Sometimes the challenge in running and marketing a business online isn’t so much about finding how to do it well but managing the time to simply do what’s needed. Often that requires organization.
Here are 5 tips to get your business organized online:
1.If you fail to plan, you plan to fail: This is a phrase you’ve likely heard before but it is very relevant to running and marketing your business online. Because of the access, power and accessibility of the Internet many of today’s small business owners are in fact “solopreneurs” – people running their businesses on their own, without employees.
Running things on your own is doable, depending on your business, but your chances of succeeding without a plan are slim at best. There’s just too many balls to juggle…successfully. And even if you do have 1 or more employees in your online business, it’s just important to plan your strategy for managing all that has to be done. You and your team members need to have clarity on what needs to be done when. A plan gives you that clarity.
- KEY TIP: Develop a daily schedule that is aligned to your current business goals. For example if you want to increase sales this month by 25% determine the key strategy for achieving this (e.g. a contest or guest blogging opportunities) and break that strategy down into daily tasks you can complete each day.
2.Manage your email: I’ve let my email climb to well over 1000 messages causing me to feel very OVERWHELMED. Business organization experts agree that keeping good email management habits are key factor for moving your business ahead. Dedicate time each day to: Dealing with new emails, deleting emails that have been addressed, and removing spam (increase your security levels if required).
- KEY TIP: Don’t use your email for storage!
3. Your computer is on your desk not in your head so take notes! As you go on the move throughout your day ideas and opportunities will come to mind. Whether you’re in the super market, in an office waiting to see a client or pumping gas – use technology to capture those moments of inspiration and clarity by downloading a mobile version of your favorite content capturing software. I personally enjoy using Evernote and have that on my desktop, and iPhone.
- KEY TIP: Don’t be afraid of technology – use online tools like Evernote to help you to make efficient use of your time.
4. Ready to reach new heights in your business? Do more with less with technology tools like Basecamp
- KEY TIP: Don’t be intimidated by an ambitious vision. Pull in the expertise of others to handle more projects , people and multiple timelines and manage it using the online tool Basecamp.
5. One of the most dreaded ways to lose a grasp on your business’ organization is to lose your computer files. A thunder storm, theft or a virus are just some of common ways you can lose your files. But there’s a way to protect your business and that’s by backing up your files.
- KEY TIP: Use an online back-up service like Carbonite to save and archive copies of your computer files. Carbonite will do this daily, weekly or whatever frequency you choose. For less than $60 per year you’ll have peace of mind and the ability to easily retrieve your files should something happen to your computer system.
There are so many steps to take to grow your business but getting organized is a smart and practical first step to getting the control and confidence needed move your business in the right direction.
Ready for targeted information that can help you implement changes in your business today? Then I invite you to sign up for our Marketing Your Business Online e-Course – you’ll get your first installment in minutes!
