Running a small business in St. Mary Parish takes grit and determination. Many business owners start their days before sunrise and wrap up long after sunset.
Between managing employees, handling customer needs, and keeping the books balanced, there’s always more to do than hours in the day.
We see firsthand how local business owners pour their hearts into everything they do. But working longer hours isn’t always the answer to getting more done.
That’s why we’ve put together these practical productivity tips specifically for St. Mary Parish entrepreneurs.
Our goal is to help you accomplish more while working smarter, so you can spend more time on your personal life and less time tied to your desk.
Set Goals for Each Day
Every successful day starts with a clear plan. This means taking 10 minutes each morning (or better yet, the night before) to map out what needs to get done.
Set Three Big Goals
Start by writing down your top three must-do tasks for the day. These should be the things that will make the biggest difference to your business. Add just 2-3 smaller tasks you’d like to complete if time allows, but don’t overload your list.
Prioritize and Group Your Tasks
Most productivity gains come from timing your work right. Start with your most important task, when your energy is highest. Group similar tasks together whenever possible, this saves the mental energy spent switching between different types of work.
Allow for the Unexpected
Leave some flexible time for unexpected issues. A good rule is to plan about 70% of your day, leaving the rest for things that pop up. This way, you won’t feel derailed when someone needs your attention.
Apply the 80/20 Rule
About 80% of your results likely come from just 20% of what you do, also known as the Pareto principle.
Focus on What Matters Most
Think about your best days – the ones when you really moved your business forward. Chances are, you spent most of your time on a few key activities.
Maybe it was having meaningful conversations with your top customers, or fine-tuning that service that brings in most of your revenue. These are your 20% tasks – the ones that truly grow your business.
Time Your Tasks Right
Your productivity peaks at certain times of the day. For most people, this is in the morning, but you know your rhythm best.
Save your peak hours for those 20% tasks that bring in the most value, and handle routine paperwork, emails, and less demanding jobs when your energy naturally dips.
Saying “no” to less important tasks isn’t being difficult, it’s being smart with your time. Every “yes” to a low-priority task means a “no” to something that could really help your business grow.
Automate and Delegate
We know that running everything solo can feel overwhelming. The path to growth often means focusing on what you do best and finding help with the rest.
Utilize Technology
Many daily tasks can run on autopilot with the right tools. For example, QuickBooks keeps your finances organized and creates invoices automatically. Google Calendar manages your appointments and sends reminders. Mailchimp helps you stay in touch with customers through automated emails. These simple tools can save hours each week and boost your productivity.
Share the Load Wisely
Your time is best spent on tasks that need your expertise. For everything else, there are practical ways to get help. Consider training staff to handle routine customer service, or bring in a local bookkeeper for a few hours each month.
Many college students can help with social media, while virtual assistants can manage your email and scheduling. The key is matching the right task with the right person.
Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout
Local business owners often pour endless hours into their work, answering calls at dinner and checking emails before bed. But working around the clock doesn’t always mean getting more done. In fact, it can lead to exhaustion that hurts both you and your business.
Create Clear Business Hours
Setting regular hours helps both you and your customers. Post your hours clearly – online, at your location, and in your voicemail message. Let people know when they can expect a response.
Protect Your Energy
Productivity isn’t about working more hours; it’s about making the most of your time. Build short breaks into your day. Step outside for fresh air, have lunch away from your desk or take a quick walk around the block. These small pauses help you stay sharp and focused.
Set Communication Rhythms
You don’t need to answer every message instantly. Try checking emails at set times, like 9 AM and 3 PM. Use your phone’s Do Not Disturb feature during focus time or after hours.
Make Time for Life
Your business thrives when you do. Block out time for family dinners, community events, or simply unwinding at home. Join local business groups or spend time with other entrepreneurs who understand your challenges. These connections can provide new ideas and a fresh perspective.
Read more: Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs in St. Mary Parish
Declutter Your Workspace
A tidy workspace does more than just look good. Papers in neat folders instead of scattered piles mean less time searching for documents.
Clean counters give you room to work without constantly shifting things around. Even your computer desktop benefits from good organization. When files are easy to find, work flows better.
Simple Steps to Get Organized
Start with your desk. Keep only today’s work in front of you. Everything else should have a home, such as in a drawer, a file, or maybe the recycling bin. Label your folders clearly. Create a spot for incoming papers and another for items that need action.
Name your digital folders clearly. Sort emails into simple categories. Clean up your desktop once a week. These small habits can save precious minutes that add up throughout your day.
Once you’ve organized your space, take 10 minutes at day’s end to keep it that way. File away the day’s papers, clear your desk, and set out what you need for tomorrow. This small investment of time helps you start each morning ready to work.
Get Enough Sleep
Running a business while running on empty just doesn’t work. Your brain needs proper rest to solve problems and make good decisions.
Missing sleep affects everything from how you handle customer concerns to how quickly you catch errors in your bookkeeping. Good sleep helps you stay focused, creative, and ready to tackle each day’s challenges.
Night Hours Aren’t Bonus Hours
Working late might feel productive, but it often leads to slower work the next day. Studies show that consistent sleep, getting to bed, and waking up at regular times, helps boost productivity more than extra hours at your desk.
Create a Wind-Down Routine
Just like your morning routine sets you up for success, an evening routine helps you get the rest you need. Try to wrap up work at least an hour before bed. Give yourself time to relax without screens. Maybe read a book, listen to music, or spend quiet time with family.
Quality Rest Matters
The quality of your sleep affects the quality of your work. Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Consider using a white noise machine to block out distractions. If business concerns keep you awake, keep a notepad by your bed to jot them down for tomorrow.
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day helps keep your mind sharp. A 10-minute breather can clear your head and help you spot solutions you might have missed while pushing through fatigue. Even small pauses between tasks can boost your productivity.
Move Your Body
Sitting at a desk or standing behind a counter all day takes its toll. Stand up, stretch, or walk around. Physical movement sends fresh energy to your brain and helps prevent those mid-afternoon slumps. You can even make phone calls while pacing outside.
Change Your Scene
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to gain a fresh perspective. Try having lunch at a nearby café instead of at your desk. Take your planning session to the local library. Work on schedules at a different table. A new environment often brings new ideas.
Make Breaks Count
Use your breaks wisely. Step away from your phone if possible. Take a moment to chat with employees or customers, or simply look out the window. Allow your mind to wander. These mental rest periods help you return to work feeling refreshed.
Growing Together in St. Mary
Our local businesses are the backbone of St. Mary Parish. St. Mary Economic Development understands the challenges you face and the goals you’re working toward. We’re here to help turn your hard work into smart work.
Ready to explore more ways to strengthen your business? Schedule a free, one-on-one confidential consultation with our team.
Our small business consulting services will help you find new ways to save time, plan for business expansion, connect with local resources, build business connections, and more. Call us at 337-828-4100 or fill out our online form. Let’s work together to make your business even stronger.