Find out how to save ten hours a week so that you can spend more time growing your business and/or doing the things you love.
Just imagine what you could do if you had two extra hours a day? Here are eight time-saving practices you can easily implement into your soloist business.
1. Convert your systems to the cloud
I’m sure you’ve heard about the benefits of cloud computing, especially for mobile soloists. It really is a game changer. Accessing your business information from any device and from any location allows you to run your business entirely from the road. No need to travel back to the office to approve quotes, send invoices, reply to emails or book in jobs. All the information you need to run your business is at your fingertips.
2. Batch tasks
Do some pre-planning on a Sunday for the week ahead. By batching tasks, such as paying accounts or scheduling your social media updates for the next seven days, you’ll save time and reduce stress!
3. Online quoting
It’s time to stop writing or typing the same information over and over again when preparing your quotes. It only takes a few minutes to prepare a fully customised interactive quote that can include photos, videos, social media links, electronic signatures and online acceptance buttons – you can even see when your customer has read your proposal. Use this information to refine your follow up procedure so you know exactly when to call and how to approach the conversation. Quoteroller and Quotient are popular online quoting programs that can also integrate with some accounting systems to save time invoicing as well.
4. Go paperless
Going paperless will not only save you money and help the environment, but it will also avoid hours of unnecessary filing and paperwork. Programs like Echosign, Right Signature or Formitize easily transfer your paper documents into digital copies. Voila – a paperless office!
Want more articles like this? Check out the productivity section.
5. Get a helping hand from a virtual assistant (VA)
One of the biggest time-saving steps on how to save ten hours a week (so that you can spend more time growing your business and/or doing the things you love ) is to stop trying to be a superhero, and get help. While hiring an employee can be a daunting process, partnering with a VA presents a much easier and flexible solution. A VA normally works from their home and can provide all the same services as if they were sitting next to you in an office – minus office overheads or staff related costs.
6. Accept mobile and online payments
Having flexible mobile and online payment options can attract new customers but can also: save you time, improve your cash flow and increase your profitability. Using a mobile payment device that automatically syncs with your accounting program (such as MYOB PayDirect) will also reduce time in double handling your accounts.
7. Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program
A CRM stores all your customer information and job history in one place. Not only will it save you time looking up customer details and past job history, but it will also help you increase sales by allowing you to market more effectively through email campaigns and targeted special offers.
8. Cut the email cord
One of the biggest ways I saved time was to limit how often I checked email. It can easily sideline productivity and take focus away from important tasks. Set just two or three times a day to check email, and stick to it.
Also, make sure you only check your emails when you actually have time to reply or action requests – this can really help decrease any feelings of overwhelm.
These tips will save you time, money and your sanity!
What time saving techniques have you introduced?
