3 Small Biz Tips for Small Business Week
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I had my first job in the world of finance working for a European private bank.
You might not know this, but banks didn’t always have KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations – because I started before the bank began implementing them.
And in this long ago far away galaxy, the upper level employees (I think it was director-level and above) were required to take two weeks of vacation in a row every year.
Let’s Get Organized, Organized
To me the word “organization” is similar to the word “productivity”: it means different things to different people. I know some wonderful declutter specialists who help people get their houses in order, and different kinds of organization can help you get… you guessed it… more $hit done. (You can buy the book on getting $hit done here.)
What’s a Good New Year’s Resolution?
May I suggest one that probably most people, including most business owners, would benefit from?
There are very, very few people (and let me be clear, I am not one of these very few) in the US who couldn’t use this resolution for a better, more fulfilling, more sustainable year and for years to come.
Too Many Apps… Or Not Enough?
The 11th of December is National App Day. I just realized this would be a totally different conversation if I thought “apps” referred to “appetizers” as they do in a restaurant. I hate apps or any meals, really, with corn kernels in them. FIGHT ME.
But I think the day is really about software apps. And here’s the nuance: some apps for business can be extraordinarily helpful, some are neutral, and some don’t help at all. Both not having enough apps and having too many can be detrimental.
One Step to Reduce Business Owner Overwhelm
If being more effective and productive seems like a lot of work and your plate is already full, then think about one small step.
If you think you’re ready for the work and you’ve made room on your plate… think about one small step.
As they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Small steps lead to quick wins, and staying on the path takes you to your long-term goals.
R Is For Removal (Of Distractions)
If you want to be more productive, it’s necessary to spend some time each day focusing on the important, mission-critical tasks that only you as the business owner can do. Other things can be delegated, outsourced, or automated.
In order to focus, you have to lose distractions.
Do You Have Ample Time?
November 15 is National Ample Time Day, and I think this is just an American thing. Europeans and those in other developed countries don’t give up their entire lives to work, whether they’re business owners or climbing the corporate ladder. Are you giving yourself ample time for the life part of work-life harmony?
So You Want to Be a Productivity Consultant
But what about the secret sauce? The terrible things no one will tell you about being a productivity consultant.
Knowing Yourself Brings Better Productivity for Business Owners
When I was a kid, my eye doctor would always tell me that dynamite comes in small packages because I was always short for my age.
Are Your Addictions Distracting You?
September is National Recovery Month, and while many addictions are frowned upon, some are socially acceptable. If a substance has you in its grip, you’re losing brain function to it. And if you’re a business owner or other type of knowledge worker, that means you’re losing productivity (and likely profit) as well.
Distractions… Where You Least Expect Them
Phones. Notifications. Scrolling. Interruptions. That thing you forgot to do yesterday.
I talk about all these distractions, but one I hadn’t really thought about until I tackled mine was (drumroll please) THE INBOX!