Time and again we hear the same struggles from franchisees and franchise owners. There is just not enough time in the day to get everything done. Whether it be keeping the store clean, updating a Facebook page or returning all the business related phone calls, the tasks can add up quickly. Even though we are connected at all times, with our smartphones, it seems we can never get completely caught up, no less ahead. Emails sit in an inbox, messages sit on one’s voicemail and potential business deals are waiting to be discussed. If a franchisee is unwilling to give up certain tasks and duties there is no possible way they can “get ahead”. Here are some ways that you can get ahead with your pet store franchise.

Have Structure
Assign Tasks
Create Lists

Have Structure

This is something that is very difficult for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Being your own boss is wonderful but it can lead to unorganized chaos. As a small business owner you make your own hours and decide the tasks that must be completed. You can delegate those tasks or do them yourself. More on this later. Ultimately, you decide what days you want to take off. Do you want to work the weekends and take Monday or Tuesday off? That is your choice. Would you rather work from noon to 9:00 pm? Go ahead!

All of that being said, it is very easy to get caught up in doing it “your way”. Sometimes, as entrepreneurs, there needs to be some checks and balances. Instead of taking off every weekend, it might be a wise decision to work weekends as this is the busiest time of the work week when it comes to dog grooming and pet food sales. Even though we may not like it, this type of structure will help us complete tasks more efficiently.

We have all felt the struggle of coming in Monday to dozens of emails and even more phone calls we need to return. If you get a little bit ahead by working on Sunday or just Sunday evening the stresses of Monday morning are lessened. By being able to get all the Monday morning tasks completed by lunch it will allow you to have more free time in the afternoon to market your business around town or update social media. We are not suggesting you monitor every 10 minutes you work, but coming up with a structure could help you free up some valuable time.

Assign Tasks

This is probably the hardest thing for small business owners to master. We got to where we are because we worked for it, right? That means we should continue to do those tasks, correct? This is not always the case. Even though you may have kept your brick and mortar store clean because you swept the floors and windexed the windows, it doesn’t mean that should be your task as you continue to grow the business.

If you have employees or a team that is capable of doing a task sometimes it is best to assign that task to someone else. By finding others that excel in certain areas you will free up quite a bit of free time for you to return those business phone calls. Remember, almost anyone can sweep the floors but not everyone can return the business calls related to the expansion of your pet store business. When Dan Barton calls, it might not be wise to have a part time employee answering financial questions.

Create Lists

This one has been suggested for centuries but it holds true even in 2015. When determining what is important in your work day or work week it is a wise decision to come up with a list. Putting tasks into a prioritized list will also allow you to assign tasks. If a task is at the bottom of your list there is a good chance you can assign it to one of your employees. If the task is a #1 priority it is likely something you should be doing as the owner of a pet store franchise.

Lists do not have to be long. Creating an “after lunch to do list” will allow you to realize what needs to be done before heading home. It might be a good idea to assign lists to employees as well. This will keep them on track when they have a few moments of free time. Instead of standing around and just chatting they will know how important it is to straighten up and keep the front counter spic and span. By doing a few Google searches you will quickly find plenty of ways in which you can create more focused lists that will allow you to complete tasks quicker. Ultimately, this will free up free time for the more important parts of your job which likely includes growing the business and making more money.