Managing a business is challenging, and it can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day operations as you’re growing. And it’s normal to feel a bit frazzled and overwhelmed. It’s also normal to want to streamline your business to save both time and money.
So how can we, as female entrepreneurs, actually DO that?
The first step is taking a good look at how things in your business are currently being done, and coming to terms with the plain and simple fact that sometimes, change is not only good, it’s necessary. It can be dangerous to get complacent with how things have always been done. New procedures should be implemented over time because your business is ever-evolving.
Here are five tips that can help you to streamline your business operations:
Identify repetitive tasks
Mundane tasks are often not billable ones, and they are a major time-suck. Once you are able to identify these types of tasks, you can then look for ways to automate them. Some examples? Creating invoices, scheduling social media, sending payment reminders, etc.
Taking the time to set up your CRM, or invoicing software to send out invoices automatically, with follow-up emails scheduled in advance not only saves you time and headspace. Not having to worry about those tasks means you can focus your energy on more important tasks. The same goes for a social media scheduling tool – many come with evergreen options so that your content is constantly cycling through your channels.
Reduce paper usage
Paper is a wasted resource and has the ability to create a lot of chaos in your office, which is why reviewing your usage is a great step in streamlining your business operations.
Consider looking at storing information digitally so that everyone on your team has access without needing to sort through boxes of paperwork. The info is needed, the printed copies are not.
Automating processes
This one requires taking stock of your current processes before planning to automate them. Begin by documenting each stage of your present processes can give you an eye-opening view as to how things are done, and get you thinking about how they can be updated and streamlined. Forms can be put online and filled out online, for example.
With applications such as AirTable, Trello, ClickUp, Zapier, IFTTT and so many more, it’s easier than ever to get two or more systems talking to each other to get the job done, almost hands-free.
Reevaluate your hardware and digital resources
Replacing inefficient or old hardware has the ability to speed up processes and your overall efficiency. Slow computer systems slow down entire projects, which in turn, costs you more money in the long run.
Online marketing is more important than ever, so if you’re not maximizing your efforts with this tool, you should be. In addition to bringing in new clients, an online presence can help close deals, too. If you’re not sure how to use these tools, bring in an expert.
Outsource
As challenging as it is to let go of control, your productivity will skyrocket once you outsource a lot of what you need to do for your business.
You can outsource just about anything: payroll, accounting, human resources, online marketing, administration, etc. Independent contractors and freelancers will reduce the costs brought on by full-time employees performing these same tasks.
Outsourcing is, by far, the best and most important way to streamline any business. But that doesn’t mean you should just hire anyone – take the time to do your research, and be sure to interview potential candidates. You’re looking for someone to be on your team, and that vibe should be present during your interview.
In this very modern day and age, it’s easier than ever to get caught up in the busyness of it all, but by being smart about where you spend your time, money and energy, you don’t have to get bogged down. There are many smart and savvy ways to get it all done while keeping your sanity.
Do you have any other tips to add to this list? Let me know: info (at) drva-2a7f12.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live
How can a virtual assistant help you with your business? Book a free consultation call with me and let’s find out!