The best advice a team member ever gave me

As a CEO I love to learn from my team. What they teach me is just as valuable as what I teach them, it is the whole reason we surround ourselves with great people.

Many years ago a member of my team who is still with me today gave me a shake and told me to eat my frog! I now do this every day and it changed my life, I found it quit ribbeting – laughing to myself.

“Eat Your Frog” is an expression used to motivate people to complete difficult and unenjoyable tasks first. The idea is that if you get the more difficult tasks done first, it will give you a sense of accomplishment and make the rest of the day’s tasks easier. This expression is attributed to Mark Twain who said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” Basically, it’s a way to motivate yourself to tackle the big tasks that you’d rather avoid.

As a small business owner, managing your time can be a challenge. You have to juggle multiple tasks, from marketing to customer service to accounting, all while trying to keep your business running smoothly. Fortunately, there are several strategies and tips you can use to help maximize your productivity and make the most of your time.

First, create a daily to-do list. This allows you to prioritise tasks and ensure you’re focusing on the most important things first. You can also break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can help you stay focused and make progress without becoming overwhelmed.

Second, plan your days in advance. Estimate how much time each task will take, and then schedule your day accordingly. This helps you to stay on top of deadlines and make sure you’re using your time efficiently.

Third, set aside some time each day for self-care. This could include activities like reading, cooking, exercising, or just taking a few minutes of quiet time to relax. This helps to reduce stress and can increase your productivity in the long run.

Finally, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. If you feel like you’re taking on too much, consider outsourcing certain tasks to free up time for other projects. This can also help you to focus on the tasks that you’re most skilled at.

By following these tips, you can make sure you’re managing your time efficiently and effectively as a small business owner.