7 Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Harder in Your Business

Posted in 2009 under productivity, RSS feed for comments
13 Comments

Mar28

I get asked this question a lot:

“Where do you find the time, you’ve got so much going on?”

That’s a fair question considering all the projects I’m involved in. That being said, I realized a long time ago the best use of my time was NOT doing it all myself.

Here’s how I work smarter, not harder. First lets start with some general assumptions.

Assumptions:

You own a company
Your time is worth more than $50 an hour
You want more time
You can manage people
You live alone

Here some tips that I’ve used to highly leverage my day so that I can focus on the tasks that are truly valuable to me, and help me focus on areas that require my unique skills, knowledge and experience.

Ordered by Highest Value

1. Financial Management

Your time is probably best spent with customers, employees or partners -> not trying to consolidate your accounts, submitting expenses or generating invoices. Also, doing this forces you to automate / systematize your business = a good thing. Hire a bookkeeper.

2. Recruiting

If you’ve ever tried to hire someone in the past, you know the amount of time it takes to source (find), review and interview candidates. The interview is probably the only tasks that requires your time. Define the requirements and outsource this process, its worth the money. I use www.getross.com.

3. Virtual Assistant

I need to thank Tim Ferris (author: 4 Hour Workweek) for introducing me to Virtual Assistants (VA’s) back in 2007. Since then, I’ve used over a dozen VA’s to accomplish various tasks such as; market research, email campaigns, webinars, website updates, scheduling, email processing, purchasing, etc.

4. Apple + Google + 37Signals + Freshbooks

I get tremendous productivity & time savings from using products that just work and stay out of my way. I certainly feel that way about my MacBook, iPhone, Google Apps for Domains, Freshbooks, and Basecamp + Highrise by @37signals.

5. Contractors

You can’t possibly learn every aspect of your business, so it only makes sense to use specialist for specific areas to get tremendous leverage. My favorite types of things to outsource lately have been.

Media Training (@iancaptisck)
Development (@spheric)
Design (@spindledesco)
Management Consultants

6. Laundry

How much time do you spend a month doing laundry … think about it. Washing / Drying & FOLDING? I decided a long time ago that it wasn’t for me.

7. Cleaning

I’m not lazy, I just find zero satisfaction in cleaning my apartment. I would much rather spend those 6 hours a week outside on my bike, or hanging with a start up talking about growth strategies and viral loops!

Next on my plans for more leverage?

Full Time Assistant (a.k.a VP of Everything): ASAP
Driver: in the future, when there’s a need). Thx @marcvanderchijs for the tip
Email Inbox Processing

Is there anything you do that adds tremendous leverage to your time? Please share in the comments below.

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13 Responses for "7 Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Harder in Your Business"

Frank March 28th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Nice!
Christine Lund March 29th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Great information, Dan – I very much appreciate that you get to the point without being too wordy.
Online Apps March 29th, 2009 at 9:40 am
With regards financial management and the online apps you mention, there are also now a number of web based accounting apps which take the invoicing capabilities of FreshBooks a step further.
Jeff March 30th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Great article, Dan!

I disagree with you on one point: I get a TON of laundry done while on business phone calls I need to occupy my hands to engage my mind in conversation so I clean the house and do laundry while I talk on the phone on scheduled calls. I ironed 3 shirts the last time I talked to YOU.
Matt Eldridge March 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
It’s all about finding a routine that works well for you and doing what you enjoy! You obviously need to roll with the punches as opportunities arise everyday that you need to jump on but a basic routine will keep you sharp and productive. Keep it real, work hard and play hard!
Rachel Clemens March 31st, 2009 at 4:57 am
Dan, thanks for the post. I’ve been trying to convince my husband that we need a cleaning service and you’ve just given me more ammo. We like ammo in Texas!
Whit Scott March 31st, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I’m with Jeff on this one. I get so much cleaning done while I’m on the phone. I also find that riding the bus to work offers me a lot of personal time for reading, thinking, or listening to music - things that are important to me to keep my creative juices flowing.

Lastly, I only eat pop-tarts, they are the only warm food that I have time for, 10 seconds in the microwave and you’re done. In addition to that, I wear a x2 camelback at all times, and have it refilling at the sink while I’m using the restroom.

I’m with you on laundry Dan. I also don’t wash my cloths.
Leila April 2nd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Great info Dan!
First: Whit Scott - Pop-tarts is not REAL FOOD!! (sorry, I just couldn’t keep silent on that one
On cleaning: I get a strange, almost OCD-type satisfaction when I clean things to a shine - but I agree it’s not the best use of my time!
On laundry: Totally agree! This is a huge time waster! I dislike being held captive indoors folding stuff for what feels like hours! Time for me to invest in a laundry service! Or maybe just a really cute houseboy!
Josh of Cubicle Ninjas April 6th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Wonderful list! Thanks for sharing.
Brandon Middleton April 26th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Wow! What a great post Dan! You hit the nail on the head. I am constantly asking myself “What is the highest and best use of my time?” BTW, I’m loving the new look for your blog.

Keep on touch,
Brandon
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Amir Ardekani October 18th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hi Dan,
I am planing to open a new store in Saint John soon, so I a seeking a Marketing manager to help me with business start up and grand opening. If you know anyone who can help, please let me know.

Thanks,

Amir

506-962-0528