As your business grows you need to get stricter about using your time more productively.

By focusing on the task at hand and being present in what you are doing you’ll find it takes less time to complete your to-dos.

Here are 5 simple tips that have been working for me lately.

Close Tabs

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has kept 10 or more tabs open on the computer at one time! I used to think I was being MORE productive if I was working on multiple things at once but as soon as I tried closing all the extra tabs, I was able to focus on the task at hand, therefore completing it quicker. So go ahead, close down your inbox, facebook, twitter and try working on just the one thing you are supposed to be doing, it works!

Allocate set times for social media

Social media can be one of the biggest time sucks for creative business owners. We want to promote our stuff, connect with other biz owners and potential customers but if you’re not careful you can find yourself spending hours on social media EVERY DAY. Those are hours you’ll never get back. Switch it off for a while and you’ll get so much more done.

Instead allocate a few times a day to check in for a set period of time. I spend 10 minutes every morning and evening, then aim for 10 minutes around midday when (if!) my daughter naps. Occasionally, I will use it more if I want to attend a great tweet chat for example but the aim is to not let it control you.

Since I’ve implemented this strategy, I find I am able to concentrate more and get more done. I was also starting to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you can access on Twitter and I have a clearer head not being on it so much.

Limit your to-do list.

I get it, you’re busy. There is never enough time to get everything done, your to-do list is a mile long, so long you can’t even fit it on one page. It’s awesome you have a ton of ideas and lots of work to do BUT it can actually be detrimental to have too many things on your to-do list. Get everything out in a brain dump list then put it to one side and concentrate on a daily to-do list with essential, prioritised tasks only. My to-do list strategy puts tasks into A, B and Z list. Whatever strategy you use, limit your daily list so you don’t get overwhelmed and you can focus on what needs to get done TODAY.

Work in bulk.

Group like tasks together like answering emails in bulk for one hour then promoting your business the next. It’s more effective to do similar tasks at the same time to save you going back and forth.

I used to answer emails as I got them but found I was spending every moment answering emails. There will always be another one to respond to. Now I reply to as many as I can within a certain time frame which is a better and more effective use of my time. The same technique can be used when you are creating products, making 10 of the same necklaces at once will be more productive than making one at a time.

Take breaks.

Constantly working can seem like you are being productive but you need to take breaks in order for your mind to rest and for your body to recuperate. If you are sitting at your computer, sewing machine or desk for hours on end you need to start including breaks into your schedule. Not only will it be better for your back but it will give you time to stretch, gather your thoughts, breathe in your surroundings or just be in the moment.

Try setting a timer to remind you to get up from your desk every hour. Then stretch out your legs, brew a cup of tea and give your eyes a break from what you were doing.

Do you have any tips to add on how to be more productive?