You have meetings, deadlines, and emails to reply to. You hear about time management. As a small business owner, you manage your processes. You might be wearing multiple hats too. Time management can be tricky if you're not sure where to start. I'd recommend you start with automation of your tedious tasks.
Business owners can and should foster a work environment that appreciates time management. Here are some suggestions for company owners to enhance workplace time management.
Owners and managers set a good example. The ideals and work ethic demonstrated by a company's decision-makers have a direct impact on corporate culture and, in many cases, profitability. Time management increases a company's efficiency and effectiveness, and business owners should focus on building or strengthening their personal time management abilities on a regular basis.
If you're not sure where to start, you can start with creating simple templates on gmail. Software is meant to make your job easier! While gmail is a free emailing tool, it has a few automation tools that are useful. It's simple to set up too.
This way you're not spending more than 10 to 20 minutes per day replying to emails.
We'll discuss the following:
Time Management Benefits
Step 1: Access your Gmail
Step 2:Create a Template
Step 3: Schedule
Final Thoughts
Let's get started!
Pros of Time Management
One of the most crucial talents to have is time management, yet it is a notion that many organizations and people struggle with. Small firms, in particular, cannot afford to squander time due to inefficient time management. However, the advantages of effective time management are enormous. Businesses that practice effective time management are more likely to provide their product or service on time.
This is a list of pros of time management:
Greater productivity and efficiency
Less Stress
Increased chances of advancement
More opportunities to achieve your goals
It looks good right? If you think so, continue reading. We'll work on your Gmail.
Step 1: Access Your Gmail and Enable Templates
The first step is to ensure that your templates are enabled. After logging into gmail, click on the Settings gear icon at the top right corner.
You'll end up in the general settings section. At the top, click on advanced. This is where you can enable templates.
Don't forget to save your changes! Once templates are enabled, click on compose an email to start creating a new template.
Step 2: Create a Template
The second step includes creating email templates. I'd recommend you create a list of simple templates that you use on a daily basis whether it's' for scheduling an appointment or following up with a partner.
Keep your templates generic and try to avoid using Good Morning or Good Afternoon as a greeting. After drafting a template, click on save. There will be a small window screen that pops up. This is where you can enter your template name.
Here is a sample template that I use often.
You can create as many templates as you need. Spend time creating your templates before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Schedule
Now that you have a set of templates set up. You can start to schedule your emails ahead of time. To use your template, click on compose an email, click on the three little dots at the bottom right corner, highlight templates, and select the template that fits what you need.
You can plan your responses ahead of time. It will help you stay on top of your priorities while providing you with more time to get other tasks done.
Final Thoughts
You're wearing many hats. I get it. What I learned over time is that working smarter, not harder is the way to go. You'll find clever ways to save time.
These small tips and tricks can make a big difference. Software is meant to make your life easier. In some cases, we use software without knowing all of its tools and features. Your time is important.
If you own a business, it is crucial you make the best of the time you have to grow it.