This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

There is no rule book on being an entrepreneur. After all, most of us got into this way of life by either having a passion in some particular thing, wanting to leave the 9-5 life, or we just kind of stumbled into it. Whatever your reason, we all need to take a hard look at our processes and standard operating procedures to see where we’re lacking and what we need to tweak.

Make Goals

It’s been said before that we don’t know where we’re going if we don’t know how to get there. The same could be said about goals. Do some people just happen into success? Yes. But not most people. Most successful businesses have set goals, projections, and aspirations they are trying to reach in the next month, quarter, year, 5 years, etc.

One you have those big dreams (goals) written down of where you want to be or what you want to accomplish, it’s time to break it down into more manageable tasks. Start with how can you work towards one goal this month. Break that down into what needs to get done each week. Then each day. Soon, you’ll be making progress towards the success you want in your business in no time!

Outsource When Needed

Here’s the thing. We all have aspects of our business that we hate. In my photography business, editing is something I absolutely loathed doing. I would have to pump myself up or find the “perfect time” to get it done. The fact of the matter is that I spent way more time focusing on the things I didn’t want to do instead of just doing it. So why not outsource it? If you stink at math, you should probably hire an accountant to do your taxes. If you work from home and you can’t focus because your house is a wreck, hire a housekeeper.

Because here’s the thing – instead of that time you’re wasting in putting off those less desirable business tasks, you could actually be using that time to get ahead. Instead of wasting time, you could hire someone else to do that thing you don’t want to do so that you can do the more fun aspects of the business – i.e. those things that make you money.

Get the Tools You Need

Sometimes, all we need is the right gadgets to get our business running just a little more smoothly. Here’s a few items you might want to check out.

Cricut Explore 3

If you’re a creative or a small business owner like me, there are many times that I have needed signs, shirts, and other promotional items. But let’s face it, those things can get expensive over time – with design creation, purchasing products, and shipping costs. So that’s why I now make my own. With the Cricut Explore 3, you can cut over 100+ materials into shapes, phrases, signs, t-shirt designs, and more. And this new Cricut product is up to 2x faster than its predecessor – talk about helping with time management!

HoverBar Duo from Twelve South

Need to take a video call but hate that unflattering upward angle? Use this HoverBar Duo! This adjustable stand frees your hands and lifts your iPad to eye level, so it’s perfect for those Zoom calls or hands free video recording. I recently took an online cooking class and this thing was perfect! It didn’t take up a ton of room and it was sturdy enough to keep everything up and out of the way.

If you’re interested in getting one of these, head to their website (linked above) and enter code HoverBar at checkout for 15% off, now through June 30, 2022.

Levenger Pen Duo

If you’re a paper person like me and you like to write with actual pen and paper (or even just jot down idea scribbles on sticky notes), then you know just how important having a good quality pen is. My best friend who works at a bank actually taught me a trick where she has her own special pens separate from the pens she lets others borrow. I call that genius! This Levenger True Writer Classic Sparkle Rollerball Pen is definitely a special pen to keep to yourself. It writes so cleanly and smoothly and is actually weighted so that it gives you the perfect writing experience.

Levenger Leather Pen Case

What’s a pen without a pen case? This Carrie Leather Pen Case is what I keep in my car so that when the ideas start flowing, I have a space to write them down and keep them all together. The worst thing you can do as an entrepreneur is have a great idea on how to grow your business and then forget what it was because you didn’t write it down. Inside the case, there are spots for 4 pens and 3×5 note cards (with 12 cards included). It’s also a great place to keep your business cards so that they don’t get crumpled or damaged.

Casio G-SHOCK Watch

Remember those goals we talked about? Here’s how you break them down into more manageable pieces – you give yourself a time limit. Using this Casio G-SHOCK Transparent Rose Gold Collection watch, you can use the countdown timer or stop watch feature to alert you of when that task is done. This watch features a cool, transparent band with a rose gold gears face. It’s shock resistant and water resistant, so whatever the day  brings – you’re ready for it!

As always, I hope you keep your head up and stay focused! Small business owner life isn’t for everyone but I know that with the right attitude, you can achieve anything you set your heart out to do!

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