Small-business owners are often surprised at how quickly their businesses grow. Keep on top of everything with these tips on how to smoothly run your business.
Cloud Storage
This is one thing that every modern business should invest in. Keeping your documents, media, records and accounts stored on the cloud is a great way to ensure that you never lose anything.
Not only does cloud server hosting make your business more secure, it also makes your life easier should you ever want to upgrade your hardware.
Another upside to using cloud storage is that if you have to work remotely — say while on the move via an iPad or from your home computer — you can still have access to all those important files and documents.
Syncing
Getting your machines and devices to sync is a great way of keeping on top of everything. By syncing devices like your PC, laptop, smartphone and your tablet together, you ensure that you have access to updated data, no matter where you are or what device you're using.
With syncing, you need not worry about missing out on those important reminders and emails, even while you are away from your work computer. It’s also a lot easier to share your 'To-Do' lists, emails and calendars with employees in case you need them to assist on anything during the times you aren't available.
The fact that you have your emails accessible, also gives clients the peace-of-mind that they will be able to get hold of you in case of an emergency.
Project Management
Using project management services can help you keep track of any work that needs doing and who is working on it. This is especially useful if you manage freelancers.
You can use project management systems that are solely online, which makes it easy for you to log in and see what the status of things are - regardless of location. It also means that if clients or staff members need to check on the project’s progress, then they can do so without having to download and install any software.
Embrace Outsourcing
There are many websites out there where you can post a job and freelancers will bid for it. These sites can be used to find professionals to do anything from small jobs like designing a logo to the bigger jobs such as managing a large PR campaign.
Start outsourcing work; it’s generally cheaper than hiring an employee and it means you get more time to yourself to worry about the more important issues concerning the day-to-day running of the business.
Relax!
It might seem silly to tell you that you need to take breaks, but most small-business owners work an average of 52 hours a week, according to a survey run by Wells Fargo & Company in August 2012.
Take a holiday once in a while, or even go home and switch off your electronics. Take time to yourself and do the things you love. You’ll come back to work refreshed.
If you find yourself struggling to come up with a solution to a problem or are stuck for ideas for a new client, it might just be that you’re working too hard. Relax and then sleep on it. Once you've rested, you might find that the solutions come easily.