Plan Like a Pro: How to Get Your Business Organized
Organization is key to running a successful business. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs struggle to find an adequate work-life balance that eliminates distractions, saves time, improves focus, and increases productivity. Good business organization can help keep your operations running smoothly and prevent costly periods of downtime. There is no better time than now to reassess your business strategies and identify where improvements can be made. Here are several of the best ways to keep your small business organized for ongoing success.
1. Define Business Goals & Objectives
Every business should have established goals that they can aspire to, even if these goals ultimately change over time. Setting goals and objectives enables businesses to easily track progress and challenge their employees to meet clear objectives within a specified timeframe. Remain focused on these goals and regularly remind employees of these expectations to motivate them to succeed.
2. Establish a Dedicated Workspace
Not all environments are appropriate workspaces. If you currently work in an environment that has a lot of distractions, such as loud traffic, household interruptions or frequent passersby, you may find that you are not being as productive as you could be. Consider establishing a dedicated office space specifically for your company and employees. Whether you’re a team of one or 100, Roam offers office space rentals suitable for businesses of all sizes. At Roam, you can enjoy all the perks of a private office without the constraints of high overhead costs or long-term leases. Monthly workplace amenities are also included in the price.
3. Declutter Your Work Environment
Too much clutter can cause productivity to significantly slow and can lead to frustrations among employees. Create a plan to declutter your work environment and set up a space that supports healthy work habits. Start by clearing off your desk and filing important paperwork and other items. If possible, eliminate the need for massive amounts of paperwork by digitizing physical documents. Remember to also eliminate digital clutter, such as emails and files on your computer.
4. Secure a Spacious Meeting Room
Regular meetings are one of the best resources that businesses can utilize to get organized, share ideas, and address problems that the company may be experiencing. It’s important to have a space that is large enough to accommodate all employees for both meetings and large team events. Roam offers meeting space rentals and corporate event rentals that can be reserved by the hour or full day. In Atlanta, both nearby corporations that lack sufficient meeting space and onsite businesses that office out of Roam benefit from Roam’s variety of on-demand meeting space.
5. Invest in Automation
Automation is critical to helping growing businesses easily manage the arrival and delivery of massive amounts of information each day. Through automation, companies can save time and become more organized. Most business functions can benefit from automation, including marketing, finance, sales, product development, customer service, and supply chain. Businesses can automate operations with automation tools, AI and machine learning, streamlined communication, task management, and integrated apps and devices.
6. Get Inspired by Professional Experts
Speaking with other professionals in your industry can help motivate you to become more organized and successful. Of course, if you’re a solopreneur, it can be challenging to find others in your field. Consider investing in a membership at Roam where you can meet new like-minded professionals and get inspired. Roam offers month-to-month memberships that provide unlimited access to safe and professional workspaces. A coworking space in Atlanta invites individuals to work remotely in an open, shared space and gain access to amenities like printers, Wi-Fi and coffee.
7. Establish and Stick to Systems
The right systems can be highly effective in keeping businesses organized. While every company is different, some may find establishing a daily routine to be the best way to stay on task. This may mean responding to emails in the morning and scheduling meetings in the afternoon. You may also find it useful to create a daily task list that includes paperwork, activities, events, or meetings that must be completed that day, in order of importance or by timeframes. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
8. Meet with a Tax Advisor
Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about your tax returns. Start early and be prepared for tax time by scheduling a meeting with a tax advisor. A tax advisor or CPA can help your business get organized and ensure that you are only paying what you are legally required to pay. A tax advisor may also provide valuable guidance regarding the status of your business. For example, if your business is structured as a sole proprietor, it may be time to think about protecting your personal assets and enjoying other benefits through a formal business structure, such as an LLC or corporation.
9. Find Ways to Control Your Expenses
Businesses are always on the lookout for ways to save money. However, cutting costs can be challenging, especially for small businesses with limited resources. Start by finding low-cost suppliers or vendors that can provide your business with quality supplies at a fair price. Providing training to your employees can also save your business money by increasing productivity and preventing costly mistakes from being made. With these savings, companies can invest in comprehensive solutions that encourage growth and opportunity, such as a Roam membership or office space.
Schedule a Tour of Roam
Building a successful business is not achieved overnight. Entrepreneurs must work hard to reach their goals and discover new opportunities that drive their business forward. While every company has their own unique needs and preferences, finding a flexible workspace that is intentionally designed to enhance productivity can be highly beneficial to solopreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations alike. For more information about Roam or to schedule a tour of our coworking spaces, meeting rooms or private offices, contact us today.