Make a list of “Don’t’s”
Isn’t it true that some of the reasons you started your own business were so you would have more freedom and fun? If you are stressed out and not able to get the right things done, then your business may not be serving you in the way you intended. As a business owner I struggle with how I will be able to get everything done.
And I believe that this is especially true for sole proprietors or small business owners. There is so much time you have in the day and nothing can change that. Thus, something else needs to change. Ask yourself: What is the most important to the growth of your business. List down your priorities and decide what is ‘the’ most important.
You will often find that this is a matter of choice and only YOU can decide how you choose to spend your time. You have to be true to yourself on this. You know what is important so don’t let the load of things get in the way Instead of listing down what you should do, focus on what you don’t want to do.
To get started, make a list of all that are not directly connected to the core of your business. Make your ‘Don’t’ list.
Here are some examples:
• Don’t chat on the phone or MSN during work time
• Don’t check e-mail every 10 minutes
• Don’t answer e-mails throughout the day. Set aside a certain time for that.
• Don’t spend too much time on small things such as choosing the best typeface for the letter
• Don’t get carried away with surfing the internet or blogging
Keep your list handy and focus on what you want to achieve. You can keep adding to the list the things you don’t have to do. Make a conscious effort to STOP doing those things in the list and after awhile, the list can serve as a way to set stronger boundaries for yourself, and your business. Your plans and goals can become clearer and more visible.
So why not get started and see how many things you can identify that are not supportive of a profitable business. After a while, you get more done in less time and best of all, watch the business grow.
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