The journey from turning a small startup into a successful and profitable business is paved by blood, sweat and tears, but mainly sweat. There is just so much to do, and when it is just you or only a handful of team members, optimum productivity is a non-negotiable. But how do you get more done in a single day?

Here are our top tips to limit distractions and get the most out of a work day to the benefit of your business!    

1. Create a to-do list the day before & stick to it 

It is so easy to start your day by following what your first email requires of you and to just take it all from there. It isn’t a terrible approach but it is similar to going to the shops without a list. You’ll get things you didn’t really need and realise only once your home that you forgot several critical items. Taking the time to make a must-do list for the following day, allows you to prioritise tasks according to urgency and group similar tasks together thereby getting more done.   

2. Switch off notifications 

Anything that takes your attention away from the matter at hand is a distraction, whether it is work-related or not. Allow a brief period for emails, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, social media messages and any other form of communication at the beginning, middle and end of your day, and then switch these off during the intervals in-between.   

3. Get up earlier 

Marnus Broodryk, a well-known South African entrepreneur and self-made millionaire at 24 wakes up at 4am every morning. This way he can get some quiet focus time before his phone starts ringing or the meetings commence. Even getting up an hour earlier means you will have an extra hour per day, 5 hours extra per week and 20 hours per month to focus on important must-do tasks. Now, imagine the value of getting up two hours earlier per day...   

4. Use software 

Save time by utilising automated software solutions for your bookkeeping and social media needs. As a result of Covid-19, virtual meetings have become the way to meet “face-to-face”. Use this software more to save time commuting to and from meetings. Research software programs that could help you automate your most straightforward tasks.   

5. Outsource the specialist stuff 

Nobody said you had to do it all yourself… The fact of the matter is you don’t really have enough work (or money) to employ experts in house yet. But how about outsourcing it?  Freelancers and consultants who are specialists in their respective fields are offering their services to small businesses and startups on a per hour basis. This way you get the best of both worlds.     

Domains.co.za is a South African domains and website hosting provider based in Johannesburg. We offer a number of value-added solutions that help small businesses and startups get online quickly, cost-effectively and securely.