Written by: Anza Goodbar, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you a busy small business owner looking to get ahead of the curve in growing your business? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with endless to-do lists and never-ending tasks? It's time to take control of your productivity and make the most out of every day. In this article, I'll explore some practical and actionable tips to help you increase your productivity to take your business to the next level. As a certified leadership coach, I firmly believe that leadership begins by leading yourself. Throughout my life, I have been on the search for a better way to do life and business. That led me to work with mentors and read hundreds of books to increase my knowledge and skill set, and uplevel my mindset. As a serial entrepreneur, I have found that owning a business can get messy and the only way to tame the chaos is to put some systems in place. Today, I will share some of my most powerful business-building strategies.
Establish a strong foundation for your productivity
This starts with setting clear goals and priorities for your business. The basis for these goals comes from your business plan. The blueprint for your success relies on you filtering your decisions through predetermined criteria. This method takes the emotion out of decision-making and keeps everyone on the same page. It prevents you from straying off course and allows you to reach your goals faster. Taking the time to identify what matters most allows you to laser-focus your energy on those key areas. By doing so, you can ensure that you are moving in the right direction, minimizing distractions, and making progress toward your long-term business objectives.
Create a routine and stick to it
In Hal Elrod's book series “The Miracle Morning,” he outlines the importance of having a success routine that starts before the rest of the world is even awake. This includes establishing a structured schedule for your workday, allocating specific time slots for different tasks, and giving yourself space to think and create. By building a consistent routine that includes his trademark SAVERS framework, you can build momentum and increase your overall productivity which will open up time to sit in silence, repeat affirmations, practice visualization, exercise, read, and journal, and most importantly increase your ability to maintain a purposeful mindset of positivity and resiliency.
Delegate tasks effectively
As a small business owner, it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself. However, this often leads to burnout and decreased efficiency. Many of my clients hesitate to delete because they fear no one will do a task as well as they will. Instead, of deciding out of fear, identify areas where you can outsource or delegate tasks to proper team members to free up your time to focus on high-priority tasks that require your expertise. This can be accomplished by providing clear and concise instructions that outline objectives, expectations, deadlines, and relevant parameters that will also empower your team to take on more responsibility. Over time with thoughtful communication and scheduled check-ins, you will build trust and autonomy with key individuals which will motivate them to perform their best work.
Technology can be a powerful tool in boosting productivity
There are numerous software and automation tools available to help streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks, and manage your workload more effectively. Consider investing in productivity-boosting tools such as project management software (Asana/Trello), automation platforms (Meet Edgar/Buffer), and communication tools (Slack/Google Workspace) to help you and your team work more efficiently.
Time management is also crucial when it comes to increasing productivity
It's important to prioritize your tasks, manage your energy effectively, and avoid multitasking. In Brendon Burchard’s book, “High Performance Habits” he underscores the importance of persisting in the face of obstacles by connecting with your deep sense of purpose. Only then can you focus on high-leverage activities, minimize your distractions, and maximize your efficiency. One way I do this is by reducing the number of interruptions or transitions I have in my day. I have found that the longer I can stay in the zone, the more I get done, and the higher my level of satisfaction. I also schedule my day based on the type of energy I need for certain activities, which increases my mental clarity and allows me to be more present and focused.
Prioritize self-care
As busy entrepreneurs, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a small business and neglect your physical and mental well-being. We’ve all done it from time to time, but if you want to experience sustained success, you need to prioritize getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking breaks when needed. By prioritizing self-care, you can ensure you have the energy and focus needed to confidently tackle the ups and downs of growing your business.
Increasing productivity as a busy small business owner is vital for winning the race. Growing a business is like running a marathon. You must have a strategy to pace yourself if you want to grow a business that surpasses your competition. By setting clear goals, establishing a success routine, effectively delegating tasks, leveraging technology, managing your energy effectively, and taking care of yourself, you can boost your productivity and drive your business toward greater success. So, go ahead and take contr of your productivity, and watch your business thrive!
Anza Goodbar, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Anza Goodbar is a passionate business consultant and events strategist with over 20 years of small business ownership experience. She has a proven track record of planning and executing more than 4,000 successful events, generating over $100 million in revenue for her clients. Anza firmly believes in the power of strong leadership as an essential tool for business success and solving bigger problems. She helps small business owners harness the potential of live events to build their brand, establish long-lasting relationships, and increase revenue. Her commitment to creating personalized strategies has led to numerous businesses reaching new heights.
