How to Stay Out of the Weeds of Your Business: Tips for Small Business Owners
Posted on 18th August 2022
As a small business owner, it can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of running your business. Before you know it, you're buried in paperwork and administrative tasks, and you have no time for the work that truly drives your business forward and generates revenue. This can be extremely frustrating, and get in the way of your progress.
With that in mind, we've got some tips for staying out of the weeds and keeping your business organised and efficient.
What Does "in the Weeds" Actually Mean?
The term "in the weeds" is often used to describe a person who is overwhelmed, bogged down, or buried in work. It's a metaphor that conjures up the image of someone who is so deep in their work that they can't see the forest for the trees. This can be an extremely frustrating place to be, especially if you feel like you're stuck in a rut and not making any progress.
The weeds of your business are the tasks and activities that are taking up your time, but aren't actually moving your business forward. They're the things that need to be done, but don't necessarily generate revenue or help you achieve your goals. This can include administrative tasks, paperwork, managing employees, customer service, etc.
So how do you stay out of the weeds? Let's take a closer look.
#1 - Put the Right Systems in Place
First, it's important to have systems and processes in place so that you can delegate tasks and stay organised. This includes things like having a CRM system to manage your customers and sales, an accounting system to track your finances, and project management software to keep your team on track. By automating these processes and using the right tools, you can free up a lot of time so that you can focus on more important tasks.
#2 - Trust Your Team
If you don't trust your team, you'll always be in the weeds. It's important to delegate tasks and give your employees the autonomy to get their work done. This can be difficult for some business owners, but it's necessary if you want to scale your business. Of course, you should still provide guidance and support when needed, but try to let go of the need to micromanage every aspect of your business.
#3 - Realise the Value of Your Time
In order to truly escape the weeds, you need a mindset shift. You need to realise the value of your time and focus on the tasks that only you can do. This means delegating or outsourcing the things that someone else can handle, and focusing on the things that will move your business forward.
For some business owners, this may mean hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, and hiring an accountant to manage their finances. Others may need to outsource customer service or social media marketing.
By making this shift, you'll be able to focus on the things that matter most and that will have the biggest impact on your business.
#4 - Hire an Advisor
Hiring an advisor can be a great way to get out of the weeds. An advisor can help you develop systems and processes, delegate tasks, and focus on your goals. They can also provide an outside perspective on your business, and offer guidance when you're feeling stuck. If you're struggling to get out of the weeds, hiring an advisor really can make all the difference and keep you accountable.
Final Thoughts
It's not always easy to get out of the weeds, but it's important to focus on the tasks that will move your business forward. By putting the right systems in place, trusting your team, realising the value of your time, and hiring an advisor, you can escape the weeds and act like a true CEO.
Written by:
Nicola J Sorrell - Effective Accounting
Founder | Xero Champion | IR35 Expert
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