6 Small Biz Management Tips to Save Time, Money, and Headaches

For a lot of small business owners, days can feel like a marathon of tasks that never seem to end: client calls, emails, appointments, social media upkeep. (Not to mention juggling personal chores as well!)

And we get it: Running a business takes a lot of time and hard work. 

Here at Schedulicity, we talk with small business owners every day looking to make their business more efficient. How can I save time? How do I squeeze a day off into my already busy schedule? 

To help you get the most out of your work days, we put together six small business management tips that are sure to save you time, money, and — most importantly — headaches. 

• Use the right software 
• Keep better records 
• Optimize your schedule 
• Schedule meetings with yourself 
• Hire an accountant/bookkeeper 
• Pay taxes quarterly

6 Small Business Management Tips to Save You Headaches Every Day

Use the Right Software

Let’s talk online scheduling apps. If you’re an appointment-based business, like a hair stylist or a massage therapist, scheduling apps are your bread and butter. They’re convenient for both you and your clients, and there’s no doubt they save you a lot of time. (Gone are the days of pen and paper and booking over the phone!)

Plus, some booking apps like Schedulicity even have marketing and payment processing tools built right in, so you don’t have to worry about bouncing around between different programs. 

Keep Better Client Records

The reason to keep better client records is two-fold: It helps you to remember individual client’s needs for their appointments, which in turn helps improve the client’s experience. 

With client records, there’s no more stress over remembering what each client likes. Simply jot down notes after their appointment, then review those notes the next time you see them. 

With better client notes, you’ll notice you’re more prepared for each appointment. You’ll also notice:

• Better customer service for your clients
• Reduced stress on you
• More money in the bank (More money with client notes? Yep, find out how!)

Optimize Your Schedule

Scheduling apps give you full control of the hours and days you work. That means you can plan your schedule around your most productive hours. 

Is your appointment book packed on Fridays but slow on Mondays? Maximize your time on Friday, then dial back the hours on Monday. 

This way, you’re getting the most out of your schedule and leaving a little time for yourself. 

Scheduling Meetings — With Yourself

Speaking of time for yourself… One slick business trick is to book appointment blocks on your calendar just for you. (That’s right, actually take the time to block it off on the calendar, so it’s easier to stick to it.)

You’re the owner, and with that comes a ton of decision making. And with everything that goes into running a business, it’s hard to remember to take a break once in a while, giving you time to think through decisions and decompress from the hustle and bustle. 

Maybe you only take thirty minutes, maybe an hour, once a week, but use that time to think through your business goals, assess where you’re at in the week, then plan ways to move forward.

Trust us. Your brain will appreciate it! 

Hire an Account

The stress of numbers, spreadsheets, taxes can certainly cause a lot of headaches for small business owners. That’s why it’s smart to hire a pro to handle your books — for your sanity and to ensure your numbers are accurate.

Pay Your Taxes Quarterly

Paying taxes quarterly saves you headaches in two ways: you don’t have to worry about spending hard-earned money on unnecessary fees and you don’t have the IRS on your back to collect money. 

Plus, if you pay sooner, the IRS can make better use of your money or earn interest on it for you. So if you’re not yet paying your taxes quarterly, reach out to your accountant and find out what your quarterly minimum should be. This way you know how much to send each quarter.