How To Work “On” Your Business
So, you’ve been washing your hands more often than you drink a cuppa (blasphemy), your weekly shop is a social event, and the word ‘unprecedented’ is burned into your brain for all eternity.
How To Work "On" Your Business
As a business leader, it can be hard to know what to do. Working life is unquestionably different, and it’s easy to feel a little lost. Nothing is the same as it was a few months ago, and it might not truly be the same again. But that might not be a bad thing. If you’re after a business overhaul, here are a few tips to get you started.
Reassess.
The first step to any change is an assessment – and the same goes for your business. The time we’ve spent away from the hustle and bustle of normal life has been hard, but it’s also given us an enormous amount of thinking space. Be prepared to use it well.
Take a step back, and really look at the way you work. Does it fit with your original goals? Are your customers happy? Does anything need to change?
This could be a great time to finally implement that new payment software, or to overhaul your IT system. We know some great people for that sort of thing, actually.
Covid Cleanout.
When was the last time you cleared out your email inbox?
Chances are, it’s overloaded with messages you really don’t need to keep. Consider spending some time going through it, deleting anything you don’t need, and organising the things you do.
In fact, email folders just became your new best friend. Whilst you’re at it, why not take a look at your website, too? Take off any unnecessary or outdated content. Whilst search engines love the copy, they like it fresh – and repeats read like spam.
Secure it.
Security options are absolutely vital for protecting your business. But changing passwords, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication, or backing up your files often fall into the fateful oblivion of ‘I’ll do it later.’ ‘Later’ is now.
Whilst you’ve got some time on your hands, it’s worth reviewing your IT security.
Update your passwords, and make sure you’re not using the same few over and over again. Consider investing in a password manager like LastPass, which secures your passwords behind endless encryption, and means you don’t have the stress of remembering them all.
The same goes for backing up your files. Make sure everything even remotely important is backed up, twice. It might seem arduous now, but, if you ever experience a security attack or a virus, your hard work will be more than worth it.
Adapt.
Life is different right now. And it might be for some time.
You’ve adapted, and so should your business. Now is the perfect time to review your policies and working practice, ensuring that if and when we’re back to ‘normal,’ you’re prepared to hit the ground running. Lockdown has proved that most people can still work effectively and efficiently from just about anywhere.
Consider making online messaging or virtual meetings a permanent option. When it comes to documents, think about ditching the printer, and sticking to online file sharing. They’re small changes, that make a big difference.
Future Proof.
If there’s anything this situation has taught us, it’s the fact that you can never be truly prepared for everything.
What we can do, however, is try.
You’ve put a lot of hard work into your business, so make sure it’s protected. Keep on top of your backups, keep organising those emails, and keep reviewing your practice.
And, if it’s IT you’re worried about, we’re here.