The business world is a hectic one, especially for those accounting professionals who are running their own accounting operation. Whether it’s keeping up with clients, managing a company website, or creating marketing materials, it seems that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of small changes that business owners can make to the way they do things throughout the day. Each of these seven small changes will afford a bit more time to relax, enjoy life, and visit with family and friends.
1. Embrace Cloud-Based Data Storage
One of the best ways to get out of the office and enjoy life a bit more aggressively is to embrace the cloud as a viable storage mechanism. Using cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and others, accounting professionals can store key documents and templates in a place that enables universal access. This makes it easier to work quickly from any computer or device, increasing productivity while decreasing overall working time. It all adds up to an easier job and more time spent enjoying the finer things in life.
2. Use Online Marketing to Reach New Customers
Many business owners are hung up on ways to create engaging print, television, or radio campaigns that will engage new customers and bring them in to enjoy the company’s services. All of these mediums require a great deal of work that can be largely overwhelming. Online marketing, though, leverages a company’s existing website and makes it more relevant in search results, more persuasive for new customer conversions, and more helpful for existing clients. This digital marketing approach is largely hands-off, freeing up time for other matters.
3. Create a Better Website
Look for a company specialized in creating websites for accountants. Reduce customer service phone calls by providing support information, frequently asked questions, and extensive company documentation, on the company’s website. Supplement that information with ongoing blog posts that clarify policies and procedures. Reducing service calls is a great way to free up time for better, more enjoyable pursuits.
4. Consider Project Management Tools for the Entire Organization
Project management solutions, like the popular Basecamp service based in the cloud, will help to get all of a company’s employees and departments on the same page. The software allows for the prioritization of certain tasks, the setting of department-specific deadlines, and a series of interim objectives that will keep everyone on pace to meet their objectives. This is far better than in-person management and it can make a real difference.
5. Embrace Digital Signing Tools Like DocuSign
Stop signing documents with a pen repeatedly throughout the day. With the use of cloud-based signing tools like DocuSign, accounting professionals can apply their digital signature to documents and transmit them securely to coworkers, clients, and anyone else who needs them.
6. Use Cloud-Based Software Tools that Sync with Desktop Solutions
QuickBooks, the leading software used by today’s accountants, is also available in a cloud-based variety. QuickBooks for Web, as it is known, allows accounting work to be done from any web browser, at any time, making it easier to boost productivity levels and complete more work from outside the office.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
Business owners tend to have a “control complex,” insisting on having a hand in every department or activity managed under one roof. This is not necessary. Delegate tasks and appoint managers to oversee new work. Use project management tools to keep management on track, and enjoy more time outside the office as a result.
Great Ways to Enjoy More Personal Time Outside the Office
By using today’s high-tech tools and learning how to effectively delegate tasks to other people in the office, business owners can enjoy a lot more time to themselves. That means more vacation, less stress, and a refreshing break from the grind of long days and frustrating inefficiencies.
