Posted by Melissa Williams Netherton
As the kids head back to school, and you say goodbye to warm summer afternoons and impromptu beach days or pool parties, it is time to focus your business efforts and get ready for the new season. Planning ahead now can be the difference between getting to have a vacation next year, or working through those beautiful summer afternoons!
Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of the remaining months of the year.
Automate everything you can:
Sometimes the fact that we have so much access to technology can really be the downfall for us. We spend so much time working with our calendars, emails, and social media, that often it takes away much too much of our time. This year, save yourself some serious time loss by automating the way you do things. Schedule social media posts ahead of time, automate your accounting software by integrating it with your bank account, set up auto-responders for emails, letting customers know your availability, and if your business requires that you have appointments with people, get a calendar scheduling app, to avoid all the back and forth that can come with trying to book appointments. The time you will save with just a little automation can go a long way!
Make a 90 Day Plan
The key to accomplishing your goals is to first of all set them and write them down! It is a proven fact that those who set goals and write them down will be more likely to accomplish them. Make yourself a 90-day plan, and write it down somewhere you will see it. Make sure you create goals that are measurable, and are goals you can accomplish. Setting a goal of getting five wholesale accounts might not be within your ability to guarantee, but you can set a goal of contacting five boutiques or stores each week, in an effort to get new wholesale accounts. When you accomplish your goals be sure to celebrate them. As entrepreneurs it can be hard to motivate ourselves to accomplish goals because we don’t have those extra promises like bonuses, or extra paid vacation days to motivate us. By treating yourself to something you love, or finding a way to celebrate your wins, you will be more likely to stay motivated to accomplish your future goals as well.
Cut out anything that is no longer serving you
With how busy we all are these days, it can seem like a never-ending laundry list of things to do. This beginning of a new season is a great time to take a look at your schedule and cut out any of the things that are no longer serving you in the best way. You only have so much time available, so making sure you spend it on things that matter to you is key. It can be easy to resent those tasks that take up a lot of our time that we don’t feel good about doing, but then why are we doing them? Sometimes it may be things that have to get done, but that you would be better off outsourcing. Hate doing your accounting? There are accountants you could hire. Have a hard time dealing with customer service? There are Virtual Assistants who can assist you with all these matters. Try to devote your time to the things that matter most to you and you will find that you are happier, healthier, and have a lot more motivation to get things done!
Don’t forget about YOU time
Running a business can be hard, especially when you are a solopreneur and have to do everything yourself (although that should be partly resolved by delegating the things that don’t serve you). Taking time out of your business to dedicate to YOU can feel like a waste of time, but if you don’t make time for yourself you are likely to burn out. Find time to take breaks, work out, meditate, take the kids to the park, or work on a hobby that brings you joy. Whatever you do, just make sure to do something that is not related to work!
As the new school year begins and entrepreneurs everywhere begin their new season of business, we hope you have all the tools you need to charge ahead and take your business to a new level this year. As you plan for the new year, set up your automations, schedule some you time, and get rid of those things that don’t work for you, be sure to enjoy the process of growing your business, one step at a time.
