News

How To Use Your Spare Time To Improve Your Business

Canary Wharf

To be successful, you have to go the extra mile and do things that others can’t be bothered to do. From a business owner’s perspective, this means making the most out of your spare time. Contrary to what most people think, business owners do get some free time.

Well, if you manage your business correctly, you should have free time! The difference between the best and the rest is that top entrepreneurs will use their spare time wisely. How can you do this? Here are some ideas:

Get some business coaching

If you have a few hours free each week, you could spend them developing your skills. One great way of doing this is by signing up for a business coaching program. Here, you’ll receive guidance and coaching from business experts that will help you improve your company.

Learn from the best to be the best – simple! It’s a far more productive use of your time than sitting on the sofa watching an entire Netflix series. Plus, you see the benefits translate into your company, meaning you enjoy more success. 

Read, read, read

There’s no such thing as too much reading. Reading books is an excellent way of spending your spare time. It’s brilliant for two main reasons – the first being that you gain so much vital knowledge. Read books relating to business or subject areas that interest you.

You quickly gain a better understanding of certain topics and can use your knowledge to enhance your business. For example, if you struggle with leadership, read a book on being a better leader.

Then, you can apply what you’ve learned to inspire your team and increase output. The second reason is that reading is relaxing. You’ll enjoy the books, so it’s just like you’re chilling and taking it easy. But, you are still learning, so it’s a benefit. 

Keep updated on the news

Following a similar note, you should also read or watch the news as much as possible. This can be very important as you learn about industry trends of key market factors. A business owner that doesn’t pay attention to the news is hardly going to be successful.

It’s like entering a boxing ring with your eyes blindfolded – you don’t stand a chance. The news is a powerful tool in influencing business decisions. Think back to the earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you watched the news, you’d know that a lockdown was imminent. As a result, you could put contingency plans in place to adapt when businesses closed. Business owners that didn’t pay attention to the news had no time to react and lost a lot of money. 

You don’t have to spend every waking minute living and breathing business. Set some time aside to relax and have fun. Still, it helps if you make the most out of your free time during the day/week. Consider these ideas and make them part of your schedule. While they don’t directly concern your business, they will help you improve things.

PM Today Contributor
Related News
Related sized article featured image

Jurgen Maier’s comments come after energy secretary Ed Miliband vowed to take on ‘blockers’ of power schemes earlier this year.

Alex Daniel
Related sized article featured image

Automation is driving ‘dramatic change’ in the sector, says Make UK.

Alan Jones