Keeping Your Small Business Organized
Running a small business can be an organizational nightmare. It’s pretty important that your business affairs are in order because a disorganized business just isn’t going to run as efficiently as a business that is being operated meticulously.
So, how exactly do you keep your small business organized? Here are a few ideas:
*This is a collaborative post but my authentic perspective is represented throughout the post.*
Invest in Storage
If you don’t already have a lot of neat storage space in your office or business premises, the first thing you’re going to want to do is change that. Every business space should have enough storage, so that there can be a specific place designated to every piece of equipment, all documents and each staff member, with a place for everything. Be sure that your space is clutter-free but more importantly, that you and your employees always know where to find things. It’ll save you a whole lot of time.
Go Paperless
If you can possibly manage to do so, going paperless (or as near to paperless as possible) is a great way to increase your business’ organization levels. It’s far easier to find a document on a computer with a quick search than it is to find one even in the most organized of filing cabinets, after all. Not only that, but it helps to prevent papers piling up on desks where they can be lost, damaged or misused.
Use Automated Software
Whether it’s QuickBooks to keep your accounts organized or the latest payment processing equipment to make light work of taking payments from your customers or clients, using as many software applications that take the effort out of vital processes is a great way to be more organized because it frees up your time while ensuring that nothing slips through the net and your business can operate exactly as it needs to come what may.
Use a Password Manager
If you run an online business, you’ll have passwords for everything from your blog to your Google Adwords account to deal with. It’s so easy to forget them, get locked out of important accounts and get yourself into a real mess if you aren’t careful. Luckily, there are numerous password managers available that will keep track of them for you so that you don’t need to remember, and you will be able to access all of your important business accounts when you most need to.
Use the Cloud
Using the cloud to backup important documents, notes and files is a really good idea. Not only does it help to protect them from computer crashes and other hardware issues, but it means that you can have quick access to your documents when you need them from whichever device you’re using at the time. So, even if you aren’t organized enough to bring your laptop with you on a meeting, you’ll still be able to access that important contract on your phone.
Businesses really don’t have to be run in a chaotic manner, with a little forethought and a few useful tools, you really can be very organized as a business owner.
