Organizing Office Chaos

Life as a small business owner can be pretty hectic. There are always a hundred things to get done, from responding to emails and calls to recording expenses and planning the next project. On top of running a household, keeping up with hobbies, and maintaining a social life. It can be overwhelming, I know I struggled with knowing what to get done and when. I’d end up missing deadlines or forgetting key details about a project. I then discovered to-do lists, and they have been a life-changer for me. I am on top of all my chores and business tasks, as well as more effectively assisting clients with running their own business. This month I am sharing an in depth how-to guide for creating an effective to-do list. I hope you find to-do lists as helpful as I do!

Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, has gained a lot of attention over recent years. There are new models and uses coming out every day. There has also been a wide range of discussion around AI, particularly about how useful it is and its impact on the job market and the environment. It seems like everyone has an opinion. It can be overwhelming and confusing to sort through it all. This month, I wanted to summarize the AI discussion: outline the pros and cons of AI and things to consider if you are looking to use AI in an ethical way (if there is such a thing). So, let’s get right into it. 

Managing finances is probably one of the most important aspects of running a business, no matter the size or the structure. If there is room in your budget, hiring a bookkeeper or accountant is recommended but I know that it’s not always feasible. So, this month I’ll be going over tips and tricks to keep your bookkeeping efficient, with or without a team.

I enjoy putting together processes and tools to stay on top of tasks and meet deadlines. Planning for social media can fall back on my monthly to do list. It’s also a challenge to know what to put together and when to post. So, this planner came about as a way to keep my vision for Instagram focussed and to know what my next steps are.

It is essential for businesses and non profits to create and maintain an effective filing system.  Paperwork can pile up quickly, creating clutter on your desk or desktop, making it easier to lose important documents. The disorganization can then fall into everyday work, making it difficult to effectively work as a team or seamlessly support clients.

Keeping on top projects, clients, and tasks is a big job. Last month I shared tips for managing everything. This month, I will share tools that help with staying organized. Below is my list of essential tools and software that I use every day to stay on top of the chaos. 

Having multiple projects on the go, many clients to work with, or customers to serve is constant as a small business owner. The consistent bustling can lead to feelings of being stuck, overwhelmed or having no idea where to start or even how to start. Another frequent symptom is burnout. I have definitely been there! Keep on reading to learn more about handling client and project management.

December is such a busy time of year. Holiday parties, people to shop for, decorating to do, and running a business! So busy. Especially if you are offering services, gift packages, or products geared for people celebrating the holidays. I know I feel overwhelmed trying to stay on top of it all. During this crazy time, it is so important to take care of yourself, get a decent amount of sleep, eat regularly, and have some quiet time. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Well, with the right work- life balance, it is definitely doable! 

Administrative assistants can help you streamline your services, creating more time to work with clients, create products, focus on the actual research, and ultimately get back to doing what you love: the stuff that draws in clients, customers, grants, and programs.

As Pride Month approaches, businesses in Peterborough's beauty and trades industry have a unique opportunity to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community in ways that extend far beyond superficial gestures. While adding a rainbow to your logo is a visible sign of solidarity, there are numerous other more meaningful actions that small businesses can take to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.