As solopreneurs, mompreneurs, and entrepreneurs, summer brings new and different challenges for us. Juggling having the kids at home, taxiing everyone to all the camps, sports, playdates, and taking family vacations and managing time away from work can feel very overwhelming. How can you keep the momentum you’ve achieved in your business while also giving yourself and your family the time and energy they deserve? As remote employees who also manage the summer break challenges that arise with families of our own, we are sharing our tips on how to keep your business moving forward while still enjoying all of what summer has to offer. Let’s get started!
1. Block Your Time
At Remote COO, we are all HUGE proponents of time blocking and have even held training for the team regarding this. If you’d like to learn how to utilize this amazing strategy to increase your productivity and better manage your time this summer, read our blog post “5 Tips for Effective Time Management with Time Blocking,” here. One of our amazing client managers and the mother of 5 (three of whom are triplets!) uses time blocking to stay organized and shares her schedule with her children, so they know what to anticipate. She includes blocking time with her kids to go and do something fun at least one morning or afternoon a week – an ice cream run, time at the pool, an hour at the playground.
2. Keep a Routine
It is very easy to fall out of a routine during the summer, but just because the routine changes from the normal school-year routine, it is still important to set clear expectations and boundaries. Our Executive Assistant posts her daughter’s summer schedule on the refrigerator. That way not only does her daughter know what she will be doing each day, but it also allows her to schedule her workday around her daughter’s activities and transportation time to and from events. Keeping a routine will allow you to get your work done while still enjoying your children this summer.
3. Set Priorities
Have you heard of the “eat the frog” productivity method? Our Client Services Officer utilizes this method all year long but especially during the busy summer months. This simple productivity method encourages you to identify your most challenging task for the day and complete it first. This will help you stay focused on productive work during your best working hours, keeping you from getting distracted from less important tasks.
4. Designate a ‘No Kids Zone’
Having a workspace designated for you and only you is essential for summertime productivity. Teaching your children to recognize that when you are in the designated space, you are not accessible (unless, of course, there is a serious emergency) will increase your productivity while you are focused on your business. While you are in the ‘No Kids Zone,’ is the perfect time to suggest quiet toys and activities to the kids. Bring out the building blocks, art projects that don’t need to be supervised, new books, or screen time are all good options to keep the kids busy while you’re focused and unavailable.
5. Ask for Help
Know you are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help. Rome was not built in a day, and it certainly was not built all alone. If you need support for your business to continue to flourish look into lower cost options like Remote COO to aid in organization, project management, marketing initiatives and more. You will thank yourself for the extra time you can then spend with your family and friends this summer. Plus, you will sleep a little better knowing that these essential tasks are in the hands of experienced professionals that are advocating for your business and your success.
We hope these tips are just what you need to maintain your business while also allowing yourself the time and freedom to enjoy your family this summer. Don’t let yourself get knocked off course, because it is possible to manage your business while also giving your family the time and energy they deserve (we are living proof!). Our Client Services Officer often revisits her favorite David Allen quote throughout the summer and during those extra busy times: “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” This reminds her to give herself some grace and accept the fact that no one can do everything.
Remember, our team is here to help. If you have implemented these great strategies, are still challenged by a growing backlog, and are ready to get some of your time back to spend with family, our operations assistance may be just what you need. Contact us now: https://remotecoo.com/contact-us/.