Five Productivity Hacks for the Everyday Entrepreneur, According to Corey Shader

It goes without saying that being productive is essential for any entrepreneur. At the same time, as Corey Shader explains, there are many different ways that you can be productive.

This freedom is great for many entrepreneurs who have the ability to be productive without any guidance. However, it can be the downfall of others who could use some support.

Here are five hacks that can help you stay on top of your game and get the most out of your day.

1. Personalize a Schedule

Creating and keeping a schedule is very important when it comes to being productive. But, what works for you may not work for everyone else, and vice versa.

As an entrepreneur, you will likely have the freedom of not having to fit all of your work into a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. So, if you’re more productive in the morning than you are at night, there’s nothing stopping you from getting up early to start your workday earlier than most. Likewise, if you’re more productive late at night, adjust your work schedule that way.

Schedule your workday around the hours where you are the most productive, and you’ll ensure you remain extremely efficient.

2. Stay Focused

There are so many distractions today that it can be hard to remain focused on the task at hand. With computers in front of us and phones attached at our hips, it can be challenging to drown out all the noise.

There are a few ways that you can avoid distractions to stay focused.

First, when you are knee deep in an important task, turn off notifications for social media. You can even have your phone automatically silence texts, emails and calls that don’t come from a select group of people who might need to reach you in an emergency.

Next, maximize all your time in the day. Respond to emails while you’re having a snack, listening to the news or having coffee. Getting these small tasks out of the way will keep you more productive for other tasks.

3. Separate Work

Working remotely can be amazing. Not having to be tied down to the office allows you to work at your own pace, in an environment that suits you.

But, when you work away from an office, it can be hard to concentrate. A great productivity hack in this regard is to separate your work from everything else. If you work from home, for example, do it in a separate office rather than on your couch in front of the TV.

4. Take Notes

As entrepreneurs, we have so much thrown our way that it can be hard to remember everything throughout the day. Forgetting even a small important item can cause considerable stress and damage.

That’s why you should take notes throughout your day as things pop up. Have a pen and notepad if you prefer the old-fashioned way. Or, if you prefer technology, set up a note in your phone or through an app to write down everything you need to remember.

5. Say No

It’s impossible to please everyone at all times. Yet, as Corey Shader explains, entrepreneurs can sometimes fall prey to not wanting to disappoint other people.

Still, not being able to say no is actually much more detrimental than saying no. It’s important to create and understand your boundaries, and what you can and cannot handle. Don’t be afraid to tell people no — or not right now.

In fact, when you say no to your employees, you will be setting up proper work boundaries and, in the end, empowering them to take action on their own if you can’t help at that moment in time.

About Corey Shader

Corey Shader is a self-made entrepreneur, consultant, investor, real estate developer, and founder of several companies, notably Insurance Pipeline. Operating primarily out of Ft. Lauderdale, Corey’s endeavors span across the nation, consulting for start-ups, and sitting on the board of digital media and senior healthcare agencies. As a consultant, Corey helps young businesses develop sales funnels and maximize profitability. Shader takes pride in challenging others to push themselves to be their very best — he believes in constant self-improvement, inspiring others through sharing his own life experiences.

Alex
 

Alex is a small business blogger with a focus on entrepreneurship and growth. With over 5 years of experience covering the startup and small business landscape, Alex has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, approachable and entrepreneurial-minded blogger. He has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Alex has interviewed successful entrepreneurs, and covered major small business events such as the Small Business Expo and the Inc. 500|5000 conference. He is also a successful entrepreneur himself, having started and grown several small businesses in different industries.