The back-to-school season can be both exciting and challenging for parents who are also small business owners. As the kids head back to school, this is the perfect time for business owners to refocus on their small businesses and reassess their end-of-year goals. Balancing school routines with work commitments can be daunting, but with careful planning and the right strategies, you can navigate this transition successfully. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five essential tips to help you refocus on your small business while managing your children’s schedules and striving to reach your end-of-year goals. We’ll also emphasize the importance of reassessing your goals to ensure they align with your priorities and your company’s direction.

1. Sync Your Calendars

Start by synchronizing your family’s school and activity schedules with your work calendar. Use digital tools like Google Calendar or scheduling apps to create a unified view of your commitments. This will help you identify potential conflicts and allocate time effectively, ensuring that both your business and your children’s needs are met.

2. Establish a Daily Routine

A structured daily routine can be a lifesaver during the back-to-school transition. Create a daily schedule that incorporates designated work hours, school drop-offs and pickups, homework time, and family activities. Stick to this routine as closely as possible, as it will help you stay organized and reduce stress. If you’re not already time blocking, consider this effective strategy for managing your work. To learn more about this concept, read our blog post that discusses how to effective time block to manage your calendar here.

3. Delegate and Outsource

As a small business owner, you are often required to wear multiple hats, but it’s essential to delegate tasks when possible. If your business can afford it, consider hiring part-time help or outsourcing certain tasks. Whether it’s administrative work, social media management, or client support, delegating frees up your time to focus on high-priority tasks and strategic planning. If you, like so many entrepreneurs who are so used to wearing all the hats, have a difficult time with delegation and can’t seem to master this artform, check out our blog post on The Art of Delegating.

4. Reassess Your Goals

The demands of parenting and the ever-changing business landscape mean that your goals may need adjustments. Take time to reassess your business goals to ensure they align with your current priorities and the direction your company is currently headed. Are they realistic given your new schedule? Are there opportunities you need to pursue or challenges you need to address? Make necessary adjustments to your goals to set yourself up for success.

5. Leverage Technology and Automation

Embrace technology to streamline your small business operations. Consider implementing automation tools for routine tasks and to manage your projects. If you haven’t discovered the beauty of Asana for streamlining processes and expertly managing projects, check out our blog on Leveraging Asana for Small Businesses. It has been a game changer for Remote COO! And since managing multiple schedules can pull you in many different directions throughout the week, if you haven’t already, consider investing in cloud-based software that allows you to work from anywhere. This will give you more flexibility in managing your business while allowing you to accommodate your children’s schedules.

 

Balancing back-to-school and a small business can be a complex juggling act, but it’s entirely possible with careful planning and adaptability. By synchronizing your calendars, establishing a daily routine, delegating or outsourcing tasks, reassessing your goals, and leveraging technology, you can effectively manage both your family’s needs and your business commitments. Remember that flexibility and open communication with your family are key to navigating this challenging but rewarding time. As you embrace these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to refocusing on your small business and working toward your end-of-year goals while providing for your children.

If you could use a partner to walk beside you in your business and guide you through implementing these tips, reach out to Remote COO today! We are a team of professionals who specialize in supporting the small business owner, and we are ready to help you refocus on your business and reach your end-of-year goals. Schedule a call today!