March 1, 2023

Tackle Time-Sucking Tasks with these 4 Tips

They say that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. So why does it often feel like 24 hours aren't enough to get everything done? Most likely, it's because we don't have the proper procedures in place that help us structure our time efficiently. Time is money in business, and if you can shave even a few minutes off something tedious or repetitive, it can add up to hours of extra time in your work week.
Here are 5 tips for tackling those time-sucking tasks to free up some time in your busy schedule.
1. Review Processes and Procedures
A good way to identify tasks that may be wasting precious minutes is to periodically assess your procedures for improvement opportunities, especially those that require a great deal of manual input.
At the end of each week, take note of how you spent your time.
If you notice that you are constantly spending more time on tasks that are necessary but not exactly productive, it might be time to outsource or automate.
2. Outsource Time-Consuming Responsibilities
You don't have to do everything yourself. If there are always unfinished tasks at the end of your to-do list, it might be time to seek outside help. Whether it's a virtual assistant to handle your unanswered emails or a full-time, remote worker who can put together quotes, get a job on-boarded, or order materials, an extra set of hands can help you check those boxes while you tend to the highest-priority tasks.
3. Utilize an Online Print and Paper Management Platform
Online print and paper procurement and inventory management platforms such as PrintMedia Manager and PaperManager, allow buyers to keep your most important information in one place and seamlessly communicate with your vendors. You can issue print RFQs and receive bids from printers or packaging companies you already work with or introduce new vendors, create and track purchases, view confirmations and invoices in one place, manage schedules, assign tasks, and more. And, purchase paper from your mills or merchants and track the shipments, receipts, usage and inventory at the printing plants. No more disorganized email inboxes or sifting through multiple platforms or spreadsheets to find the information or contact data you need.
4. Automate Repetitive Tasks
We are fortunate to live in today's digital era because we have tons of software that will literally do the work for us. Automation can be difficult to grasp for those who are used to doing everything manually, but it's oh-so-necessary.
Here are a few ways your business can likely utilize automation:
True, doing things differently can certainly be scary. You have to let go of control, put your trust in other people, and learn how to use different platforms or systems. Sure, it might be initially uncomfortable to learn new software or teach someone how to assist you properly. But the long-term benefits will greatly outweigh that short-term discomfort. In the end, you will find that your days are less busy, you are more productive, you feel less stressed or burnt out, and you will reach your goals more efficiently.
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