Starting a new business is always exciting but with the amount of work needed to make a go of it, you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed and spinning your wheels needlessly. What started out as a great idea, and one that could be quite profitable, is now looking like a nightmare because you just don’t seem to be getting anything done. This is the time to slow down, take a step backwards and take a deep breath. You are not being productive because you are trying to do too much at one time. Take a look at the following key ways to keep your IT startup focused on productivity and you will soon see that all is not lost.
Surround Yourself with a Strong Team
The first advice you can be given is to realize that even though this is your startup, you cannot do everything by yourself. It is not possible. Gather a strong team together and delegate tasks. If there is much to be done within a short period of time, have key members work out a game plan. Sign them up for the Six Sigma online training course at http://sixsigmatrainingonline.com/ and they will quickly learn how to prioritize tasks, reduce wasted steps and focus on exactly how your IT startup can get back on a productive time schedule.
Get up and Get Moving
Unlike other industries, Information Technology often entails long periods of time behind a desk working on a computer. There may be some hands-on tasks when building hardware and working with mainframes and computer systems, but much of your time will be programming, reprogramming and running trials over and over as you modify your software for each client you serve. This is the time to get up and get moving. IT professionals can face ‘immobility’ burnout quite quickly. Get the blood flowing, bringing oxygen to your brain, and then sit back down and tackle your duties again. Those few moments spent revitalizing your body will give you a fresh start – guaranteed.
Take Time Off
No one can go on forever like the Energizer Bunny. You weren’t built to be in perpetual motion and until you take time off for a bit of much needed R&R, you will find yourself working with less and less energy until you literally burn out. Take at least one day a week to spend time doing things you enjoy that are not work related. Been looking forward to a day at the lake fishing or a night on the town with your best friend? This needs to be scheduled into your week without fail or you will not be as productive as you’d like. Again, guaranteed. No one can go on forever without refreshing so get away from everything work related, don’t take calls and do not check email, messages and texts. Get totally away and leave the helms in the hands of a capable co-pilot.
Does it look like you are being told that in order to get more done you need to do less? That’s exactly what you are being told! The key to productivity is to learn how to streamline processes, appoint key leaders and learn how to reduce waste. You can’t do it alone and you can’t do it with no rest. Focus on these key steps to productivity and you will soon be right back on track. Think of time spent refreshing as recharging your batteries. Once they’re at 100% you can get back at it, until then, enjoy your break. You deserve it!!
