Small business owners often juggle numerous administrative tasks, so streamlining is essential for efficiency. We gathered insights from CEOs and Operations Managers to share their single most effective tip or strategy. From using online task managers to adopting digital document management, discover six expert strategies to help you optimize your administrative workflow.
Use Online Task Managers
Invest in Automation Tools
Employ a Digital Assistant
Repurpose Content Strategically
Implement Project Management Systems
Adopt Digital Document Management
Use Online Task Managers
Since launching my business, I've found that using an online task manager is the single best way to streamline administrative tasks. They provide a clear answer to the question, 'What should I be doing right now?' and help you stay focused and productive, even on the busiest days.Â
Seriously, I use Asana for everything from planning a birthday party to scheduling an email!
The thing about online task managers is that they're specifically designed to help you organize and execute your work efficiently and allow you to get more done with greater clarity and fewer distractions.
When you're trying to pick one, make sure it reduces communication overhead, is focused on time management, easy to use, robust, online, and affordable.
Carey Bentley, CEO, Lifehack Method
Invest in Automation Tools
I recommend investing in automation tools. There are many software programs and tools available that can help automate repetitive tasks such as invoicing, scheduling appointments, managing emails, and organizing files.Â
By implementing these tools, you can save time, reduce errors, and free up your team to focus on more strategic tasks. Also, automation can help improve efficiency and ensure consistency in your processes, leading to better overall productivity for your business.
Tom Molnar, Operations Manager, Fit Design
Employ a Digital Assistant
As the CEO of a tech company, I wear many hats—and time is often scarce. My tip for streamlining administrative tasks? Use a digital personal assistant. Tools like Google Assistant or Siri can be lifesavers.Â
They can set reminders, book appointments, send texts or emails, and much more. It's like having a PA in your pocket—doing the small tasks so you can focus on the big decisions, the ones that really move the business needle. And the best part? It's cost-effective and always accessible!
Abid Salahi, Co-founder and CEO, FinlyWealth
Repurpose Content Strategically
One tip I highly recommend is repurposing content. Many small-business owners create content from scratch each time, which can be time-consuming.Â
User-generated content, for instance, can be reposted across multiple platforms, significantly reducing the effort and time spent on content creation.
Victor Hsi, Founder, UGC Creator Community
Implement Project Management Systems
Small-business owners can quickly implement a project management system using a tool like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com.Â
This will help in organizing tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking progress. It also keeps everyone on the same page and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, California Commercial Insurance
Adopt Digital Document Management
As the founder of a legal process outsourcing company, one tip I highly recommend for small business owners to streamline administrative tasks is implementing digital document management systems.
This recommendation stems from our own experience when we transitioned from manual, paper-based processes to a digital document management platform.
The transformation was remarkable; not only did it eliminate the need for cumbersome filing cabinets and paperwork, but it also centralized document storage, enabling easy access and retrieval.
This streamlined approach significantly reduced administrative overhead and improved overall efficiency. By digitizing documents, small businesses can save time, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration among team members, ultimately enabling them to focus more on growing their business.
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
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