Business Tip Presented by Karen of Web-Sta Affordable Web Design

During my 10 years in business, I have learnt that leveraging my time has become more and more important. AND, this includes, not just money and time I can save within my day-to-day business operations…I have also been able to leverage tasks in my personal life too. This allows me to free-up that personal time and spend it either on my business or on other activities and projects that I find more rewarding.

Here are some examples of leveraging your time and money on business tasks:

• Bookkeeping: Outsourcing this task alone, can save the average business owner hours each week and possibly days at BAS time.  If you have other tasks your could be investing your time in, and earning, this could be a great way leverage both your time and funds.
• Mail deliveries and Online Ordering: If you use a lot of office stationary or are regularly purchasing stock, why not order it online/over the phone and arrange for it to be delivered to your door. The delivery fee may be cheaper than your time, fuel and vehicle maintenance.
• Advertising: Hiring a professional graphic designer, Facebook marketer or web designer, can help free up your time trying to attract new leads.
• Facebook Scheduled Posts: Facebook has to be time-waste NUMBER 1 in most small (& even big business) just because it is so darn distracting. Schedule your business page posts in one session per week then LOGOUT. This way, your business is still be represented AND you are not being lured in by the temptation to check what everyone else is up to.
• Processes: Working out more efficient workflows and processes inside of your business is also a worthwhile investment. Scripting for emails/quotes, templates, automation etc can all help save time when dealing with customers and communication with staff.
• Time Saving Software and Smart Phone Applications: Rein in any wasted time or even help you budget with things like calendar management, reminders, sharable checklists (TRELLO is my fave) and the like. Something simple like using Bookkeeping software can help save you hours keeping on top of Accounts Receivable.
• Automated Payments: Online Banking allows for automated and scheduled payments allowing you to set-and-forget regular payments. From rent to wages, if you have any Accounts Payable that are the same each and every-time, schedule it!

Here some ideas on freeing up your personal time:

• Grocery Delivery: Or any other deliveries for that matter. Outsourcing something simple like your grocery shop can save you HEAPS of time dragging the kids through the shops and even unloading the car (many companies bring your groceries in and place them on your kitchen bench).
• Yard Maintenance: Lawn mowing and other yard work can take hours each weekend when you would be rather getting ahead in your business, catching up on rest or spending quality time with your family. There are hundreds of service providers available in our area and prices are competitive. Also think of the time you save not having to go buy fuel for the mower or sharpening mower blades or trying to get the whipper snipper started…not to mention the frustration.
• Cooking and Cleaning: IF you wanted to take Outsourcing to the NEXT LEVEL, why not hire a professional cleaner or someone to do some meal preparation for you and your family. These two tasks take women an average of 20 hours and 4 minutes per week and men 11 hours and 19 minutes a week according to source: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features40March%202009. This can free-up a LOT of time mornings, evenings and on your weekends.

There are heaps of ways to better use your time and money as well as still enjoy the rest and relaxation you need. No-one ever went into business to be broke or overally busy so some of these strategies may just help.