Being a business owner doesn’t necessarily mean that is your only job, especially if you are starting things from the ground up. The entrepreneurs that I’ve met on my journey hold down a day time job and work on their businesses part-time.
When I first started this entrepreneurial journey of mine, I did not have a schedule set in place to work on my business. After a few months, I was able to get a handle on my business hours and became more productive in return.
If you feel as though you are in a slump and need to be more productive with your business, try any (or all!) of these tips.
Goals
One of the first things I do at the beginning of every month is establish my goals. How many new clients do I want this month? What writing projects do I need to finish? Which networking events am I going to attend? Sitting down and literally writing out goals at the beginning of every month will help you stay focused and make decisions that are centered around how you want your business to evolve.
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule!
When I first started my business, I did not have a schedule. There would be days when I’d come home and do absolutely nothing and then there would be days when I’d come home and work until 10 o’clock at night. There was no consistency! After a few weeks of this, I decided I needed to set ‘business’ hours. Scheduling hours that you will work on your business is helpful when there are days you don’t feel like working and also when there are days where you feel like working until midnight.
Breaks
Set a timer for every 45 minutes to an hour and let yourself take a 15-minute break. Allow your brain to rest—stretch, go for a walk, grab a snack—and recharge. Taking breaks can boost creativity and productivity. If you are working for four hours straight, you might find yourself starting a blank computer screen and an unchecked to-do list.
Say No
I know first hand how hard it is to say “no” to people. As a business owner, you truly need to prioritize your life. How much time are you willing to give up on your business in order to socialize with friends and family (and vice versa)? You might have the flexibility to be more social during the beginning of the month versus the end of the month. If you start to feel like you are always on the go, reevaluate where you are spending your time.
As an entrepreneur, self-motivation is a must. Envision your dream and let that be your motivation to set new goals and take action.