Let’s face it: you can’t be in two places at once (unless you’ve mastered the art of cloning, in which case, please share your secrets!). While you’re up a ladder, under a sink, or rewiring someone’s dodgy electrics, how are you supposed to reply to emails, send quotes, and chase invoices? It’s not like your clients want to wait while you juggle tools and a phone.
If you let the admin pile up, you could find yourself in a bit of a mess. But don’t worry! Here are some practical tips to help you juggle your admin tasks while staying focused on the job.
Set Up a Routine for Admin Tasks
Pick a couple of times each week to sit down (or stand if you’re into that) and get it done. Create a simple checklist, quotes, invoices, scheduling, emails, whatever’s on your plate. If it’s written down, you won’t forget anything while you’re out there being a hero with your hands.
Use Digital Tools to Stay Organised
When you’re darting between job sites, cloud-based tools like Google Drive can be a lifesaver. Everything’s in one place, ready to go, whether you’re on-site or stuck in traffic. Mobile apps like Todoist or Evernote are great for jotting down to-dos, tracking projects, and making sure that cup of tea at the end of the day isn’t interrupted by admin panic.
Tackle Tasks Efficiently
Templates are your new best mate. Set up a few for quotes, invoices, or those “I’ll get back to you soon” emails. Instead of typing out the same thing every time, just copy, paste and tweak. You’ll shave off more time than you think, and before you know it, you’re back to doing what you actually enjoy.
Delegate or Outsource Admin Work
Let’s be honest: you didn’t sign up for this trade because you love paperwork. If admin’s eating away at your time (and your patience), why not get some help? Business support services (like mine, just sayin’) can give you back those hours to do what you enjoy. Imagine finishing up your day on-site and spending your evening relaxing, enjoying a proper meal, or even catching up with friends instead of staring at a screen. Now that’s more like it!
Keep Communication Clear and Efficient
Good communication keeps everything ticking over nicely. Set clear expectations with your clients on when they can expect to hear from you. Setting up an autoresponder for emails is an easy win. It lets clients know you’re busy but haven’t forgotten them. It’s a quick heads-up to let them know you’ll get back to them soon.
Review and Adjust Regularly
Just like you’d check over a finished job before calling it a day, take time to review your admin processes. What’s working? What’s a pain in the neck? Adjust your routines as needed to make your life easier. And don’t forget to ask your clients for feedback. They might give you some ideas that make admin a bit more bearable.
Staying on top of admin is what keeps your business running like a well-oiled machine (or at least stops things from falling apart!). Give these tips a go, and you might just find yourself with more time for the stuff you really love.
And if admin’s still not your cup of tea after all this, I’m here to help! Drop me an email at info@clarehwrites.co.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 07498 986827
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