Is your phone distracting you from your business?
Do you feel anxious when you can't check your phone?
How much time are you wasting scrolling on a daily basis?
Check yourself into "phone Rehab"...📲
So the chances are if you are running a business, you are using your phone to communicate with your clients, run your social media, check your emails, order products and services for your business, maybe you're even spending time in online business communities and WhatsApp groups...
I periodically fall into this trap myself, I'd go on my phone to reply to a client, get a notification and spend the next hour scrolling through reels, Tik Toks, cute dog videos, someone else's drama! Enough is enough, there has to be a point where you recognise and become aware of what your doing, maybe that reality check hits you when you didn't produce enough revenue this month, maybe its your child or partner making a comment "that your always on your phone!".
If you're at a point in your business and personal life where you feel you are not quite where you want to be, and you find yourself saying, " I just don't have the time! " then I would highly encourage you to read further...
📌 Have you ever stopped to think about the time that you are potentially wasting on a day to day basis scrolling through socials, consuming other people's content?
Looking at your screen time on a regular basis will help give you a clear picture of how much time you are spending on meaningless tasks.
Once you have the awareness of how much screen time you are actually racking up, then you can then start to look at ways to reduce it so that you can become more productive and get the results you want in your business.
Reducing phone/screen time and increasing productivity as a small business owner is crucial for maintaining focus, managing time effectively, and achieving your business goals.
Here are some tips to help you in that endeavour: 1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish specific times during the day when you will use your phone for business-related tasks, such as responding to emails, managing social media, and communicating with clients. Outside of these designated periods, make a conscious effort to limit your phone usage for personal activities and switch on auto responders. 2. Prioritise Important Tasks: Identify the critical activities (HVA's) that directly contribute to your business's growth and success. Focus your energy on these tasks rather than getting lost in non-essential phone activities. Create a to-do list or a task management system to stay organised and ensure you address high-priority items first. 3. Disable Non-Essential Notifications: Notifications can be major distractions. Turn off unnecessary alerts from social media platforms, games, or other apps that don't require immediate attention. Instead, set up notifications only for essential business apps and communication channels to minimise interruptions. 4. Utilise Productivity Apps: Explore productivity apps designed to help you manage your time and reduce phone/screen time. Apps like Structured- Daily Planner or Productive Habit Tracker to enable you to set goals, track your screen time, and provide reminders to stay focused on your work.
5. Practice Time Blocking: Implement a time-blocking technique, I personally like Time Chunking 50/10 where you allocate specific time slots for different activities. Set aside focused periods for tasks like email management, social media engagement, and client communication. By scheduling these activities, you create a structure that prevents aimless scrolling and promotes productivity. 6. Designate Phone-Free Zones: Establish specific areas or times during the day when phone usage is off-limits. For example, you can make your office or workspace a phone-free zone to maintain concentration and reduce distractions. During meetings or critical work sessions, keep your phone out of sight and put it on silent mode. 7. Take Regular Breaks: Paradoxically, taking scheduled breaks can increase productivity and reduce the temptation to constantly check your phone. Use these breaks to relax, recharge, and engage in activities unrelated to work. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in a hobby that allows your mind to rest and rejuvenate. 8. Delegate and Outsource: As a small business owner, you may feel the need to handle everything yourself. However, delegating tasks and outsourcing certain responsibilities can help you regain control of your time. Identify areas where others can assist you, whether it's hiring a virtual assistant, partnering with freelancers, or collaborating with other professionals. This way, you can focus on core business activities and reduce the need to constantly be on your phone. 9. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Cultivate mindfulness to be more aware of your phone usage habits and the impact it has on your productivity. Develop self-discipline and consciously choose when to engage with your phone. Being mindful of the time you spend on your device allows you to make intentional decisions about its usage. 10. Explore Offline Alternatives: Seek out offline alternatives for activities that don't require screen time. For instance, consider attending networking events or industry conferences in person, scheduling face-to-face meetings instead of relying solely on virtual communication, and exploring offline marketing strategies. Embracing offline opportunities can help you find a balance and reduce your dependence on the phone. By implementing these tips and being mindful of your phone usage, you can reduce distractions, increase productivity, and create a healthier work-life balance as a small business owner. Remember, the goal is to use technology as a tool to enhance your business, rather than allowing it to consume your valuable time and attention.
Please let me know below what you are going to commit to in the comments below 👇