How are you working smarter?

[Uzair Kharawala]

Google Apps for Work.

 

[Sriramanaenterprises]

Thanks sir

 

[carlos75]

Automating as much as possible, outsourcing everything that I am not 100% confident with.

 

[Ruth Clerk]

I've been trying to use NLP mind games and exercises and I believe it works

 

[gemma.wilson]

I've recently started working from home. I'm saving a lot of money avoiding the daily commute and I genuinely feel a million more times relaxed! I still mirror the same office hours as my other colleagues, only difference is I am in an entirely different country now

I really don't want to go spamming URL's around but I have been writing up a blog about my experiences. So if you fancy having a giggle at my sometimes bizarre experiences you can find the link on my profile page

 

[Concept Vehicle Leasing]

Personally, where possible, I do things in 1 hour bursts, to keep a fresh eye on things and to prevent things from becoming stagnated. I write myself to do lists and the time it will take me to complete the tasks- and where applicable, when they need to be completed by.. this helps me exponentially to prioritise my work and achieve a lot in a small space of time.

 

[Cherrie Hub]

I have just wrote a blog post on effective time management, yet I cannot post links at the moment. Basically it is all about being focused on the main tasks, and not getting distracted in the meantime, for me, the greatest sin is checking the social sites - I try to leave updating Twitter, Facebook etc. till the evening, as I know, that when I do it a number of times during a day, I end up browsing through those sites and loose 10-15 min each time - multiplied by number of times a day. So my first priority at the moment is to resist checking social sites, and get on with the tasks in hand.
Writing down what you plan to do during a day will help. Of course, business plan is a must, but don't forget to check it on a regular basis too!

 

[capitalvirtual]

We have upgraded our technology, and vastly improved our processes. Staying organised and focused is imperative to stay on top of our game in this market. Having improved systems helps to reduce manual administration and subsequently reduces the risk of errors whilst improving the speed and efficiency of workflows. Good time management and organisation is key, as is ensuring a focused and motivated workforce.

 

[william04]

I prefer using imo.im for communication. Install plugins for quick tasks and for my emails desktop notification is enabled. For other works, I use task management tool.

 

[mdbideas]

I implement the concept of "4-hour workweek". The DEAL method.

 

[J Howard]

Outsourcing is inevitable in this age of software technology. There is a software almost for every job making your business a bit more easy. But it is not possible that you know how to use all the soft wares. So, here comes the role of outsourcing. And if its off shore then it is also cost effective.
With less hassle and with less cost you nothing have to lose anything but it does boost your business .

 

[Jeff Nev]

Its tricky because something that works for one person or company can be totally impractical for another.. But generally speaking I have found that being organised is the ultimate rule to follow when trying to be smart in business. The use of smartphones ties in to this nicely with all of the apps and organisational extras available with them.

It seems that some people work well from writing to do lists while others don't...like many things! Personally I prefer to use them just so that I have everything I have to do solidified in writing, but I use them on my phone as well as reminders so they are not just wasted on paper to be left at home.

Other things I have found also tie in to using technology to your advantage. Things such as cloud technology have saved me hours and a small fortune. Cloud accounting software has been great for two of my businesses and I use Big Red Cloud so its only £10 a month. There are other competitors for this brand too I just happen to prefer this layout (and price).

I have also found that using other cloud softwares such as Dropbox have been incredibly valuable for me and colleagues to work together even if we are not able to meet. As well as Gmail apps and Drive... though I didn't realise it was so popular until I saw this thread!

These, are just some of the things that, combined with smartphones, allow me to keep on top of my business needs on the go which works very well for me. This being said, I would recommend only using what works for you regardless of whether or not it is a new trend or not. Not working with software, people, suppliers or equipment that doesn't work for me is another number 1 rule as it just makes life a little bit simpler, even if its more costly.

Best,

Jeff

 

[JonnyMP]

Figuring out which projects are most important for my business and website has really been the key to my success. Rather than running around from one project to the next, I look at what has worked for us in the past and then replicate that to success again. Eliminating useless side projects that amount to nothing is the way to refine your focus.

 

[amac]

I work smarter running the majority of my business (ecommerce) using online tools like Google Apps, Xero etc. Not having to maintain infrastructure or filing is huge; plus I can access all of the key data/information largely from mobile meaning I can work in almost any location.

 

[LeatherSofaCleaning]

For me, these are some that I often do:

- Complete most important tasks first.
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours. I really need this to keep my mind fresh before I start work.
- Focus at the current task at hand.
- Creating some organizing system.

+ 1, and I could also add regular research of the market and finding new marketing opportunities.

 

[JonnyMP]

I work smarter running the majority of my business (ecommerce) using online tools like Google Apps, Xero etc. Not having to maintain infrastructure or filing is huge; plus I can access all of the key data/information largely from mobile meaning I can work in almost any location.

Apps make life easier, especially when you are multi tasking, such as running an eccomerce site or website online and also working a full time job. An app lets you check in on your shop while you're on coffee break at work. Hiring a virtual or office assistant to do some basic tasks for Facebook and social media, also frees up more of your time.

 

[RodriVLR]

Flexibility and outsourcing task is the best way in our company to make things happen

 

[LawSpark]

1. Using free resources for marketing/promotion and for advice where possible
2. When paying for services are necessary sacrificing time and effort in the short term to get value for money and good services in the long term.

 

[emulsja]

According to Pareto rule 20% of your effort generates 80% of result.
Determine 80% of effort which generates only 20% of result and outsource it.

 

[GoPromotionalUK]

Working smarter, not harder, is an age-old adage. If you master the concept, your entire working life will be easier. There are simple techniques that you can employ to save steps and tedium from almost any task.

 

[Daniel Daines-Hutt]

Build in systems
create daily habits of small tasks that break up a much larger goal
i.e need to send 5000 cold emails?
Well you only need to send 15 per day to hit that target etc, so just do 15 then move onto another task
(FYI cold emailing is something i do not endorse at all)

In our example we make sure to spend 2 hours max (less if can be done efficiently) to write 1000 words towards a new blog post, x amount of outreach, x amount of interaction

After that its business as usual

Grab a coffee and eat the frog!

 

[Pish_Pash]

How did I work smarter?

I learnt Microsoft Access...until I started up my online business, i'd never used it (& thought it was just for replacing excel in corporate departments), but my oh my...pretty soon after incorporating my limited company, I realised I need my own database, SQL was too onerous & access has a great front end....so I spent some time on that. Seriously, I'm astonished at how useful it is...just about everything centres around my database now. What used to take me yonks, doesn't take me long at all....it's one of those things that once you get over the learning hump, you wonder how anyone can run a business without it.

 

[derick32]

I don't multitask to keep me focus on my tasks so I won't miss every little details. Set an estimated amount of time on each task and try to stick with it. Take a short break (10 - 15mins) every 2 hours of work that helps me regain sanity.