When you’re running your own business, you might think it’s those big decisions that can make or break your ability to turn a profit. Often, the smaller tasks can cause just as much chaos to the day-to-day running of your business. Whether it’s making sure the power bill is paid or even making sure there’s enough toilet paper in the office bathroom, it’s important that you stay organized and don’t let any of these tasks slip through the net. Here are a few top tips on how to stay organized while running your business.
Keep track of contracts
The most confident of businesspeople might think they’re able to do everything in the house. The reality is that most businesses will probably need to form contracts with lots of external companies to make sure raw materials keep arriving in workshops or offices are kept full of paper and pens.
As well as paying contracts, you’ll probably be contracted by lots of other companies to carry out tasks or provide them with products. It’s just as important you keep track of these contracts, making sure you provide the correct levels of goods or services and receive the money in return for your work. With so many things relying on contracts, it can often be difficult to keep track of them all.
Traditionally, contracts had to be physically signed pieces of paper, but in 2020 the best way to do business is online. If you work with contracts on a regular basis, consider using a contract lifecycle management system that can digitally organize your business. From the moment both parties agree on terms, the software can constantly track the performance, compliance, and risks involved in every deal.
Share your diary
If you’re the boss, you’ll no doubt have a busy diary full of different meetings and appointments. While it’s important you remember to attend all these meetings, it’s just as important to make sure your colleagues remember as well. The best way to make sure everybody keeps their appointments is to create a shared diary within your office. Using a shared calendar means you can be sure that both parties have the appointment at the same time, at the same place. It also allows you to see what your colleagues are working on at all times, and when you might have the opportunity to meet up next.
Sticky notes
While technology is hugely helpful in keeping organized, sometimes the old ways are the best. If you’ve got something very important you need to remember, pop a sticky note on your computer monitor so it is constantly in your vision. If you’ve got a lot to get done in a day, it often helps to write a physical to-do list as well. Being able to manually tick off each task is also a great way of motivating yourself through the day. If you’re really worried that you’ll forget to do something at a certain time, set an alarm on your phone to go off 10 minutes before.
