10 Time Saving Tips

The Flying Solo Micro Business Community have compiled an extensive list of time saving tips from their members.  Here are some of the best ones:

1. Use a diary as a daily 'To Do List' – plan in certain times to do certain activities to avoid procrastination and putting off unpleasant tasks.
2. If you want someone to do something, it is far more time effective to phone them rather than email as emails tend to be-get emails as misunderstanding are cleared up and points clarified.
3. Focus on one thing at a time.  Multi-tasking may seem like you are getting lots of things done but it actually means that you are spreading your time across different tasks and perhaps not finishing any of them.  It's far better to get individual tasks done and then move on.
4. Close email programmes and web browsers while working on something that doesn't require them.  They will only distract you if they are left on.
5. Delegate where ever possible.  It sometimes feels quicker to just do something yourself rather than explaining it to someone else but if you explain it to them once, they will be able to do it for you again and again.
6. Don't be a perfectionist.  Sometimes it is more important to get things done than to do them perfectly.
7. Limit your availability.  If people know that you are always available to answer questions etc. then they will always come and ask you questions.  Have times when people can come to see you but other times when the door is shut and you can get things done.
8. Sometimes it is worth leaving off chasing new customers and developing the business with the ones you already have.
9. Invest time in training for yourself and those you work with.  If people are not properly trained then they may not be doing things in the most efficient way possible.
10. Get the technology you need.  Don't make do with something that doesn't quite do the job or that takes an exorbitant amount of time to do it.  Saving time will save money in the long run.

Follow these guidelines to maximise productivity and eliminate wasted time.