How Mums in Business are getting organised and focused...

Getting organised is a tough ask for many people, especially with kids in tow! Being focused and organised can be done, and with a business to run, it is absolutely essential.

So, how do we do it?

1. Physically clean and tidy
   
   First thing is to physically clean and tidy all of your desk and office. Put all of your papers to one side in a big pile and clean your computer, phone and accessories (not forgetting the desk itself). For those who have a computer on the kitchen bench or similar, this might be a great time to re-evaluate making an office space.
   
   
2. Organise your time
   
   
   1. Next you need to work out a time schedule for your days and week. This is also commonly called a DMO- Daily Method of Operation. The aim of this exercise is to ensure that you have set aside and blocked out work time. Investing in a daily diary is a great idea. In your dairy
      
      
      • Block out time for your essential personal tasks like family time, pick up and drop off of kids, any cooking, bed times etc. Ensure you block out time for you as well.
        
        
      • Then, with what you have left over, start choosing blocks of time that you can set aside to work. These may be whole days or part of days depending on your circumstances.
        
        
   2. Make a list all the tasks that you should be doing on a daily and weekly basis. Split your tasks up as follows:
      
      
      • Personal Tasks
        
        
      • Business Tasks - For a business to be successful you need to be spending more time working on your business instead of working in your business. However for most small businesses this is not always the case, so I suggest it is something you start trying to improve now. Ideally you should be spending the bigger amount of time on working on your business. Split tasks between:
        
        
      • Working on your business. These are the tasks such as renewing your business plan, marketing plan, strategic plans to grow your business. Use this time to also develop growth strategies and attend networking events.
        
        
      • Working in your business. These are tasks that you do on day to day basis to keep your business running, such as answering emails, accounts, processing orders, ordering stock etc.
        
        
      • Remember those piles we left to the side? Throw out or file the ones you don’t need to work on. Sort them into 2 piles - one that requires you to work on your business, and the other pile that requires you to work in your business. Add these task to your list
        
        
   3. Enter what tasks you will complete in each blocks of time. Ie. Answer emails 9am-10am Tues – Thurs, Process orders 3 times a week.
      
      
   4. Next, after you’ve blocked out your times, put them up where you can see them! Make sure your family can see them as well, and ensure that your work times are ok with everyone and don’t clash.
      
      
3. Focus your mind!
   
   Now it’s time to focus on your mind! Having a positive mind set is crucial to success in business. A great way to clear your mind and to focus is by writing affirmations. An Affirmation consists of the following:
   
   • Visualize your goals and dreams, picture yourself actually achieving your goals
   • Specific details for each of your goals
   • A step by step plan
     
     
4. Set some goals.
   
   Once you’ve defined your affirmations, it’s time to set some goals. It’s a great idea to set some short and long term goals.
   
   • Follow the acronym - SMART- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed
     
   • Always make sure your goals are in the present tense and have a timeframe on them
     
   • Review your goals every 90 days and amend if necessary
     
     

Mums in Business members have access to a downloadable goal setting chart, action plans, further in depth resources and information plus how to implement these tools into your business, are available in the Business Essentials website.

A great way to help you successfully juggle being a MUM and an Entrepreneur would be to chat to other business mums just like you on the mums in business – business discussion forum. Get your free access by going to click here where you can also discover proven, easy-to-apply strategy that mum’s just like YOU are using every day to start & grow profitable businesses!

From Alison Basson - Mums in Business, for mums and women who are serious about business