Running a small business can often feel like a three-ring circus. When you're the one doing everything, one of the best investments you can make is in improving your systems. You may not have the budget to hire an assistant at this point, but spending a little time and money on getting your systems working like a well-oiled machine will restore your sanity and make you look like a boss.
Here are a few systems that make a world of difference in your business, as well as my specific recommendations:
Scheduling System
"I can do anytime Tuesday or Wednesday before noon, or Thursday after 2:30pm. Otherwise, next Monday between 9:30-11am would work."
"I can't do any of those times...how does Friday look for you? Or the following Wednesday?"
"Sure, next Wednesday will work. How about 10am?"
"Shoot! I'm booked until 3pm. Could you do it after that?"
Ever gone back and forth 7 times with someone via email or text trying to figure out a good time to schedule a meeting? I have and it drives. me. crazy.
If you don't have a scheduling system in place and want to grow your business, make it happen. I love Acuity, but there are tons of great systems that will work. Sync with your current calendar, block off times you don't want to book, and then just send a link to anyone with a "click here to book a time that works for you" message. You'll be notified of the meeting when they schedule it, and in the meantime you get your time back.
Bookkeeping System
Take that "show me the money" saying to heart by really dialing in your accounting system. Send invoices, track expenses, and review reports without pulling your hair out. There are lots of great options out there for keeping track of your money painlessly without spending hundreds of dollars on fancy accounting software.
Both Freshbooks and Wave are excellent options for small businesses. The set up is easy, but moreover, the day-to-day bookkeeping work becomes a whole new ballgame. If you're confused on what categories to set up or how to get going, there are plenty of online resources on learning platforms like Lynda or Creative Live. Or if you really want a little hand holding work with a bookkeeper to get your systems set up. I recommend Megan Carter at The Nerdy Keeper.
Social Media Scheduling System
When I talk to my Stress-Free Social Media clients they often say that social media marketing overwhelms them constantly. They wonder what they should post, when they'll find time to create content, and how to know if it's actually working. Plus, when they sit down to actually post something, they get sucked into the internet rabbit hole, waste time, and never actually do what they were intending to do!
One of the first things I recommend is getting a social media scheduling system in place. Hootsuite offers a free version that I love, but many of the scheduling systems will do the job. The key to making a scheduling system work, especially as you get started, consists of three basic steps:
1. Brainstorming valuable content. Spending time thinking about what you want to say before you log on to your social media pages is key. Knowing what your customers struggle with, what they want, what the wonder about, what hesitations they have, and what they're Googling will inform the kinds of content you create.
2. Setting up a backlog and ideas tracker. It's easy for your day to get derailed by social media when you post anytime you have an idea or come across a great article. Instead, set up a simple document where you can jot down your thoughts or post a link you'd like to share when the idea strikes, but without actually posting it right then and there.
3. Blocking time to schedule posts all at once. Once you're clear on what sorts of things you'll post, and have a backlog of ideas, block out some time to schedule it out! At first you may only schedule a week or two at a time, but eventually you can do your posting for 2-3 months in one sitting.
Of course, there are tons of other systems you can put in place to help your business run like a well-oiled machine, but these three will do wonders for most small business owners! Questions? Comments? Let me know!
Ready to get started on social media without the stress? Connect with customers and market your services authentically without the overwhelm through Stress-Free Social Media: