Business stress is common. We have so much to do that we tend to feel overwhelmed. Where do we start? Which task is most important?
It’s time to keep the stress to a minimum. You can do that by proper task management and there are plenty of tools out there to use. I’m sharing the four that I use on a daily basis to help with my task management to reduce stress in business.
Have Boards in Trello
Trello is one of my favourite task management tools. I found out today that they’ve been acquired by another business, so I hope they don’t change too much because of this. Right now it’s perfect.
Trello allows you to set up boards for your tasks. Within the boards, you set up lists and have cards in the lists. Each card gives you the option of setting due dates, checklists, done marks, and more.
I use this with my clients so I’m on the boards on a daily basis. It’s a chance for us to collaborate together. We can plan out ideas together and keep track of what other writers are doing. This is a great way to discuss current issues with pieces, ask questions, and help others.
Trello is also something you can use as an individual. It will take some time getting used to it, but once you do you’ll be hooked. I used to love Evernote, but now I prefer Trello.
Create Google Doc Spreadsheets
I have to admit that I don’t use Google Docs as much as I should. It is a powerful tool and so simple to use. If you’ve used Word documents and Excel sheets in the past, then you will know how to work Google Docs!
The benefit of Google Docs is that I can easily integrate it and sync it to my phone. It’s also something that you can link to others’ accounts. There are docs for various clients, so we can set up plans for the month and discuss content needs.
Google Docs also gives me access to my time sheet, so I can manage my time and not feel overwhelmed in that aspect. I can also set up a calendar with a list of all the meetings that I have, synced to my phone so I get an alarm.
Don’t Forget Your Diary/Planner
I have both a diary and planner. They both help to minimise the stress when it comes to time management.
My diary is for my clients. It’s a day to a page diary with time slots, very much like a business time organiser. I put in the time that I will start work for a client with a guide for how long it should take me. One the days that I don’t track my time, I will use the diary to help me work out my hourly rate.
Doing it this way helps me plan in advance and make sure my hourly rate is still good.
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Set Up a Whiteboard
I only got into using whiteboards in the house last year. I used to have a cork notice board but stopped using it properly in 2015. I needed to make a change though.
The whiteboard is there for the ideas that I get. Writing things down physically helps me remember things. The whiteboard is also just a swivel away, rather than pulling up Trello or a Word document for typing in ideas.
At the end of the day, I’ll look over the whiteboard and put the ideas back into my Trello document for tracking my ideas.
The whiteboard helps me to plan in advance without setting up dates or feel like I need to get things done. I also have a calendar whiteboard for tracking the TV shows and when recaps are due.
These are just four tools that I use for task management to reduce the stress. I find them perfect for the way that I need to work.
Why not think about tools that can help you minimise your business stress. Stop the overwhelm by managing your tasks and feel more in control.
What do you use for task management? Feel free to share in the comments below.