We all need a change from time to time, especially when in an unproductive rut. If you are feeling drained and overworked lately, but you still believe in your business, the tips below might just help you turn things around and make your work atmosphere healthier and more dynamic.
Be Fresh And Focused
As the owner of your business, you need to allocate more time to the vital tasks, rather than getting lost in a slur of emails and interruptions. Do not allow yourself to be distracted constantly. A great means of cutting down on the time you spend going back and forth checking emails and other applications is to firstly turn off the notifications, and secondly, work out a schedule for checking incoming messages.
You could also dedicate certain times of the day to checking in with your employees or vendors. Prioritizing your workload will give you a chance to concentrate on pushing your business forward rather than getting caught up in menial day to day tasks. Your to-do list needs to be thought out several days in advance. It will be easier to manage future due dates.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
Take some time to think about how the interpersonal relationships in your company affect the overall outcome. There is usually a bad seed in the group, and negative energy can spread like wildfire. Would this employee be happier and therefore more productive in a different position?
Can some simple changes in the operating procedure make work easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved? As the owner, you have to think about job satisfaction as well. Content employees make a stable, positive and secure work atmosphere. If there is nothing that can be done to remedy the mindset of one of your workers, it may just be time to bring in a better fit.
Review Your Customers
Having a huge pipeline does not mean you are generating a lot of business. Businesses often waste resources on cold leads and uninterested clients. This group may be okay to review once a year or during a sluggish time, but not in the peak season. As far as the bottom line is concerned, it is better to invest energy in turning around true prospects.
Start by reviewing and freshening up your client list. Put some parameters in place such as how many times the client has been contacted or how much they have actually purchased. It is time to stop wasting time on the old (and wearing out your employees in the process) and devise a new scheme for attracting better customers.
Have a Heart To Heart
Start with yourself first. Are you happy with the direction your business is going in? What would you like to keep and what would you like to change? Where would you like to be this time next year and what can you do to start making your dream a reality? Define a clear direction. Afterwards, go onto your employees.
An honest and open conversation can draw attention to overlooked problems and create more trustworthy relationships. Lastly, dedicate some time to good vendors and faithful clients. A simple phone call, thank you note, personal holiday greeting or email will really make your business stand out.
Redecorate
“Out with the old, in with the new”, should be your motto this season. Purge your office of anything that is not needed. It is estimated that people spend almost forty hours a year looking for misplaced things at work. Clear up anything you do not need at the moment including old equipment, files you want to save, merchandise, etc., and find affordable self storage units to stash the excess stuff.
Now that your workspace is clear and easier to navigate, go out and buy something new! It can be as simple as some new desk organizers, flowers or posters. You may want to consider painting your walls, or new curtains. A fresh face means a fresh start.
It is time to stop procrastinating and do something about the state of your business. The suggestions above are neither time-consuming, nor costly. Start changing your business and attitude today and let things grow and evolve. Positive things happen in positive places.
