this project may bring. These include cash flow stresses, owner overload and burnout, along with tax liabilities.
Remember, before giving scattered answers or ideas that will be difficult to implement effectively, take a moment to pause and reflect on the pros and cons of these ideas.
Then, once you have come to a decision, clearly state your value offering and then wait quietly for the response. If you get an objection, reposition the value and consider other options to help.