If you’re a solo businessperson, whether you’re just getting that startup off the ground, or if you’ve been at it for a few years, you know how stressful, hectic and downright busy juggling all the responsibilities can be. Carrying a business on your back solo is no small feat, and we salute you! But we also know that it is a thankless job, and one that can drive you up the wall if you don’t manage your time properly. 

For those who don’t have the time or money to hire a team of employees (or maybe you just don’t want to, which is valid – you know what’s best for your business!), there are other options. You can save time and money by implementing easy and simple little tweaks that’ll shave time off of your day and make your job so much easier. We’ve outlined a few of these below. 

Virtual Answering Service

Just think of all the time you spend answering phones, checking voicemails, and returning calls. How many times have you finally sat down for that much-needed five minute break, only for your phone to start buzzing in your pocket? It seems like you’re never allowed to be “off”. 

If you don’t have a receptionist to field calls, why not consider a virtual answering service? These services are great for the solo-businessperson; they will field your calls, take down detailed messages, and deliver it all in a timely manner so you don’t have to take up valuable time answering the phone. You’ll work with a professional and well-trained team who fields your calls and reports to you every day. Best of all, most virtual answering services have affordable monthly rates and a variety of options to suit your business. 

Email Services

We all know how it is to be drowning in emails. But for a businessperson, it’s an even more intense experience. How do you navigate between those important emails, among all the spam, junk, and irrelevant chit chat? Sites/apps like Unroll.me can help a lot, by weeding out the junk and helping you manage your correspondence. Many services like MailChimp offer this type of filter in their platform, also. But sometimes you just need a little extra help. 

But there are also email services very similar to virtual answering services, made up of a team who can go through your emails and make sure the right ones are filtered to you. It’s just another way to save you time so you can focus on more valuable tasks. 

Freelance Work

Sometimes there will arise a job that you can’t do – whether it’s graphic design, a bit of writing or something in HR, you need to delegate but you don’t have a team of employees to rely on. It wouldn’t make sense to hire someone for such a temporary job, so what do you do? 

Check out freelancing and career sites like Fiverr, UpWork or FlexJobs to find a great freelancer or independent contractor to hire on a temporary basis; someone with the experience and know-how to complete the tasks that need doing. These experienced workers are often willing to work for very fair rates (just bear to mind that often these sites may charge additional fees or skim off the top) and they get things done fast. If you’re pleased with their performance, you can keep them on retainer for future work! 

Multi-Tasking

Learning to multitask is an essential skill of any self-made businessperson. It means something different for every person and every business. For you, that could mean combining business with pleasure and having a few working lunches, or coffee dates with potential clients. It could mean skyping in with clients while doing light housework, or conference calls via headset while you’re making a commute. 

Making the most of your time is a learned skill, but it’s an important one. It can really save you time if you learn to do it properly. Just remember to keep some of your free time truly free. Self-care and relaxation is important!
These are just a few helpful tips for how to manage your time and shave precious minutes or even hours off your schedule every week, leaving you with more time to take care of the most important aspects of your business (and yourself). Having your own business is a rewarding venture, and to stay successful, you want to make sure you’re organizing your time in the best possible way. It’s easy to do with just a few simple skills.