Make Time for Maintenance in Your Business
The last thing I wanted to do today was spend time in a lab getting a bone density scan. As a freelance writer and independent public relations practitioner, I have to guard my time and use it wisely to make sure I’m on top of all my commitments to my clients. But the scan was something I needed to undergo to make sure my bones are healthy. So off I went to my appointment.
Just as it’s important to take care of yourself and make time to handle things like medical appointments, it’s crucial to carve some time out of your schedule to handle the nitty-gritty tasks that keep your business running smoothly. No matter how busy you think you are, you can find even just a few minutes here and there to handle maintenance tasks so you don’t fall too far behind. Doing so will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Take a look at your calendar and plan some times when you can regularly do things like:
Update your bookkeeping. Stay on top of your receipts so you won’t find yourself scrambling at the end of year. (Not that I’ve ever done anything like that, ahem.) Do you have invoices that you need to send? Do you need to gently remind clients about overdue invoices?
Clear your desktops. Move files that you’ve stored on your desktop into their appropriate folders. Same goes with actual papers on your actual desk.
Review your task and project lists. Are they current? Are there tasks you’ve completed and can check off? (What a great feeling!) What tasks do you need to add?
Review your calendar for the current week and the next week or two. Note any deadlines and add any tasks related them to do your to-do list.
Brainstorm. Give yourself time to mull over what’s been on your mind and dream about what you want to accomplish.
Read those business articles or books you’ve been meaning to read, listen to podcasts, watch videos, take workshops or webinars, etc. Schedule time for professional development and education.
What other “maintenance” tasks do you to keep your business and yourself on track?