While discussing productivity and time management with a group of business owners, the subject of e-mails suddenly took over the conversation. Everyone in the room complained about the number of e-mails they receive. 

The vast quantity of e-mails landing in our inbox is a big problem shared by many business owners.  The problem is that if you have too many filters in place there is every chance missing something important, information or an opportunity which could be beneficial. So what can we do?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Set up rules to automatically file as many as possible, this can also apply to social media notifications and allows you to go back to them when you are ready
• Unsubscribe to anything that you signed up to that is no longer important or relevant
• Forward anything that can be delegated 
• Unsubscribe to any newsletters or mail shots (except mine of course).
• Add anything that takes more than thirty seconds to read to a ‘to do’ list.
• Only go to your inbox when you are committed to dealing with them, rather than scrolling up and down.
• Choose two slots a day to tackle your e-mails.
• Use the clutter folder in Microsoft 365
• Set a good example by phoning people instead, things can often be dealt with far more efficiently especially when they ping backward and forwards.

There are many people who proudly state that they do not to respond to e-mails or they just delete on mass without reading them. They have the view that if they contain anything important the sender will find a way to get through to them. 

We are all busy people with different priorites but we must be sure we don't let arrogance get in the way of doing good business.

One of the problems that many entrepreneurs face is that their ambition often exceeds their ability. They have a vision, they know where they want to get to, but often find their role has changed significantly with the growth of the business and suddenly they are the least skilled person in the company for the job that they do and this can hold them back.

Instead of thinking as a self-employed person they need to think as a business owner and expected to be able to manage staff, manage finances and be the face of the business. Sometimes, when they experience rapid growth it is easy for things to get out of control, it can be like a runaway train, and suddenly being in business is not so much fun anymore. 

Many people realise they need help and turn to a Business Coach but common complaints are: 

• The Coach doesn’t listen 

• Leaves them with an unmanageable ‘to do’ list

• Doesn’t focus on what is important to the client

• Uses a prescribed method

• Leaves them feeling challenged and overwhelmed.

When people feel overwhelmed they usually do nothing and therefore the value of the intervention is low. As a Business Coach, it is really important to feel that we give value to our clients and the best ways to measure this is by the action taken as a result of a coaching session. 

Most business owners benefit from working with a Coach, whether for a once in a while strategy session or an on-going arrangement through a period of growth and change. But finding the right Coach is important. Before you make your choice take time to get to know them, like them and most importantly, trust them.

If you would like to find out more about our coaching, training or strategy sessions, contact us for an informal chat.