10 Ways to Organize Your Small Business

Keeping your small business well-organized doesn’t always come easy, especially when you’re already spread a little too thin. We get it, running a business takes a lot of time and energy, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to stay on top of organizing every aspect. That’s why we’ve got you covered with these 10 organization tips for your small business. 

1. Eliminate the Clutter

   If you look around your office and realize you’re surrounded by non-work-related things, it’s probably time to purge your office of anything you don’t need. Clutter can often be distracting and reduce your productivity. De-cluttering can be therapeutic and give you the sense of a fresh start.

2. Tackle Your Inbox

   If you’re sitting on hundreds or even thousands of emails, start the daunting process of going through your mailbox and flagging the messages that need your attention, filing records you need to keep and deleting emails you no longer need. Be sure to follow retention requirements for tax, legal or audit purposes. The Internal Revenue Service’s site provides helpful recommendations for records retention. 

3. Get Your Files Tidy

   It’s important to keep information easily accessible to save time and promote efficiency. If you keep paper files, one small business paperwork organization tip is to adopt a labelling and color-coding system that keeps your files organized by year, client and project. Better yet, it may be time to make the switch to digital files.

4. Transition to a Digital Filing System

   You probably prefer digital communications and invoices over mail and paper in your personal life, so why not bring that same efficiency to your business. Research document management software to find the digital filing system most appropriate for your outfit. Many affordable digital filing systems for businesses will have you operating in the cloud in no time. 

5. Use a Calendar

   We’ve all missed a meeting or an appointment, or two. Regularly using a calendar system like Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar can help you make it to that client meeting on time. Also make sure the settings on your phone, laptop and desktop computer are updated to enable video meetings so you can meet “in person” wherever you are.  

6. Schedule Regular Meetings with Your Staff

   If you have staff, scheduling regular meetings to touch base has many positive side effects. Your staff will appreciate the open communication and will come prepared when meetings are held on a consistent schedule. Make sure to send an agenda out in advance to improve accountability among your small business staff. 

7. Create Goals for Each Year

   Mapping out a strategy for achieving your goals can be what it takes to keep you on track. Remember to refer to your business goals on a consistent basis throughout the year by scheduling progress reminders in your calendar. 

8. Track Your Time

   When you and your staff track your time, you can see exactly how everyone is spending their hours and adjust accordingly. Programs like Toggl not only help track billable hours accurately, they also give business owners insight into the company’s efficiency and areas that may need more or fewer resources.

9. Remain Flexible

   Not every small business organization idea will work for you. It’s all about finding what will help you and your business reach your goals. Listen to the opinions of your employees, tap into their strengths and identify areas where you all can improve. Taking a nimble approach to organizing your small business will ultimately lead to greater success.

10. Make Sure You Are Covered

    As you’re evaluating your organization strategies, connect with a local Farm Bureau agent to ensure your small business is properly covered. Your agent will work with you to help customize your coverage.