Trying to figure out how you can cut corners when it comes to your monthly fixed expenses or how to be more productive with your work? Here are a few tips that are surefire ways to get you goin’.
Write It Out
I can’t stress enough how important making lists can be—both at work and at home. Writing out your errands will keep you on track and give you a physical idea of what needs to be done, which can be a great motivator. And nothing feels better than checking things off! At the office, make sure no meeting starts without a previously-approved agenda. Think about how many work hours (and payroll dollars) are being wasted talking about things that could very well be dealt with another time because it doesn’t apply to every staff member. With an agreed upon agenda, everyone is on the same page and comes prepared to discuss those items, and only those items.
Every Little Bit Counts
Every feel completely bogged down by all the stuff you have to do? A simple solution to get yourself motivated is to tackle the smaller tasks at hand. If you have to choose between stopping by the post office or finishing up that Powerpoint presentation, put the latter on the backburner. It may seem counterintuitive to put off the more important task, but you’ll get to it faster if you see that you’ve been able to accomplish a lot of little tasks. You’re likely to become overwhelmed not by how big or small your projects are, but how many there are. After knocking off a few small errands, you’ll be ready and motivated to tackle the big ones. Try it out and see just how productive you can be!
Bond While Saving a Few Bucks
Buying in bulk is always cheaper, and the same goes for staff lunches. Instead of everyone going out on their own to pick up their lunch, organize a staff luncheon where everyone contributes their portion (which is usually at least a few bucks cheaper than going solo) and it’s cutting down on gas usage, too. Most restaurants have platters of dishes that you can split so that everyone gets a bit of everything—it’s like a buffet, without the need for an elastic waistband. The best part: You can get to know your coworker and bosses a bit better, which always makes for a more relaxed work environment and a morale booster.
Become a Tech Geek
Social media platforms and the web can be your best friends when it comes to marketing. Printed flyers, sign spinners and other forms of advertising are costly alternatives to email blasts, digital newsletters, Facebook and Twitter, or even just email. Embrace the increasing love of technology and use it to your advantage when the word-of-mouth just isn’t enough (and it rarely is). You can also network with more people online than you ever will at a business conference–one click and you have a potential client or business partner.
