Multitasking and How It Affects Entrepreneurs (+ 3 Key Tips to Work More Efficiently)

As an entrepreneur, you may be familiar with the phrase, ‘time is money’. To maximize time and be ‘more productive’, you may find yourself doing several tasks at a time.

Most entrepreneurs think that multitasking makes them more productive. After all, they’re finishing multiple tasks at once. They’re meeting their deadlines, landing more clients, and finishing tasks on time.

But, does multitasking mean being productive?

How Multitasking Can Impact Entrepreneurs

Multitasking means constantly switching between different tasks. Yet sometimes, it can kill your productivity.

Studies were conducted to know how multitasking impacts the brain and productivity. A study from Clifford Nass[1] discovered that heavy multitaskers were less mentally organized. They struggled with switching from one task to another. Differentiating relevant from irrelevant details was also difficult for them.

More research showed that multitasking may not be the best way to complete as many tasks as possible in a day. Another study found that balancing several tasks at a time hinders employee performance. This translates to a total global cost of $450 million each year!

Many people believe that multitasking is focusing on more than one task at a time. This is impossible. What happens is you’re shifting your attention from one thing to the next every few seconds. But you are never fully present on one task.

According to experts, multitasking can hurt efficiency for several reasons. For one, it takes time to alternate between ‘gears’. The process of switching ‘working sets’ of information can also result in mistakes.

How to Work More Efficiently

As an entrepreneur, especially a newbie working alone, multitasking can be tempting. But, it can actually hurt your business.

So, instead of multitasking, consider these strategies to work with more efficiency.

• Focus on one task at a time.

If you’re loaded with many tasks, it can be tempting to do them all at once. Don’t. Whenever you have several tasks, it’s better to complete one before the other. For instance, you’re a social media manager and you need to respond to comments and upload new posts. Instead of working on these tasks simultaneously, respond to comments first. Then, post new content afterward.

• Stick to a schedule.

A common mistake that most entrepreneurs make is not planning their time well. To boost your productivity, establish a schedule and stick to it. A schedule helps you plan the time well. You'll know what you need to do at a certain time and complete tasks within that time frame.

• Outsource if necessary.

Outsourcing to a virtual assistant isn’t a bad idea. You hire a VA to do tasks for you. Say you’re a podcaster and you don’t have the time to transcribe each episode word-for-word. Why not hire a virtual assistant team to do it for you instead? That way, you can focus on recording your podcasts. You don’t have to worry about anything else.

The Takeaway

Multitasking can be very tempting, especially if you’re starting and are working on your own. But, research shows that multitasking can do you more harm than good.

So, instead of multitasking, consider alternative strategies to be more productive. Some of these strategies include focusing on one task at a time and sticking to a schedule. Outsource tasks to a virtual assistant when necessary.

Worried about the costs of hiring a virtual assistant? Don’t worry! If you’re looking for an affordable virtual assistant, don’t hesitate to send us a message today.

Source:
1. https://www.verywellmind.com/multitasking-2795003