Do you wish there were more hours in the day? As an entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, it doesn’t take much for your working day to be overwhelmed with dozens of different tasks and responsibilities, and that’s all before lunch!
When the days are going by in a flash and you just don’t feel as though you’re accomplishing anything, it could be a sign that you need help with time management. It’s not uncommon for people starting their businesses from scratch to find it difficult to manage their working day, after all, there isn’t much of an adjustment period! However, failing to acknowledge the signs of poor time management can lead to your business venture stalling and struggling to get off the ground.
So, check out these signs that you need help with time management and all the solutions you need.
Your billing process is problematic
As a business owner, getting paid is essential! But if you’re struggling to get paid on time, the right amount or you’re cobbling together inaccurate invoices and having to rectify them later, you’re not only harming your bottom line, but also your budding company image.
The solution is simple. Streamline your billing process with invoice templates and software from FreshBooks.com. These user-friendly, fully customisable invoice templates can put you back in control of the complicated billing process, making it much more efficient and eliminating the possibility of mistakes. With professional invoices and automated options, you can craft invoices within seconds, and get yourself paid faster while you turn your attention to other areas of your business.
You’re not taking breaks
Taking breaks is an essential part of any working day, whether you’re a business owner or not. If you don’t have the time to step away from your laptop or phone during working hours, then something’s wrong with your time management.
Taking breaks is essential, not just for your levels of concentration and accuracy, but also for your wellbeing and health. Remember to schedule in a lunch period and take 10 minutes away from your screen whenever you switch between tasks, even if it’s for a glass of water or to step in your backyard for a moment. Breaks are an essential part of your working day.
And finally: Constantly rescheduling meetings and missing deadlines
When there’s a meeting coming up and you’re not prepared, or you’re heading towards a missed deadline, it’s easy for panic to set in. Business owners either rush their workload and create something slapdash, or they persistently reschedule meetings and calls for later dates. Both of these scenarios can cost your business valuable clients, as well as your reputation.
It’s a difficult scenario but working with a digital calendar can help you plan your working days and prioritise your chosen tasks. Setting up daily reminders can also prompt you to switch your focus to other projects with a deadline looming. It’s also worth remembering that communication is key, so if you’re struggling to hit a deadline or you can’t make a meeting – be honest! Transparency will take your business far.
