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Managing a small business can be tough at times, especially if you don’t stay organized. I’ve learned first hand from having my own Etsy jewelry shop, but with years of practice, I can say I feel confident in managing it all on my own. From scheduling, shipping orders, designing jewelry, managing inventory, to healthy time management, it all comes down to one thing: organization.
Managing a small business can be tough at times, especially if you don’t stay organized. I’ve learned first hand from having my own Etsy jewelry shop, but with years of practice, I can say I feel confident in managing it all on my own. From scheduling, shipping orders, designing jewelry, managing inventory, to healthy time management, it all comes down to one thing: organization.
Organizing has helped me keep to schedule so I don’t forget the important stuff. I’m one of those if I don’t write it down, I’ll forget type of people, so I always carry a planner with me. That little book is my life and without it, I probably wouldn’t get anything done.
I like to write a daily to do list for my Etsy shop as well as events going in on my personal life. What has worked best for me is to organize each day in my planner by some sort of color, preferably Sharpie metallics since gold is pretty much god.
The Sharpie Fine metallic and Ultra Fine markers are my favorites. I got mine from Staples and always keep an extra pack so I never run out.
The metallics are good for a bolder header, such as starting the to do list. The black ultra fine point Sharpie is best for writing lists, reminders, etc. I prefer this over a traditional ball point pen since it is also bolder and easier to read. Another good thing about the metallics is that they aren’t super flashy and are easier on the eye when reading.
I always make sure to write down the most important reminders (inventory check, giveaway live dates, order supplies, etc). What has worked best for me is assigning tasks to specific days in order to get them done. You’re more likely not going to procrastinate if everyday your planner is reminding you.
Can we talk about this gold god sent Sharpie again? If you haven’t already figured it out, I kind of love gold, so obviously I use them for my hand written thank you notes for customers too. I love including a personal note in my order as often as I can and the metallic Sharpies really stand out on the pink and gold thank you notes.
Another thing to keep in mind when organizing your business is to make sure you always know the status of your product and where to find it. For me, it’s jewelry pieces that are tiny and can easily get lost, but this applies to any type of business. Organize your product with labels so you don’t have to waste time sorting through a pile of mess to find what you need. It will save you time and make your customers happy by getting their order sooner!
There are many ways to get organized, but this is easy and what’s worked best for me. If you’d like to give it a try and get your small business organized, starting 8/10, Staples will be putting all Sharpie Fine and Ultra Fine markers and highlighters on sale while supplies last! I couldn’t think of a better time to get started!
Do you own a small business or do you just love being organized? What’s worked best for you?
superplasticmilk says
I've had the same difficulty in owning a small business. Though, I've found that organization ins't about clearing a mess so much as it is about organizing the mass of information that exists. For example, procrastination frequently occurs because the amount of work that needs to get done is overwhelming. The questions becomes, where should I start? With what? Though the person in the state of procrastination is unaware of this. Making lists has been one of the solutions but it's easy to make a list and then ignore it.
I like your suggestion about the gold marker – it makes a mundane task more beautiful, and perhaps easier to follow? or I just really like the smell of sharpies 🙂
Helene in Between says
omg these are so cute!! I love sharpies but the metallic ones are awesome!! great tips too!
Kallie @ But First, Coffee says
Great tips, and I love those metallic sharpies, they are one of my favorite things!
Lisette says
LOVE these! my favorite is gold. Maybe then I'll start using my planner more religiously?
The Jessa Olson Blog says
I love all these tips and advice. I am finding it tough to balance my blog, shop and personal life. Hopefully I get it in balance soon.