Many of us waste time and effort when we’re working towards our business goals without even realising. Often, we’re working hard with the very best of intentions, having no idea that there are much better ways to be going about things. Here are some examples of how you could unwittingly be wasting time, and what to do about it.
You’re not utilising modern technology and software
If you’re still using manual methods such as paper filing and backing up to hard drives, then you could be putting your business at risk. Business software enables you to be fast, efficient and productive. In some cases, it can completely automate areas of your business which can save you time and money. Take this ELMO HRIS software for example, it allows you to integrate HR and payroll and completely automate manual processes. There’s software for just about every area of business these days, so if you’re still in the dark ages it’s time to catch up. Do your research and find programs which best suit your company. With a larger budget, you could even have bespoke software designed.
You’re heading towards burnout
It’s easy to think that the more hours you put into your business, the more work is being done and therefore you’re earning profits and moving forward. However, this simply isn’t the case. Working all hours and burning the midnight oil night after night can lead you to the point of burnout- mental and physical exhaustion. When you’re tired and overworked, you can lose focus, be less productive and be more sloppy in your work. Taking time away isn’t just a luxury, it’s absolutely vital to your success. Think about it, how many times have you been puzzled by a problem that you just can’t solve, but once you come back to it after a break, the solution is obvious? Seeing things with ‘fresh eyes’ is incredibly valuable. Working when you feel well rested will certainly allow you to do better work. Look, we get it. Your business is your life, it’s important to you and there’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. But pushing yourself to your limits isn’t the way to go about achieving your goals.
You’re spreading yourself too thin
Linked to the above point, another way you could be wasting time in business is by spreading yourself too thin. Trying to do everything could well mean that all tasks aren’t being done to the best standard. You have to learn to delegate, if you have employees then that means entrusting them with certain tasks. If you work alone, this could mean hiring freelancers or outsourcing some of the work. You’re far better off setting a workload that’s appropriate and focusing on this, instead of trying to do everything. There are so many options available when it comes to managing different areas of your business these days that you don’t need to be juggling every job and department alone.
Business owners, are you guilty of any of these things?
- This post was written by an outside source for Morning Business Chat
