Power Up Your Productivity
There are two things you can never get enough of during your startup launch: time and money. Cranking up your productivity is one way to maximize both. Make productivity-boosting technology tools a part of your plan from day one.
Get a Jumpstart
As a new startup, you have a lot to attend to. There’s the business plan, financing, buying equipment, setting up hardware, choosing software and getting the word out to potential customers. You can’t be everywhere at once, so look for opportunities to offload some of your startup tasks to Web applications and services. Getting a logo is just one of many to-dos on the startup checklist. Check out a site like the Logo Company. Their logo design services start at $149 and the process is handled efficiently online. Services like Intuit’s Billing Manager and FreshBooks can save you time by automating much of the invoicing process.
When you’re sizing up hardware purchases for your startup, consider when and how you will be using your computers. It might make sense to invest in laptops if you plan to be on the road a lot, have a mobile work force or need to work from both home and office. Smartphones that tie into your e-mail, calendar and vital documents mean you’ll never be out of touch with your business essentials, even when you’re traveling light. Small things like a travel mouse, Bluetooth headset, USB thumb drive or GPS for your car can keep your work flow moving smoothly and save you time in the long run.
Marketing your new business can be an ongoing challenge, but it doesn’t have to overly distract you from your main tasks. If you can’t afford a PR agency and need to do-it-yourself, turn to web services to make the process more efficient. Constant Contact offers powerful online tools for building and managing your e-mail list. PR Newswire is one of several services that will distribute your press release to the media. Need help writing that press release? Put out a query on Craigslist or find a service provider online. After all, delegating duties that aren’t your specialties is one of the most powerful productivity tools for any startup owner.
Productivity Tips
When your business startup tasks start to pile up, these tips can help you sort out your priorities and make the most of the time you have available.
- Studies show that having two computer monitors can help you and your employees be more productive. That extra screen real estate makes it easier to work with multiple programs at the same time.
- E-mail is a big culprit when it comes to lost productivity. Xobni is a free downloadable plug-in for Outlook that features fast e-mail search, analytics, threaded conversations and personal assistant capabilities.
- Backing up your data is a must, but you don’t have to spend time manually transferring files or burning DVDs. Set your startup up with an automated network storage or online storage system.
- To-do lists help you keep focused and on task as you tackle your startup needs. Remember the Milk manages your tasks and reminders so you can focus on getting things done.
- If you have a productivity pain point, chances are good that LifeHacker has tips, ideas or download suggestions that can ease your troubles. It’s a major resource site for finding ways to organize your work life.
- New business owners can often be found putting in 80-hour work weeks. That may be necessary, but don’t forget to take breaks and have some relaxation time. It’s important for keeping your mind fresh and focused.
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