Learning to make the most of your time and stay focused, productive and successful as a new entrepreneur can be a little daunting. For those of us who have left an employed job to setup our dream business, it can be difficult to know where to start! The good news is, we already have the potential within us; it’s all about harnessing and amplifying the strengths and talents we already have.
Here are the six best kept secrets of every wildly successful entrepreneur!
Excellent time management.
Great time-management looks different to everyone, but finding the best method for you is extremely valuable. The good news is that as an entrepreneur, you have the flexibility to figure out what works best! One super popular strategy amongst business-owners is time blocking, which involves allocating a designated timeslot for each task you need to complete in the day ahead. This is a great way to keep focused and get an idea of how effectively you’re progressing towards your goals.
Another popular time-management technique is the ‘Pomodoro method’. Using this simple method you commit to focusing on a task for 25 minutes, before taking a short five-minute break. Every four cycles, you can take a longer 15-30-minute rest.
There are also a variety of apps aimed at helping you to keep your focus – check out ‘Forest’, for example!
Organization and outsourcing.
As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to let go of the need to take care of each task single-handedly, but it’s important to know how to outsource and hire employees effectively. If you’re rushing around doing all the tasks that someone else could be doing, you leave no time to take care of the more innovative and creative aspects of your business.
And – let’s be honest – you aren’t amazing at every single thing, and that is ok! Know when to let go and hire a professional, rather than muddling through and achieving sub-par results. Great areas to outsource include photography, web design, and copywriting, for example. Outsourcing is a great tool for both yourself and your business’ success.
Self-confidence.
Starting your own business is incredibly rewarding, but there’s bound to be hiccups along the way. The most successful entrepreneurs have all gone through tough times in their journey to the top, but what makes them succeed regardless is their self-belief and resilience. Believe in your abilities and have the confidence to pursue your goals fearlessly. If there’s an area you’re not so confident in, work on it!
Wise investment.
Think before you invest, and make sure to spend in a way that will pay your company back effectively. As I mentioned earlier, outsourcing and hiring experts to take care of certain areas of the business can be a really valuable investment. The most important thing is to do proper research and invest only in what will benefit the company in the long-run, rather than in tempting quick-fixes. No matter how successful your business is becoming, always look after your money wisely.
Setting the right boundaries.
When you’ve built a successful business from scratch, it can be really hard to switch off, but it’s so important to take time for yourself. The best entrepreneurs know that working 24/7 is not a recipe for being their best and most productive self. Set a time every day after which you can completely step away from work, and try to take off at least one full day each week. Rest and recuperation are key to avoid burnout and keep your creative juices flowing!
Consistency in routine.
They say it takes 66 days to form a habit, and ensuring your daily routines and tasks become a habit is key. Every successful entrepreneur knows that order and routine make your life and business run so much more smoothly. Time is your most valuable asset, and forming a consistent daily routine will help you harness this effectively.
Being an entrepreneur is simultaneously the most rewarding and one of the most difficult challenges you can take on! By following these six easy tips, you will be well on your way to becoming the successful business-owner you aspire to be.
