Businesses have had to run leaner in recent years - something that startups know all about. A lean business is one that maximizes value with its resources and minimizes waste. People, money, and time are the most valuable resources in organizations. Maximizing time saves money and encourages your workforce to feel as if they're giving their best to their jobs.
Here's how your business can stop wasting time.
Plan Accordingly
The best way to reach a goal is to set it and aim for it. A clear vision or mission is essential for ensuring that your business or department is meeting its overall goals, goals for the year, the month, or even daily goals. Many long-term goals take daily efforts to reach them. When you have something to aim for and daily steps to get there, you're more likely to stay focused and productive.
Say No
Saying yes to everything is one sure way to waste valuable resources. Saying no may mean defining your core business and staying in your lane instead of taking on something new. Saying no may mean reminding your clients to stay within the scope of your agreement. Saying no to distractions will allow you to focus on and be successful at what you do best.
Communicate with Purpose
If you find your colleagues saying, "this meeting could have been an email" then you might be wasting time. Communicating with purpose means deciding who needs to know the information and why. It also means understanding how your team wants to collaborate. Maybe they need in-person meetings now and then to get the most participation. But perhaps they'd rather casually chat via messaging apps or email the rest of the time.
Automate & Outsource Office Tasks
When attempts to stay focused are interrupted by administrative tasks, it can be really frustrating. Administrative tasks, like invoicing, paying bills, and even marketing, are necessary evils for running a successful business. If it's not where you'd like to spend your time or resources, automate and outsource it. Most importantly, make sure that you're leaning on freelancers, technology or partners that are trusted to do their jobs efficiently, so you don't have to. For example, working with a third-party collections agency can be helpful for chasing down payments. And best of all, you don't owe anything if they can't collect for you.
Stop wasting time and click on the green button below to learn more.
