Staying creative and productive is hugely important to me. When you run a business you always need to remain focused but also remain creative while having fun with the vision you have for your business. So here are my top five essentials for staying on top of it!
Stay Organized.
If you keep yourself, your life and your work day organized then you'll always have a good road map for the day. Think about it...we wouldn't go on vacation without using Google Maps because most of us would get lost...so don't get lost from the productivity of your day!
These are two of my favorite ways to stay organized! Both pads can be found
here at the Heart and Arrow Etsy Shop.
Blush Pink Hourly Notepad
Weekly Blog Planner
Be Inspired.
Another important part of staying productive is staying inspired. Lets face it, having cute and personalized items around you will help you stay happy...and happy people are productive people. So get yourself inspired!!! Here are a few of my favorites...keep it colorful and fun!
Kick it Off Right.
This is one of the most important things so pay close attention. Do. Not. Get. Sucked. In. What I mean when I say that...don't get to your desk ready to start the day and immediately start checking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or any other social media platform...oh and US Weekly counts too! They are giant blank hole time sucks and you will never get your time back. So sit down, make your list, be inspired and get to work. Reserve a specific amount of time later on in the day to check the black hole...otherwise your day will only be wildly successful in terms of procrastination.
Define and Reach.
Back to the "maps" metaphor from earlier...create a clearly defined plan on what you need to accomplish during your day. Write it down and keep it next to your work station. Pick a few larger realistic tasks but also make sure to list some smaller easier to accomplish tasks as well. You will feel like you are making progress with every item you can cross off your list. And when you feel accomplished you will keep making great progress throughout the day.
Work Smarter, Not Harder.
If you have a vision...and most business owners do...you need to get your map together and get it done! When in doubt, take to the internet, ask Google. Need help figuring out the best ways to market with social media? Google! Want to know how to track your ROI (return on investment)? Google! Need funding to back your brilliant business idea? Check Kabbage...who provides
small business loans. Repeat the work day mantra..."No one else in this world is going to do it for you. So get it in gear and make it happen."