Number 2 pencils are being sharpened, school buses are traversing through the city, kindergarteners are waddling around wearing backpacks as big as they are – it’s back to school time once again!
The start of the school year is a natural fresh start in our calendars, regardless if you are sending children off to classes (or heading off to class yourself). It’s a time to shift gears from hopping aboard the boat at the lake to hitting the books. Back to school organization is just as important for entrepreneurs as it is for students.
Get ready to start the year strong with our back to school organization guide for the entrepreneur.
- Get Your Schedule Sorted Out
Students rely on a schedule to be where and when. Sure, you may not have to report to geometry in room A203 anymore. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow a schedule.
It’s the paradox of the entrepreneur life. You hold autonomy over your schedule, but you should use that autonomy to set restrictions. Ask any successful entrepreneur and they will tell you a schedule is key (not convinced? Check out this post on why you need to set your work hours when you work from home).
Take some time to develop a work schedule that will work for you. Maybe your peak productivity hours are early morning and late afternoon. Schedule your workout for the midday slump. Maybe at 3 you need to shuttle your kiddos around to after school activities. Start your workday a bit earlier. Making a schedule sets you up to be organized and ready to rock this year.
- Stock Up on Supplies
Most stores host back to school sales for supplies like paper, pens, post-it notes, and even electronics. Conveniently, all tools you use to run your business! Take advantage of these sales and stock up on anything you will need throughout the year.
If you are lucky enough to have a storage area, pack it to the brim with discount supplies. If you haven’t already, make sure your supplies are organized and easily accessible.
- Get Ready to Learn
Students everywhere are getting ready to learn and so should you! Plan out a duoable learning schedule you can follow throughout the school year.
Maybe you take an online course through Udemy where you dedicate one hour Tuesday evenings to. Maybe it’s reading a business development book for twenty minutes a day (try this list of top books every entrepreneur should read). Always be learning. It’ll make you a better entrepreneur (and more well-rounded person).
- Gather Up the Timelined Checklists
Checklists are a great organizational tool. They help you remember those dozens of small tasks you need to do without letting something fall through the cracks. Checklists are your friend. At the start of the school year, collect ones you will rely on the following months.
Here are a few we recommend:
- Beginning of the Year Checklist
- Summer Slump Checklist
- End of Year Checklist
- Linkedin Personal Branding Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly Checklist
- Test Out Productivity Hacks
Productivity hacks are great. They let you work smarter, not harder. Pick a few new productivity tricks to try out this school year. You can even pick a new trick each month to continually make yourself more effective.
Here’s a round-up of some great tips to get you started:
- Streamline your business with these free tools
- Keep your to-do list short (a few items or less)
- Test out the pomodoro method of time management
- Try batching your tasks
- Plan your day the evening before
Use these organization tips to start your school year off right. Don’t forget, Alpine Small Business Solution is always here to lend a helping hand. We can assist with any aspect of business building. Let us help your company grow this school year. Reach out today with a quick call or email to get started.
As an entrepreneur, you are already stretched pretty thin. I get it! The last thing you want is another item on your to-do list. Fortunately, this one really does only take a few minutes a day. If you need to, download the LinkedIn app on your phone so you can update it while waiting in line at the grocery store or during your commute.
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Each quarter, take time to comb over your profile and make any necessary tweaks.
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team members. Praise their successes. Encourage reflection on their struggles and setbacks. Ask if they are happy with the direction of their role, and if there’s anything you can help them with. Talk with them about their life apart from work. Do everything you can to support them and ensure they feel valued, both as your valued team member and as an individual.
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