Written by: Serena Fordham, 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.
Do you ever feel that you are overloaded with work and don't know how to go about reducing that big pile of stuff, which has been building up for days, weeks, or even months? Maybe it’s about time that you conquered that Mount Everest of tasks and paperwork!
Here are my top 10 tips on how to become a more organized (and hopefully a less stressed) entrepreneur.
Create a mind-map of all the ideas that are crowding your headspace. Use this to clear your mind and focus on each task at hand.
Write a to-do list. Use headings and subheadings to narrow down exactly what needs to be achieved within each task.
Use a scheduling or diary system to organize your time. Plan tasks ahead of schedule to allow you to dedicate suitable time for each one.
Outsource anything you can to free up your time to run and grow your business, e.g., by using Virtual Assistants, Marketing Experts, Accountants, etc.
Set aside designated planning time and spend one evening (usually a Sunday works best) to plan and prepare your week ahead.
Check emails at the end of every day rather than at the beginning. Use a small amount of time to plan and prepare for the next day at the end of the day.
Turn off your phone and stay logged out of your email while completing each task. Less distractions mean you will complete tasks quicker, and you can reply to urgent calls and emails during coffee breaks in between tasks.
Schedule email mail-outs and social media posts in advance, so they happen automatically. Set aside time to schedule as this will save you time in the long run (you can also use a social media management tool to be even more efficient at this!)
Clear your workspace, so it is free from loose papers and clutter. After all, an organized space creates an organized mind!
Constantly review your progress. Assess what is working well for you at keeping you organized, and focus on doing these things (and remember that what might be working for another person won’t necessarily work for you – and vice versa).
These are all good and well, but are you still wondering where on earth to start with becoming more organized and tackling that mammoth of a mountain?
Here are some useful tangible items you might want to use to help you get started:
Mind-mapping software, such as MindGenius or iMindMap (or just an old-fashioned pen and paper – and one or two highlighters)
A paper diary – electronic ones are great, but sometimes it’s good to have everything there in front of you in black and white!
A list of useful contacts to lend a hand with your outsourceable tasks when needed.
Social media management programs (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.)
Email scheduling software (e.g., Mailchimp, CRM database, etc.)
A quiet and clutter-free space to work and focus (even a desk in a library might be suitable!)
Basically, all of the above boils down to the fact that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
This mantra is very true both in life and business. Setting aside a little time to prepare your diary, and plan your time, will be extremely worthwhile in helping to organize your life, work, and most importantly your mind.
So, don’t wait until tomorrow to start planning your strategy to become more organized. Give yourself that phew’ feeling, and start taking action now! (You might even get a better night’s sleep, and thank yourself for it!)
Feel free to visit my website & follow me on Facebook for more tips like this!
Serena Fordham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Serena is an expert Business Strategist, Growth/Development and Empowerment Mentor to Female Entrepreneurs, and a best-selling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and successful multiple Business Owner. Her main passion is offering business strategies, support, and empowerment to ambitious and high vibe business women both locally and internationally – through HER Business Revolution. She is also known for her organizational skills by owning Glow Virtual Assistants and supporting women and child-related charities (also founding two charitable initiatives – Mums Empowerment Movement and SociaBubble).
