Three Strategies to Accomplish More in Less Time

My friend recently held a productivity workshop with a group of experts. It was a three-day workshop with loads of content. When I heard the news, I was shocked and told him so. My friend disagreed, insisting that the information was extremely valuable. I agreed with him, but at the same time, I felt that he was taking a concept that was quite straightforward and making it much more complicated. He then asked for my ideas on productivity, and it soon became apparent why I wasn't part of the summit – my approach was too basic. However, I’m sticking to my basic approach and believe being more productive boils down to three things:

1. Scheduling tasks. It is not enough to simply think about tasks that need to be done; you need to plan out when you will work on them and add them to your calendar. Treat the event like it is as important as a meeting with your most important customer. Many of us create our schedules based on what we want to do rather than what needs to be done. Changing that attitude and making the events mandatory, can give greater importance to the activities and make them seem more necessary.

2. Accomplishing tasks effectively and with a minimum of wasted effort. Effectiveness implies we must finish the work as proficiently as could be expected under the circumstances in the minimum measure of time. To start with, you need to know how long a task will take. Second, you need to decide if you can decrease that time without trading off quality. It's insufficient to simply schedule tasks. You need to be careful about the measure of time the tasks really take. Monitor to what extent specific activities take and work towards decreasing the time without trading off quality.

3. Concentrating on the present. Distraction is the biggest roadblock to productivity. Even if you have an effective plan, if your mind wanders, or you're pulled away by a phone call or email, your productivity will suffer. To start, get rid of anything not required for the task at hand. That means phones, the Internet, and people should be turned off while you work. If you have difficulty concentrating, set a timer for five to 10 minutes to remind you to stay on track.

You don't need to consult with experts to be more productive. All you need is to concentrate on what you're doing and not make any excuses.

Stepping Up Your Game: How to Select a CPA for Your Small Business

As a small business owner, it's important to have a reliable and knowledgeable CPA (Certified Public Accountant) on your team to help you navigate the financial complexities of running a business. But with so many options to choose from, how do you select the right CPA for your small business? Here are some tips to help you in your search.

• Determine your needs. Before you start looking for a CPA, it's important to have a clear understanding of the financial and tax services your small business will require. Some common services include bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, tax planning, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Knowing what specific services you need will help you narrow down your search for a CPA.

• Get referrals from other business owners. One of the best ways to find a good CPA for your small business is to ask other business owners for recommendations. Reach out to other small business owners in your industry or community and ask them who they use for accounting services. They may have had a positive experience with a CPA and can provide you with valuable insight into their practice.

• Check the CPA's qualifications. Before you hire a CPA, it's important to check their qualifications to ensure they have the knowledge and experience to handle your financial and tax needs. Look for a CPA who has experience working with small businesses and who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your industry. CPAs are required to register in the state where they provide services. You can look up your prospective CPA’s qualifications and license information at CPAverify.

• Consider the CPA's communication style. Good communication is essential when working with a CPA, so it's important to find a CPA who is responsive, accessible, and easy to talk to. Schedule a consultation with the CPA to get a sense of their communication style and to see if they are a good fit for your small business.

• Look for a CPA with a good reputation. A CPA with a good reputation in the industry and among their clients is likely to provide you with quality service and support. Check online reviews, ask for references, and do your research before making your final decision.

• Compare fees. CPAs typically charge by the hour, but some may be open to a flat fee or a retainer arrangement. Compare fees and make sure the CPA you hire is within your budget.

In conclusion, selecting a CPA for your small business is essential to help you navigate the financial and tax complexities of running a business. By determining your needs, getting referrals from other business owners, checking the CPA's qualifications, and considering their communication style and reputation, you can find a CPA who will be a valuable asset to your business.

Navigating the Legal Landscape: How to Find a Good Lawyer for Your Small Business

Starting and running a small business can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with a host of legal considerations. From business formation to drafting contracts and protecting intellectual property, having a good lawyer on your side is essential. But how do you find the right lawyer for your small business? Here are some tips to help you in your search.

• Determine your legal needs. Before you start looking for a lawyer, it's important to have a clear understanding of the legal issues your small business will face. Some common legal needs for small businesses include contract drafting and review, trademark and copyright registration, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Knowing what specific legal services you need will help you narrow down your search for a lawyer.

• Get referrals from other business owners. One of the best ways to find a good lawyer for your small business is to ask other business owners for recommendations. Reach out to other small business owners in your industry or community and ask them who they use for legal services. They may have had a positive experience with a lawyer and can provide you with valuable insight into their practice.

• Check the lawyer's qualifications. Before you hire a lawyer, it's important to check their qualifications to ensure that they have the knowledge and experience to handle your legal needs. Look for a lawyer who has experience working with small businesses and who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your industry.

• Consider the lawyer's communication style. Good communication is essential when working with a lawyer, so it's important to find a lawyer who is responsive, accessible, and easy to talk to. Schedule a consultation with the lawyer to get a sense of their communication style and to see if they are a good fit for your small business.

• Look for a lawyer who is responsive and accessible. As a small business owner, you need a lawyer who is responsive and accessible, so you can get answers to your questions and resolve legal issues as quickly as possible. Make sure the lawyer you hire is responsive and accessible, and they have a good track record of communicating with their clients promptly and efficiently.

• Don't be afraid to negotiate a fee. Lawyers typically charge by the hour, but some may be open to a flat fee or a retainer arrangement. Don't be afraid to negotiate a fee that works for you and your budget. The average hourly rate for an attorney in 2022, according to the Clio 2022 Legal Trends Report, was $313. However, the cost of legal services can vary depending on the type of service required, the location, and the attorney you choose to hire.

Finding a good lawyer for your small business is essential to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your business. By determining your legal needs, getting referrals from other business owners, checking the lawyer's qualifications, and considering their communication style and responsiveness, you can find a lawyer who will be a valuable asset to your business.