Business Education

Feel Overly Distracted? You’re Not Alone and Here’s Why

You’re busy. No, you’re super busy. People might even say super-duper busy. As usual, there’s more to do than hours in the day. And, your schedule isn’t slowing down. You’ve got to do X before Y and then onto Z. But, you can’t seem to shake the notion you’re not actually get anything done. It’s not due to a lack of effort. However, it can easily be explained simply by distractions.

Top Focus Problems People Suffer From

Now, there are several things you can quit doing to be more successful. But, even the most self-disciplined individual isn’t immune from distractions. After all, distractions are everywhere you turn. No matter where you are or what you’re doing. And, it’s not just technology. Sure, smartphones, social media, and more are all culprits. What’s more, you’re not alone if you feel distracted. In fact, the average person’s mind wanders when doing a task between 15 and 20 percent of the time. That statistic, according to Canadian researcher Jonathan Schooler.

We created the labor-saving devices that catalyzed the unplanned explosion within which we live today. But as enlightened managers everywhere are learning, we can learn to manage what we created. When we learn how to take back controls that we’ve given away, we can get better at managing our attention and not surrendering it to every distraction. —Fast Company

Therefore, if a wandering mind is so prominent, what can be done about it? That’s a good question. And, the answer lies in identifying precisely the cause. You know you’re not a scobberlotcher, an idle person who just sits at a desk, twiddling your thumbs. But, you’re certainly not immune to distractions. Distractions break down focus. If you want to improve your productivity, you’ve got to key in on the cause. Here are the top focus problems people suffer from:

Lack of sleep. We all know what it’s like to work through a drowsy day. It’s uncomfortable at the very least. So, don’t let sleep deprivation be an obstacle. Get into a routine that helps you to get a good night sleep. Unplug from technology about an hour before you go to bed. And, be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour.
No priorities. Okay, you have an end goal but along the way, there are many, many different tasks. Without prioritizing them, you’re creating a stressful, chaotic situation. And, it will typically result in a lack of focus precisely because there’s little to no prioritization. Give everything a priority and reap the rewards.
Stress. Speaking of stress, when you try to multitask, you’re inviting undue stress. Think about it this way, if you’re trying to do more than one thing at a time, would that cause you to feel more stress? Sure it would. So, put your focus on one thing at a time.
Lifestyle. Stress is just one factor; lifestyle is another legitimate cause. You can lose focus because you’re not eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and more all make focus easier. Plus, you’ll feel better when you have a healthy lifestyle.

How do you maintain your focus? What methods do you use to keep on task? Have you found different ways to deal with distractions? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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How Businesses can Deal with Inventory Supply Shortages

May 27, 2021 No Comments

Inventory supply shortages will happen. Sometimes, it’s due to overwhelming consumer demand, leaving businesses unable to keep stock. Other times, like now, inventory supply shortages occur as a result of material shortages and/or manufacturing issues. At this time, lumber and other essential construction materials are in short supply. Likewise, computer processing chips are also limited in supply. So, if this happens to your business, you need to be prepared. Inventory Shortages are Inevitable There’s no such thing as unlimited supply when it comes to material inventory. Whether it’s a disruption in the supply chain or sudden and unexpected limit of raw materials, the end result is the same — businesses can’t keep their shelves stocked. When put in this precarious situation, sales are inevitably affected, usually negatively. COVID-19 has had a disruptive effect on the global supply chain, and small businesses are not immune. An average of more than 30% of American small business owners across sectors still reported a disruption to their supply chain in June 2020 data, months into the pandemic. Supply-chain disruptions can affect small businesses in many ways: They can reduce revenue, inflate costs, cut into market share, or cause issues with production—all of which can damage a company’s bottom line. —The Balance Small Business Of course, a drop off in sales can be temporary and inflict minimal damage. But, a prolonged shortage will certainly cause a lot of monetary damage. If there’s enough inventory missing for a long enough period of time, it can spell the end of a business altogether. Ways Businesses can Deal with Inventory Supply Shortages When inventory supply shortages occur, it’s only prudent to react with strategic means. Business owners must act immediately, particularly if there’s a sense the shortage will go on for a lengthy period of time. Here are four ways businesses can deal with an inventory supply shortage: Explore alternative vendors. Fortunately, there are usually a few or more vendors who supply businesses with the same types of inventory. Even a source that’s a bit more expensive can be worthwhile if it keeps customers coming through the door. (And, better still, if competitors aren’t willing to pay a higher sourcing price.) Clearly communicate with customers. There’s simply nothing good that can come from not being totally up-front with your customers. In fact, there’s hardly more that is counterproductive. If you experience an inventory supply shortage, let your customers know what’s going on — especially if it’s expected to last for a significant amount of time. Tap into super-sized, large bulk orders. Much like the first suggestion, you might find inventory for products in short supply in larger bulk orders. Obviously, you’ll have to run the numbers to determine if it’s financially viable and doesn’t present too much a risk. Identify problems with inventory management. There are times when businesses have inventory issues that are caused by their own ordering and selling practices. Go over your procedures to identify any problems and then apply sensible solutions. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Your input could really help someone out! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Effective New Year Employee Retention Strategies Businesses can Use

December 29, 2022 No Comments

When the new year arrives in earnest, some employers will be taken by surprise when a few employees announce they’re leaving their companies. The reasons for this are many, but there are some which are far more common than others. So, it’s critical for business owners and managers to know these motivations to address any shortfalls right away. Plus, how to proactively retain talent so productive individuals don’t leave. Common Reasons Employees Leave Companies There are a number of common reasons that employees leave companies, and understanding these reasons can be important for businesses looking to retain top talent and maintain a healthy and productive workforce. One major factor is the need for career advancement opportunities. Many employees are looking for opportunities to grow and advance within a company. If they feel like they are hitting a dead end or there are no clear paths for advancement, they may look elsewhere for opportunities that allow them to continue to grow and develop. Poor management is also a big reason. Employees want to work for leaders who are fair, supportive, and transparent. If they feel like they are being micromanaged, or if they are not receiving clear direction or support from their manager, they may start looking for a new job where they feel like they are valued and supported. Additionally, a poor work-life balance can play a role. A demanding or inflexible work schedule can be a major turn-off for employees, especially if it is causing them to feel burnt out or like they are unable to attend to other important aspects of their lives. Maximizing employee retention is one of the best ways to make sure your small business thrives. Unfortunately, staying fully staffed can be challenging in today’s business environment. According to Bank of America’s 2022 Small Business Owner Report, 41% of small businesses say labor shortages are currently impacting their businesses. —Bank of America Small Business Lack of recognition or appreciation is most definitely the cause of team members leaving companies. Employees want to feel like their hard work is being noticed and appreciated. If they feel they are being taken for granted or not receiving adequate recognition or praise, they may start looking for a company where their contributions are clearly more valued. Unsurprisingly, poor compensation and benefits are big ones. While salary is not the only factor that motivates employees, it is an important one. If employees feel like they are being underpaid or not receiving competitive benefits, they may start looking for a company that compensates them with higher pay and/or benefits. Last but not least, a negative company culture. A toxic or unhealthy company culture can be a major deterrent for employees. If they feel like they are not a good fit with the company’s values or culture, or if they are experiencing harassment or discrimination, they may decide to leave in search of a more positive work environment. So, it’s important for businesses to understand the common reasons that employees leave and to make an effort to address these issues in order to retain top talent and maintain a productive and satisfied workforce. How Businesses can Retain their Employees Retaining top employees is important for businesses of all sizes, as it can help to reduce costs associated with hiring and training new employees, as well as improve overall productivity and morale. Here are some strategies that businesses can use to encourage team members to stay: Offer competitive compensation and benefits. Employees want to feel like they are being fairly compensated for their hard work. Offering competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits can help to keep employees satisfied and motivated to stay with a company. Foster a positive company culture. A positive company culture can be a major factor in employee retention. Creating a culture that is respectful and supportive can help employees feel more invested in their work and more likely to stay with a company. Provide opportunities for career advancement. Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing within a company. Offering opportunities for advancement, such as training and development programs, can help to keep employees motivated and engaged. Encourage work-life balance. A demanding or inflexible work schedule can be a major turn-off for employees. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance, such as through flexible scheduling, hybrid, or WFH options, can help to keep employees satisfied and less likely to look for new opportunities. Show appreciation and recognition. Employees want to feel like their hard work is being noticed and appreciated. Regularly thanking and recognizing employees for their contributions can help to build a positive and supportive work environment that encourages employees to stay on board. Foster open and transparent communication. Employees want to feel like they are in the loop and that their opinions are valued. Encouraging open and transparent communication, such as through regular check-ins and feedback sessions, can help employees feel more connected to the company and more likely to stay. Overall, the key to retaining employees is to create a supportive and positive work environment that recognizes and values their contributions. By implementing these strategies, businesses can encourage team members to stay and foster a productive and satisfied workforce. How else can businesses prevent employees from leaving or proactively encourage them to stay? Please feel free to share your thoughts and experience so others can benefit! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Effective Ways to Deal with an Unpredictable Schedule

June 3, 2021 No Comments

An unpredictable schedule is a chaotic one. And, it can confuse and/or frustrate anyone who experiences such uncertainty. After all, it’s better to know what’s coming and have a heads-up, in order to be prepared. But, that’s not always the case and it can wreak havoc psychologically and emotionally. Eventually, an unpredictable schedule can lead to total burnout. So, read on to learn some of the best ways to cope and take control of an otherwise unpredictable schedule. Chaos is Counterproductive Some entrepreneurs claim they really like uncertainty and the surprises associated with “going with the flow.” At least, they may say this to others, but when it comes down to it, aren’t very keen on unpredictable schedules. They’d much rather have their days planned out in order to maximize their productivity and budget their time wisely. These things can’t really be accomplished when schedules fluctuate too much. It’s just not feasible to effectively plan and execute when every little thing is completely on-the-fly. Workers at the top and bottom of the economic spectrum feel the loss of control dearly, and technology is often the culprit. Whether it’s a buzzing smartphone or software that tracks our whereabouts, the more hard to predict our schedules become, the less real flexibility many of us have. —Harvard Business Review Although this may work in a micro sense, like during the course of an ordinary day that’s gone a bit awry, or during free time, such as vacation, a truly unpredictable schedule is tumultuous. And this breeds confusion, anxiety, as well as a sense of being out of control. Those simply aren’t good emotions to experience while running a business, so it’s necessary to make adjustments in order to produce a more predictable schedule. Effective Ways to Deal with an Unpredictable Schedule The business owners who succeed not only have a vision, but an actionable plan to follow. Of course, it’s not possible to plan out every scenario. But, it is advantageous to take as much control as you can. Fortunately, there are effective strategies for dealing with an unpredictable schedule: Structure your non-work day. The very first thing you need to do is begin structuring your non-work time. While this might seem strange, it helps you to build a healthy habit and there’s no better place to start than your non-working days, which are often free-for-all situations. If you can put even a loose schedule to your non-working days, you can most certainly do that in the office or out on the road. Establish work-related boundaries. One of the most difficult things for any entrepreneur to do is establish boundaries between their free time and their work time. Business owners, by their very nature, are concerned about their companies well-being and take every opportunity to ensure that it’s running properly. But, this all too frequently leaves to work intruding into free time, which can severely detract from personal relationships, particularly when it comes to spouses and children. So, set boundaries for your work and personal times in order to maintain a healthy balance. Allow for work flexibility and continuity. If your schedule changes quite substantially from day to day, that’s okay too. Instead of scheduling and entire day from one appointment or task to another, set aside blocks of time and prioritize accordingly. This way, you’ll be able to accomplish what you most need to, when you are able, instead of trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. Reward yourself when you accomplish goals. As always, it’s a good idea to reward yourself when you accomplish a goal, be it big or small. Part of the process can be redefining or redesigning your schedule to be more predictable and therefore, allow you to be more productive. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a few minutes to share your own thoughts and feelings so that others can benefit from your experiences and perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.