When it comes to productivity, the goal is to do more in less time. Time is money. It is also the enemy. Wasting time can kill your bottom line. We want to be productive, keep costs low, and profit high. We also need to make sure that we are competitive in pricing.
I’ve had many different jobs ranging from managing a store to working an assembly line. From all of those jobs, I managed to glean some knowledge about production. When I worked an assembly line, it was all about quota. We had to meet a quota. Sometimes that meant speeding up the process. Speed it up too much, and poor product was your result which created a loss; however, if you found that sweet spot, you could easily meet the demand, plus some.
I had a manager who taught me that you never wanted to touch anything twice. Through her smart insight, I managed to utilize that in everything I did, even when it comes to teaching and grading papers!
Productivity is all about getting it done. Here’s a few tips that can keep your productivity higher:
1. Block off time
Set aside your time to work and do so without interruptions. The more interruptions, the less you can accomplish. If you blog and make videos, schedule your blocks of time for that. Make sure that if you work at home, your family knows that you will not be available during that time. Do not stop for anything, even emails or phone notifications. If it is your writing time, then write. If it is your sewing time, then sew. Just make sure that you are working on what you should be working on during that time.
2. Batch work
If you have a handmade business, know that you should never touch anything twice. If you are working on writing, batch things together. Create several posts at one time. Create several newsletters at one time.
For me, I have a sewing business. I only touch a pattern once. If I’m making bibs, I cut all my bibs at once. I cut all of my backings at once. The reason? I can sew ten at the same time that I can sew one. I can cut out multiple the same time that I can cut out one. This allows me to increase my productivity. Even if I am not sewing them that same day, I cut out my pieces and place them in a Ziploc bag for sewing at a later time, especially when certain things call for the same color of thread. This way I am not having to stop and change out thread. I can keep going.
3. Know yourself
I know that my mental status is more alert in the morning. So I like to write first thing in the morning while I am sipping my coffee. I feel more alert during that time. I also know that in the evenings, I’m not as focused. I use that time for activities that do not require a great deal of mental acuity or preciseness. This is the time when I normally organize, clean, or respond to emails, etc. If you know that you would be more apt to procrastinate in the afternoon, then do not schedule yourself to do the majority of your work during that time. It is best left for things that will not matter to your bottom line.
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