Finding Extra Time as a Sole Proprietor
Photo by Nicole Honeywell
As a small business owner, I wear many hats. Somedays I like this variety in roles; learning how to track expenses, marketing my business, and serving my clients. But other times, I'm stretched thin, wondering whether learning about a new tax code is REALLY the best way I should spend my day. Or, if there are pieces of projects I could train someone else to do.
Here are the steps I took to free up my time:
Start with repeating projects. Any projects that are done in a regular way at a particular interval is a great first project to outsource because you can estimate how often you'll need help and the time it will save you.
Reduce nagging admin work. Do you have particular tasks that keep you up at night or distract you when you’re working on a new client's project? For me, those items typically relate to taxes, healthcare costs, and billing. While I'm not quite ready to hire full-time help for these needs - I have found there are independent consultants whom you can hire on an hourly basis to provide help and/or needed advice.
Use automation whenever possible. Hubspot, Hootsuite, Keap, Quickbooks, Constant Constant, the list goes on. There are loads of automation software to help with customer management, social media, accounting, and marketing. I've found that by using automation when possible, it allows me to focus my time and attention where it counts; my clients.
Wishing you success in business and a little extra time this week.