Little ways to save time and get more done during a business day

When you run a business, time is something that is always in short supply. This is the case whether you run a multinational or a start-up. There are never enough hours in the day.

So, anything you can do to help you to run your company more efficiently is a big bonus. Making small changes that speed up your process is by a minute or so are always worthwhile doing. Over a week, those minutes saved add up to hours. Below are several ways you can grab back a bit of extra time for you and your business.

Streamlining your invoicing processes

Using invoice software for your business is almost a no brainer. It is so much faster than juggling spreadsheets and Microsoft Word invoice templates. The best systems enable you to enter the details in, hit enter and automatically send the invoice to the client. Provided you choose the kind that can be used on a mobile app you can do your invoicing on the go. So, not only will you save yourself a lot of time, but you could also improve your cashflow. If you do it in front of the customer and provide a link that they just have to click on to pay, you will be surprised how often people will click that link and instantly send you the money.

Use voice to text

For most people, writing using their voice is far faster than typing. This is particularly the case if a lot of what you write is done on the go. Trying to type on a laptop that is balanced on your knees slows you down. As does tapping away on a phone or tablet screen. Most of us speak far faster than we type. So, if you have not already done so download a couple of voice to text programmes or apps and give them a go. You can use this "best of" article to quickly narrow down your options and get started.

Track your processes

When you are busy, things just happen. You don’t have time to sit down and map out a proper process for that product you are producing for your new client. This approach is fine for when you have to get that first order out of the door, and everyone is still finding their feet. But you should not be working that way all of the time. At least once a month, sit down and ask yourself what new things you are doing and come up with a proper process map for that task. You can read more about the benefits of putting sound processes in place and how to do it, by clicking here.

If you are finding yourself running from crisis to crisis to get through the business day, take a breath and try some of the above small tweaks. You will be surprised by what a difference they make.