Try putting a vase of fresh flowers in your office (this is also a visual – happy flowers make me happy!)
Or try room fresheners or diffusers with mood boosting scents like citrus or peppermint!
Simple, but effective changes can make all the difference!
2. Batching helps balance your workload and increases productivity
If you find yourself avoiding work, it’s important to understand why.
Life has its ups and downs and those can influence your productivity.
If there’s not a specific reason that’s affecting your workflow, it could be you’re simply overwhelmed and spread too thin.
One of the reasons people dread working is the sense they can never complete a task entirely before the next one is looming.
Jumping from one task to another, hoping to get it all done day after day is exhausting and can lead to burn out.
A remedy for the madness of non-productivity is batching.
Batching is an idea that helps you gain control of your workload and intentionally design your work week and your workflow.
Batching helps you control your productivity
If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they dread Mondays when they know there’s a week’s worth of work waiting for them.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a clear schedule starting on Friday and lasting into the next week?
Batching makes it more likely you’ll hit Monday with fewer commitments and looming work projects.
It helps structure your work week into a manageable pattern, allowing you to group activities and projects and assign them to specific days and times of the week.
This is an awesome way to gain control of your work week, workload and improve your productivity!
Personal Tip: Batching personal commitments is just as helpful as batching your workload.
I find that it helps to assign one day per week for activities like doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or other activities.
This helps me eliminate having appointments spread throughout the week, taking up chunks of the time I need to be productive.
3. Trick your brain into being productive by setting a timer
Sometimes, half the battle is getting started.
If you feel burned out and struggle with the thought of working, the urge to avoid it altogether can be strong enough to make you procrastinate.
Putting things off can lead to missed deadlines and falling short on your commitments which only adds to the stress you’re already under.
If your tasks feel daunting or distasteful, your brain may magnify the potential discomfort causing you to avoid the tasks, but usually, once you get started, it’s easier than you thought.
So how can you trick your brain into doing the work?
Try this: Give yourself the freedom to dodge those long hours spent tackling a not-so-fun task by setting a timer for a quick 30-minute burst of focused work, and see how it magically amps up your productivity!
This is what I do.
When my timer goes off, I get up.
Whether it’s to do a household chore or grab another cup of coffee, I make myself to get up and move.
Then I sit back down and get back to getting stuff done.
You will find that once you gain momentum working, you’ll likely want to keep going as your brain becomes engaged in your work.
4. Create a reward that motivates you to get stuff done
If you’ve ever participated in a rewards program, you know how motivating they can be.
If you are seasoned coffee drinker like me, your favorite coffee shop probably has a rewards program.
Collecting points towards a free coffee to get a tenth for free is a great strategy to keep you coming back for more.
And hey, it works!
You can incentivize yourself to be more productive in a similar way.
A rewards system that motivates you to work is a great way to maximize your time.
Here are a couple of ideas:
Create a pre-work reward
Why not start the day off on a positive note with a treat that motivates and energizes you for work.
From a stop at your favorite coffee shop or a good pre-work run, engage in an activity that you love before you begin your work day.
Build a mini-rewards system throughout the day
One of the reasons people feel burned out and don’t want to work is that they are running themselves into the ground.
Everyone deserves and needs a good break.
Give yourself mini rewards throughout the day and decide on a time to step away from work to enjoy them.
From reading a chapter of a good book, grabbing a nutritious lunch, or watching a few minutes of a favorite show, give yourself something to look forward to and work towards throughout the day.
When I stop for lunch, I’ll either grab a book or turn on the TV.
Just make sure you don’t get so engrossed in that book or show that you don’t go back to work.
Not, mind you, that I’VE EVER done that. (Imagine the eyeroll here). HAHA
Develop a post-work reward
Give yourself an incentive to be productive by having something positive to look forward to at the end of the day.
If you simply move from working to chores, it can leave you feeling exhausted and resentful.
Try building in a transition between your working day and evening chores that allows you to do something enjoyable and boosts your mood and energy before switching gears.
Spark you productivity with big rewards
From a weekend getaway to a shopping spree, building a reward into your weekly, monthly, and annual schedule can help you stay focused and be more productive.
Planning a vacation can help motivate you to earn extra money or get projects done early to make time for your trip.
Having bigger ticket rewards in the future can help you stay focused when the daily grind weighs you down.
5. Divide and conquer- breaking tasks up helps you stay productive
If you don’t control your work day and workflow, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by texts, phone calls, emails, and other interruptions each time they pop up.
When you think about it, it’s pretty easy to reframe your tasks and make them work for you instead of against you.
Breaking things up and consolidating your time can help.
Here are some simple ways to divide your day and conquer your tasks.
Designate time for your tasks and don’t deviate from them.
Determine what time of day you want to devote to certain tasks like email, voice mail, etc…
You can use autoresponders or a detailed voice message that shares when you review your messages and return emails or calls.
Train yourself to focus on these tasks only during the designated time.
Here’s a productivity tip I use: Turn off alerts so you aren’t interrupted during the workday. Only pay attention to your email, voice mail, and texts during your designated times. My family and friends have specific ringtones so I know if it is them calling me. And they know if I don’t respond, I am working and will get back to them.
Batch tasks into manageable chunks
Rather than doing the same thing every day for a little while, consolidate tasks into a once-per-week activity.
Where you can, batch tasks and designate a day and time to focus on them rather than taking up valuable time throughout the week.
Instead of reacting to tasks as they pop up, gain control of your day and organize it in your favor.
It will help you feel more productive and less like working in a pinball machine.
Remember, productivity is not just about crossing items off your task list; it’s about enjoying the journey.
So, embrace the fun side of getting stuff done, and let each accomplishment be a celebration of your small business victories.
If you’re looking for more…I’ve shared some other productivity tips here !
P.S. Share your craziest (but most effective) productivity hacks in the comments below! Let’s build a community of hustlers who know that getting things done can be as fun as a squirrel chasing its tail (especially if there’s coffee involved)!
If you are anything like me, you tend to get so laser-focused on growing your business that you forget that the sun sets in other colors besides “inbox blue” and that you need to take time to live your dash.
Yeah, been there.
Worn that sleep-deprived T-shirt.
Drank the gallons of coffee.
Listen, your amazing business needs you to recharge.
To remind yourself you’re not just a CEO, you’re a human with a dash to live!
Life is not a to-do list.
But I get it.
Surrounded by stacks of papers, inbox overflowing, while the sun outside is coaxing you with whispers of adventures!
You glance at your watch, then back at the never-ending list of tasks, that familiar sigh escaping your lips.
“Just one more email,” you tell yourself, “then I’ll…”
But let’s be honest, that “then” typically doesn’t come.
We let ourselves get swept up into the whirlwind of getting things done.
Bogged down by endless to-do lists.
Forgetting that life is more than just ticking boxes.
It is a vibrant, chaotic dash between two dates on a tombstone.
We all have one, this precious hyphen marking the beginning and end of our journey.
But how often do we truly live that dash?
How often do we trade the fluorescent-lit grind for the vibrant hues of sunsets?
How often do we prioritize passion over those pending emails?
Purpose over those beautiful spreadsheets?
The truth is, most of us don’t.
We’re conditioned to chase productivity, to equate busyness with worth.
Sometimes, the most important strokes are the ones left blank.
The spaces we create for spontaneous picnics.
Sunset drinks with friends.
Or maybe simply doing absolutely nothing but breathing the fresh air.
Studies back this up.
Research by the University of California, Berkeley suggests that pursuing our passions and not just achieving goals, leads to greater well-being.
And a Harvard study showed that taking regular breaks actually boosts focus and creativity.
So, putting down the to-do list and chasing that long-forgotten dream is not a self-indulgence.
It is an investment in ourselves, in our happiness, and in living a life that’s truly worth remembering.
But where do we start?
How do we trade that familiar, addicting buzz of deadlines for the thrilling uncertainty of passion?
It is not about quitting your job tomorrow (unless you truly hate it, then maybe do that).
But instead, it is about taking small steps.
Carving out moments in your day, your week, your life, for the things that make your soul happy.
Sign up for that pottery class you have been eyeing.
Dust off your guitar and serenade the moon (even if it is off-key).
Plan a weekend trip to that hidden waterfall you read about.
Take a walk in the park and let your mind wander like a carefree butterfly.
It does not matter what it is.
As long as it ignites a spark within you, as long as it whispers, “This is why I’m here. This is how I want to live my dash.”
Life is not a to-do list.
It is a canvas.
A kaleidoscope of possibilities waiting to be explored.
So, grab your paintbrush, pick your colors, and start creating.
What adventures will you paint on your dash?
What passions will you splash across the sky?
Remember, every blank space is an invitation.
Every moment is a chance to make your life a masterpiece, not a checklist.
So, what will you do today to live your dash?
To paint your life with the vibrant colors of purpose and passion?
Share your dreams, your adventures, your anything-but-ordinary moments in the comments below!
Or send me a message, I’ll help encourage you to live our dashes to the fullest!
You’re a small business owner juggling a million tasks from product creation to customer service.
But there’s one beast in your jungle that keeps roaring.
Your social media.
You post sporadically.
Your captions feel like forced smiles.
And your engagement?
Well, it is about as lively as a deflated balloon.
The pressure is on, the algorithm is a mystery, and you are drowning in a sea of hashtags.
Sound familiar?
You are not alone.
A recent Sprout Social report found that 73% of small businesses struggle with creating consistent social media content.
It is enough to make you want to throw your phone in the ocean and sail away to a hashtag-free island.
Hold your horses (and your phone)!
Before you abandon ship, there’s a secret weapon in your arsenal.
Secret weapon?
What is it, you ask?
The social media content creator.
Now, you might be thinking, “Is that not just for influencers with millions of followers?”
Not at all!
Think of content creators as your brand’s personal hype squad.
Minus the entourage and excessive selfies.
But here’s the rub about social media content creators.
Most articles about content creators for small businesses only scratch the surface.
They tell you about scheduling posts and writing captions.
Which, honestly, is like handing you a bow and arrow without teaching you how to hunt.
So let’s dive deeper and explore the hidden magic of working with a content creator.
Content Creation on Autopilot.
Say goodbye to staring at a blank screen and wracking your brain for caption inspiration.
Your content creator will craft engaging posts, design eye-catching visuals, and tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates with your audience.
Think of them as your personal wordsmith and graphic designer rolled into one.
But without the paint-splattered overalls.
2. Unlocking the Engagement Enigma.
Content creators are fluent in the language of likes and shares, understanding what makes your target audience tick.
Think of them as social media detectives, cracking the code of engagement and ensuring your posts don’t get lost in the algorithm abyss.
No more crickets under your comments!
3. Data-Driven Decisions, Not Guesswork.
Your content creator isn’t just a creative whiz, they’re a data ninja too.
They will track your posts’ performance like a hawk, analyzing clicks, comments, and shares to see what is working and what is not.
This data becomes your roadmap to social media success, guiding you towards content that truly connects with your customers.
4. Freeing Up Your Precious Time.
Remember that social media beast we mentioned?
Consider it tamed, leashed, and maybe even purring contentedly in the corner.
A social media content creator takes the reins of your online presence, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.
Running your amazing business.
More time for baking delicious cookies, crafting beautiful jewelry, or whatever magic you work!
5. A Collaborative Dream Team.
Working with a content creator is not about handing over the keys and watching your brand drive off into the sunset.
It is all about building a partnership.
A creative force field where your ideas and theirs collide and spark into something truly special.
Think of it like peanut butter and chocolate.
Two great things that come together to make something even better.
So, how can we help you, fellow small business owners?
We are more than just content creators.
We are your social media therapists.
Your engagement whisperers.
Your data-driven allies.
A social media content creator will help you tell your brand’s story, connect with your audience, and finally tame that social media beast once and for all!
Ready to ditch the chaos and embrace the calm?
Let’s chat about YOUR content creation!
We’d love to hear about your business and show you how we can help you thrive online.
And remember, a thriving social media presence is not just about likes and followers.
It is about building relationships, boosting sales, and letting your unique brand shine.
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving your business goals is distraction.
And if you’re ANYTHING like me, everything can be a distraction.
That’s why it’s so important to have your goals written down and in front of you.
Now, hopefully you’ve already set your new year’s goals, but if not, I’ve included some tips for that as well, so sit back with that cup and enjoy!
1. Define Your Business Goals
Write Specific Goals
If you want to reach the top of the mountain, you need a clear and specific goal.
Your goal should inspire and motivate you and give you direction.
Take the time to define what success means to you and make a plan to achieve it.
Set Meaningful Goals
Effective goal setting is the foundation of any successful endeavor.
By identifying your priorities and values, you can set meaningful goals that align with your vision.
Remember to break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks to maintain motivation and track your progress along the way.
Write Your Goals Down
Write your goals down and keep them somewhere visible to remind you of what you’re working towards.
I have my goals on my board next to my, along with any pictures that go with my goals.
For example, I want to work in the winter from the beach.
2. Visualize Your Success
To achieve your dreams, it’s important to have a clear vision of what success looks like for you.
By visualizing your desired outcomes, you can better understand the steps and actions needed to make your vision a reality.
Visualize Your End Goal
Imagine yourself at the finish line of your goal.
How does it feel?
What does it look like?
Put that picture up…FEEL the accomplishment!
Take Time to Reflect
Set aside time to reflect on your progress and any obstacles you’ve encountered.
Stay Positive
Focus on the positive aspects of your journey and the progress you’ve made.
Visualizing helps you to stay motivated, focused and in a positive mindset.
“If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.”
Jim Rohn
3. Create a Detailed Action Plan
Setting goals is one thing, but knowing how to get there is another.
In order to achieve your goals, you need an action plan.
By breaking your goals down into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, and identifying the resources that you need, you can create a roadmap to success.
4. Bite-Size Tasks
Identify the Goal
Identify your main goal and write it down.
This helps bring clarity and focus to your plan.
Break it Down
Divide your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks.
This makes it easier to tackle and less scary.
Set Milestones
Break your big goal into smaller milestones.
This makes it easier to track your progress and celebrate your successes.
Track Your Progress
Regularly check your progress and celebrate each milestone.
This keeps you motivated and encouraged.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Clear Your Workspace
Remove all unwanted materials from your workspace to reduce distractions.
Oh. My. Goodness.
This is a big one for me.
If my desk is mess…nothing gets accomplished.
I’m too busy looking at all the STUFF.
Take a Technology Time Out
Turn off technology notifications to avoid interruptions.
Turn it off.
Put it in another room.
Another tough one for me as I’m paranoid I’m going to miss a call or text.
Schedule Your Breaks
Schedule breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and stay focused.
Break? What is THAT?
I’m learning the hard way to do this better.
I’ve got a bum hip that reminds me to GET UP and GET MOVING!
Otherwise it is going to be a LONG night!
5. Unlock Your Potential
Continuous Learning
Never stop expanding your knowledge and honing your skills.
Embrace a growth mindset and seek out opportunities for personal and professional development.
The more you learn, the more you will unleash your full potential.
I’m still going back through the videos…so much information.
Don’t waste it!
Stay Committed
Achieving your goals requires dedication and perseverance.
Stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
Remember that each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Celebrate Progress
Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way.
Acknowledge and reward yourself for reaching important milestones, no matter how small.
This positive reinforcement will motivate you to keep pushing forward on your journey.
6. Embrace Change
Gauge Your Current Situation
Take a step back and evaluate where you currently stand.
Acknowledge your strengths and areas for improvement.
This self-reflection will help you identify areas in which you need to make changes to achieve your goals.
Create an Action Plan
Once you have identified the areas that you can improve on, develop an action plan outlining the steps you will need to take and make the necessary changes.
Break down your plan into manageable tasks and set deadlines to hold yourself accountable.
Adapt and Repeat
As you implement your action plan, be open to adapting and repeating along the way.
Recognize that change is not always straight up, and adjustments may be needed as you go.
Embrace the opportunity to learn from your experiences and refine your approach.
7. Persevere Through Challenges
Embrace the Climb
Just like climbing a mountain, achieving your goals requires determination and resilience.
Embrace the challenges that come your way as opportunities for growth.
Every setback is a chance to learn and come back stronger.
Navigate Obstacles
Obstacles are a natural part of any journey.
Go at them with a problem-solving mindset, seeking creative solutions and alternative paths.
Remember, every obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to your desired goal.
Celebrate Small Wins
Even the smallest accomplishments deserve recognition.
Take the time to acknowledge and savor each little victory as you progress towards your ultimate goals.
Embrace New Experiences
Remember that the journey towards your goals is filled with opportunities for growth and discovery.
Embrace new experiences, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the excitement of the unknown.
Nurture Yourself
Self-care is an essential part of achieving long-term success.
Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being to ensure you have the energy and resilience to pursue your goals with passion.
By following these seven steps, you’ll be on your way to achieving your business goals this year.
Remember, stay focused, stay motivated, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
If you’re looking for some guidance on goal setting, drop me a message!
As a small business owner, you know that time is money. And there never seems to be enough of either.
That’s where outsourcing can be a game-changer for your productivity and bottom line.
Imagine having someone to take care of those time-consuming social media tasks, like creating content and posting it.
By outsourcing these tasks to a Social Media VA, you free up precious hours in your day to focus on what you do best – growing your business.
But why choose a Social Media VA over hiring in-house?
Benefits of Outsourcing Social Media Tasks
Outsourcing social media tasks to a Social Media VA can bring numerous benefits to your small business.
Social Media VAs offer flexibility – you can hire them for specific projects or on an as-needed basis.
They allow you to delegate time-consuming tasks, reduce overhead costs, and access specialized skills.
They also bring a wealth of experience to the table, as many have worked with a variety of businesses and industries.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about the expenses associated with hiring and training a new employee!
Types of Social Media Tasks That Can Be Outsourced
There are countless tasks that you can pass on to a Social Media VA.
The best thing to do is sit down and figure out what tasks you currently complete yourself that if you had someone else do them would save you time!
Blogs
A Social Media VA can either write or help you write your blogs for your site.
SEO
A Social Media VA can make sure that your blog posts and your social media posts are optimized for search engine optimization.
This ensures that your target market can find you!
Social Media Posts and Scheduling
You Social Media VA and write your posts AND schedule them, saving you HOURS!
How to Find and Hire a Social Media VA
Here are some tips for helping you interview and hire your Social Media VA.
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Determine the specific tasks and skills you require in a Social Media VA.
Step 2: Explore Platforms
Research reputable freelance platforms and browse profiles to find potential candidates.
Step 3: Evaluate Experience & Reviews
Check your candidate’s experience, reviews, and sample work to assess their suitability.
It’s a daunting task to think about hiring someone that you don’t physically meet.
However, a video interview will allow you to see the person and gauge their skills and whether they are a fit for your company.
Effective Communication and Collaboration with a Social Media VA
Because you don’t have a Social Media VA sitting right in your office to communicate at will with, it is very important to make sure that you have open communication lines with them.
Here are some thoughts on how you can avoid any confusion and ensure that you work well with your Freelance Admin.
Clear Communication
Establish open lines of communication, set expectations, and provide clear instructions for seamless collaboration.
Regular Check-Ins
Schedule regular check-ins to ensure progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback.
Collaboration Tools
Use collaboration tools like project management software or communication platforms to stay organized and facilitate collaboration.
Cost Considerations of Outsourcing Social Media Tasks
Outsourcing social media tasks can lead to significant cost savings.
You only pay for the specific services you require, eliminating the need for employee benefits, office space, and equipment expenses.
This cost-effective approach allows you to maximize your budget and allocate resources more efficiently.
Outsourcing social media tasks to a Social Media VA offers numerous advantages for small businesses.
It allows you to focus on core business activities, save time and money, access specialized skills, and enhance overall efficiency.
By leveraging the expertise of a Social Media VA, you can propel your business towards growth and success.
So, if you’re ready to boost your small business productivity and take your time back, it’s time to discover the power of outsourcing to a Social Media VA!
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