Owning and managing a small business is one of the most difficult jobs a person can have. It is also very important and satisfying to see a business grow and expand. However, many business owners and managers struggle because they spend too much time performing tedious tasks, micromanaging, and handling things that get in the way of production. Learning how to delegate and outsource these less-important tasks to other team members or contractors, or even to automate them using technology, can be hard for many managers. However, taking things off your plate can only benefit your company in the long run as it will free up your time for tasks that only you can do, and eventually allow you to be less involved in your business and have more freedom. Here are some ways you can start outsourcing and automating more of your business tasks:
Use Cloud-Based Services
By using cloud-based services, you can access your data and applications from anywhere, anytime. You can use cloud-based services to store your files and collaborate with your team. Cloud-based services allow you to work from anywhere and access your projects when you are away from the office and need to help your team. This can help you to be more efficient, as you can snatch small moments of time to work. It can also help keep your team on task and help them to work more productively and in a more flexible timeframe.
Streamline IT Infrastructure
By using cloud-based IT infrastructure, you can reduce the need for physical hardware and software. This can help you save on costs and improve flexibility. For example, you can use cloud-based email, file storage, or project management tools instead of hosting them on your own servers. Not only does this save space and money because you won’t need to purchase and store large servers, but it can also save time because everything is immediately available and backed up in real-time. You can also use environment as a service (EaaS) to help get your infrastructure working at its best and running efficiently.
Automate Repetitive Tasks
Identify the tasks that are repetitive and take up a lot of time. Then, look for software or tools that can automate these tasks. For example, you can use a marketing automation tool to send out emails or schedule social media posts. Automating as much as possible can help to free up your time for more important things. Many times, owners and managers find that they are always busy but never getting anything done because they are spending so much time managing urgent but unimportant tasks. Automating and delegating can help fix this problem.
Outsource Non-Core Tasks
Consider outsourcing non-core tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, or customer service. This will allow you to focus on core activities like marketing, product development, or sales. In addition to saving your and your team’s time for more important work, you may also find that outsourcing actually saves money as well. Because professional firms such as bookkeeping, cleaning, or information technology management teams focus strictly on one job, outsourcing to them allows you to access better, more efficient processes, and that can save money and help you to make more money over time.
Use Project Management Software
Project management software can help you manage tasks, deadlines, and team communication. These tools can help you to stay on task and keep your team on task. They also help to keep work and tasks from slipping through the cracks and causing lost sales or clients. If you have a remote team or often work away from the office, this software becomes even more beneficial.
Use Social Media Management Tools
Social media management tools can help you manage multiple social media accounts, schedule posts, and track performance. You can also consider hiring freelance or part-time social media managers and content creators to handle the day-to-day implementation and customer interactions that happen on social media. Managing social media has become an important and time-consuming part of marketing, but with the help of social media tools, automation, and social media experts, your social accounts don’t have to be a burden.
Implement Online Scheduling
Online scheduling tools can help you schedule meetings, appointments, and consultations without having to go back and forth via email or phone. You can use online scheduling on your websites to allow clients and customers to make their own appointments, or you can use online scheduling to help facilitate meetings and collaboration between various members of your team.
Use Virtual Assistants
Many business owners and professionals have discovered how much time and money they can save by hiring a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants can help you with tasks like data entry, research, and scheduling. Depending on the assistant and their skills, they can also help with communication tasks like composing emails, sending text messages, and making phone calls on your behalf. You can even ask your virtual assistant to help you with personal tasks, from online shopping to scheduling doctor’s appointments. You can hire virtual assistants on a part-time or project basis.
Use Chatbots
Chatbots can help you automate customer service tasks like answering frequently asked questions or processing orders. You can use chatbot tools to create your own chatbots. These chatbots appear on your online platforms and websites and allow customers to access help without taking up your and your customer service team’s time answering basic, mundane, or repetitive questions. This can free up your team to help customers with problems that can’t be answered by a bot and can increase customer service satisfaction.
Use Online Payment Systems
Online payment systems can help you accept payments from customers without having to handle cash or checks. Many of these payment systems are incredibly secure and you and your customers will both feel more comfortable handling transactions through well-known financial payment systems. You can also save time using these systems over setting up and implementing direct payment methods, and you may find the fees are less expensive than handling your own credit transactions.
Conclusion
Most small businesses are operating on thin margins and anything that can be done to free up managers’, owners’, and team members’ time can be beneficial. Running a business as efficiently as possible can mean focusing on the tasks that are most important and that you are best at, and outsourcing, automating, and delegating other tasks. Not only does this free up time, but you may also find that you can give jobs to people who are much better at them than you are, making your business more successful and helping it to grow faster.