We get it, you’re busy, your time is important and you have a lot of things to check off your to-do list. Being in the event industry is non-stop, you can’t remember the last time you had a free weekend, and time = money! Luckily we have put together a list of ten business practices to save time.
1) Schedule in advance
Your calendar is your best friend. Write down your deadlines and event dates so you know what your month looks like at a glance. This way if you get a call out of the blue for a quick job, you know if you are available or not.
2) Be organized
Nothing is more distracting than a messy work-space; make sure you tidy up your area every now and then. Have your contact information in a specific area, so when you need to make a call you know exactly where to go.
3) Save your files!
Being organized in your physical space is just as important as being organized in your cyber space. Working in events you are going to have endless documents and images that you need to be able to find instantly. Have detailed files where you save everything, that way when a client wants a copy of their event images, you know where to go! Don’t forget to back up your work; computers crash and you can’t afford to lose everything.
4) Meet your clients virtually
Attending meetings is essential for every business; it’s how you expand, but they also take a lot of time. Consider a meeting on Skype or GoToMeeting. Make sure you are still professional and watch your background space, but you are still getting face-to-face time in the comfort of your own office.
5) Manage social media better
In this day and age, social media presence is essential to your business. Don’t waste your time posting every single post by hand. We prefer HootSuite or Buffer to schedule social media posts in advance! It’s super convenient and allows you to post your content days or weeks in advance.
6) Delegate!
This might be hard for some, especially small business owners, but once you get more exposure, the more work there is. You cannot do everything by yourself so hire someone to help you! Find someone that is passionate about your business and will help you succeed.
7) Know what’s important
There will always be things that fall on the same deadline; you have to learn how to prioritize them. Take charge on what is the most important and (delegate!) those that others can complete.
8) Have an end time
Being an Event Planner, you may have crazy hours. Take advantage of your office days. There is always going to be more stuff to do, learn to end the day at a reasonable time. Enjoy the days where you aren’t running around at an event, take a class or spend time with friends and family.
9) Turn your attention to one thing at a time
This may sound insanely hard to do, but hear me out. Focus your time on one thing; whether that is a client, a task or an employee, they deserve your undivided attention. Event planning is a juggling act, keeping everything balanced is tough. Focus on the task at hand. An email or text can wait for you to finish up.
10) Schedule breaks
Things get hectic and you get stressed, and it may seem like the best idea to power through the day. Take a break when things get tough, clear your mind and come back to the task at hand refreshed. It will amaze you what a walk outside or a tasty treat can do for you!
Whether you just started your business or you have been doing it for thirty years, you know how important time is. There never seems like there are enough hours in the day. Follow these 10 practices to save time in your business so you can succeed!
