There are many tasks that new business owners are required to do, and the list never seems to end. Finding a starting point is hard with this endless list of to-dos. I too felt the overwhelmed and powerless at times. How does one sort out what must be done from what I want to get done? First off, I want you to remember that this type of overwhelm is normal and all business owners feel this way at one time. Two, this overwhelm will come back at different times in your business life. If you add a new service such as an educational class, or a group or create an online offering, there will be cycles of overwhelmed.
Next, I would like you to make your list of all the “to do’s” you can think of even if they are not items that must be done right now; just get them down on paper. Take a look at that list. Can you group alike items together? Are there items that have a higher priority, like maybe a business name and EIN? Once you have the list grouped with tasks, get out the calendar, and find a block of time to get those items done.
Simple as that, no real magic, just a bit of organization.
Once you start knocking off those blocks of items, it becomes fun to cross them off your list. Plus, you feel so accomplished once all the items are completed. I try to schedule a block of about 3 hours a week to complete administration tasks. Having the block on my calendar helps to prepare my brain to get into the administrative role, and I find the transition to be easier. I also turn off all notifications from the phone and computer. Getting interrupted during these tasks only takes longer in time.
Gloria Mark from the University of California @ Irvine in her study of The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress found that:
- Disruptions cost additional time to reorient back to an interrupted task after the interruption is handled.
- It takes an average of about 25 minutes (23 minutes and 15 seconds, to be exact) to return to the original task after an interruption.
- Any interruption introduces a change in work pattern.
- There was no significant difference between a phone, text or social media post
- Disruption costs of interruptions can also involve other factors such as stress and higher workloads.
As you can see that when you say “let me quickly look at my Instagram page” that can be a real time loss.
To help you with some time, I have created a basic 25 item list of start-up tasks for your business. I know there are more, but this list will make a huge dent in the getting started phase.
The Basic 25 tasks to do to start a business
- Choose a business name
- Select a business structure
- Obtain an EIN
- Apply and publish a DBA if needed
- Open a bank account
- Create a logo
- Write a business plan
- Find a location, whether renting from a colleague or leasing an office or purchasing a building
- List your practice in as many directories as possible
- Define who your ideal client is, list at least 75 things about them
- Write great copy directed at your ideal client
- Get a web domain
- Create a website
- Get a headshot
- Manage anxiety
- Order business card
- Furniture your office
- Write blogs
- Create Intake paperwork
- Decide on an EMR
- Set up a password manager
- Find an accountant and a bookkeeper and get an accounting software
- Network and tell everyone about your business
- Get basic office equipment: phone, fax, computer, printer, comfortable chair
- Develop systems that can be replicated: Phone script, intake paperwork, filing, calendaring important dates, i.e. licensing renewals, insurance due dates, review of fees, forms
If you need more help sign up for a free consultation here.
Check out also my video on Don’t Let Overwhelmed Derail You.