15 Tips for Productivity for the Savvy Business Owner

Being productive each day is as simple as showing up to your business (or laptop) and getting started.

Right?

If only it were that simple!

Productivity is an issue we all deal with more often than we'd care to admit. But there are ways other business owners are overcoming it (and you can too).

Let's take a look at how.

1. Use your circadian rhythms to be more productive

Did you know that your body has a natural internal clock? Your circadian rhythm is the natural cycles your body goes through each day. This is why you'll find some people who are early birds and others who are night owls.

Studies show your peak productivity is between 2.5 and 4 hours after you awake. However, monitor yourself to see when you're most active and productive and try to stick to those days/times.

2. Knock out one large project early (before lunch)

Don't save your big projects for later in the day. You'll get more done if you knock out one of your large projects before lunchtime. This way, the rest of the day is easier to breeze through.

3. Work on tasks you least like first

Ever work on a project or task you don't enjoy? That's what business ownership is all about (so it seems). Since we can't get rid of the tasks needed to run your company, why not knock them out at the beginning of the day? This way, you don't have to look forward to it all day (who wants to do that?).

4. Find a task management tool that works for you

How are you organizing your days? To-do lists are the go-to for most business owners. And let's face it -- checking off items on a to-do list is utterly satisfying. Try to find one that works for you -- there are plenty to choose from for your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

5. Limit your email checking to specific times of the day (no more than twice per day)

It's easy to lose yourself in your email inbox. You may think it'll take a few minutes, until you find several emails requiring longer responses. Not to mention, the flow of new emails that'll arrive before you can click logout. So save email checking for specific times of day (i.e., 10 am and 5 pm).

6. Set aside emails that require a longer (more thoughtful) response

Emails that require longer responses can be time-consuming. So it's best to save them for another time. Make it a habit to prioritize emails and use a reminder tool, so you don't forget about them.

7. Avoid checking your email as soon as you get up

You don't want to start your day inside of your email inbox. It'll eat away at your energy and morale, which should be put towards getting things done.

8. Avoid scheduling long meetings

Meetings are supposed to help boost productivity. But studies show the exact opposite -- meetings actually waste tons of time and money, costing businesses $399 billion annually. However, if you must have them, then try to limit them to 25 minutes or less.

9. Try to keep one-on-one meeting calls to less than 19 minutes

Maybe you thought resorting to phone meetings would help save time. Well, it can since it cuts out the time it takes to drive and walk to the office. Just make sure these calls are no more than 19 minutes.

10. Learn how to speed read

Here's a new skill you can learn to get through your paperwork faster. If you have a ton of emails, manuals, guides, or letters to read each week, then speed reading will be invaluable.

11. Start with tasks that have the greatest impact on your goals

What are the goals for your business? Make sure the tasks you're working on are helping you inch closer and closer to reaching them. Otherwise, toss them aside for later (or completely).

12. Break down large projects into small chunks

It can be challenging to get through large projects. So to make it more manageable, break them up into smaller chunks. If it's due in a week, then chop it up into 7 daily milestones.

13. Take breaks every 25 minutes (Pomodoro method)

Heard of the Pomodoro method? This is when you work without distraction for 25 minutes and then take a break for five minutes. Rinse and repeat. It helps enables you to get a lot of work done in a short period of time. Focus on doing about 8 Pomodoros per day. Achieve this and you're getting 8 hours of work done in half the time!

14. Create a distraction-free workspace

If you work from home, then you're going to need to find a space where you can work distraction-free. This may be a specific area of the home and/or at certain times of the day/week.

15. Develop systems and processes to simplify your tasks

It's easier to get help with your tasks and projects when you have systems and processes in place. Delegating tasks that are easy and mundane is a great way to free up your time. Consider writing down the steps for your tasks so others can join in on the fun.

Don't Be a Slave to Time

It's time to break free of your daily time-constraints. Free your days up by using these productivity tips in your business daily.

Have a few others you'd like to add to the list?

Then add them in the comments below!