Running a wholesale business can be quite the juggling act. You’re simultaneously managing inventory, tackling customer queries, coordinating with suppliers, and keeping an eye on sales. It’s no wonder many business owners feel overwhelmed.

Thankfully, there are some practical strategies you can adopt to help manage your time better and boost your productivity.

Let’s take a look at some insights that go beyond the usual advice and really get to the heart of what you can do to make your daily tasks more manageable.

Understanding your unique challenges

Every wholesale business has its own quirks and challenges. For instance, you might deal with unpredictable demand, and that can make time management tricky. It’s essential to recognise these challenges before you can tackle them effectively.

Take a step back and think about what specific issues cause you the most headaches in your daily routine. Knowing what you’re up against helps you come up with creative solutions.

Assess your current workflow

Before making any changes, observe your current workflow. Keep a journal for a week to track what you do each day. Record everything from checking emails to processing orders.

Pay attention to where you feel rushed or bogged down, and identify any bottlenecks. This reflection will give you insights into what’s actually consuming your time and where you can make meaningful adjustments.

Once you’ve noted the tasks that take up most of your time, categorise them into three groups: important, urgent, and low priority. This will help you determine what needs your attention first and where you can make improvements.

Creating a daily and weekly overview

While daily plans are helpful, think about expanding this concept to a weekly overview. At the start of each week, set aside time to evaluate upcoming tasks and priorities.

Look at what needs to be accomplished and slot it into your week in a way that makes sense. This helps prevent those last-minute rushes and unexpected challenges that can easily derail your plans.

In your weekly overview, ensure you allocate time for key tasks, such as inventory checks or reviewing sales reports. By planning in advance, you gain a better sense of control over your time and ensure that nothing important falls through the cracks.

Batching similar tasks

One effective strategy to improve your workflow is batching similar tasks together. This means grouping tasks that require a similar type of thinking or action so you can tackle them all at once.

For example, set aside time to handle emails and customer inquiries in one block rather than responding sporadically throughout the day.

Batching reduces the mental load of constantly shifting gears between different types of tasks. It also allows you to achieve a state of flow, where you can focus on one type of work without constant interruptions.

Consider creating blocks in your calendar dedicated to specific types of work, such as admin tasks, supplier communication, or marketing efforts.

Automating routine tasks

Think about all those everyday tasks that eat up your time, like invoicing, billing, and order processing. Automating these tasks can save you a bundle of time.

For example, use software that automatically generates invoices and tracks payments for you. This way, you don’t have to spend hours on paperwork, leaving you with more time to focus on growing your business.

Look for order processing tools that integrate with your existing systems. These tools can keep your sales and inventory levels up to date without you having to do most of the work manually. The more you can automate, the more you can redirect your energy toward important customer relations or sales strategies.

Try the Pomodoro technique

Another helpful method for managing tasks is the Pomodoro technique. This approach includes working in focused bursts followed by short breaks. You set a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on a specific task until the timer goes off.

Once time is up, take a five-minute break. After completing four cycles of work, take a longer break of 15 or 30 minutes.

This technique keeps you engaged with your tasks while also allowing for regular breaks to refresh your mind. By committing to focused work for just 25 minutes, you’ll often find that you accomplish more than you would have during a longer, less focused effort. As your concentration improves, you can adapt the work intervals to suit your needs.

Incorporating feedback loops

Gathering feedback is an often-overlooked aspect of time management but can significantly improve your workflow. Encourage open communication with your team about what processes are working well and what could be better.

Regularly engaging with your team allows you to identify areas where you might need to make changes.

Consider conducting short feedback sessions every few weeks, focusing on specific processes or projects. Use these insights to refine workflows where necessary. This approach creates a culture of continuous improvement within your team while also helping you save time in the long run.

Being proactive about issues

Sometimes, challenges arise unexpectedly in your business. It’s essential to approach these challenges proactively rather than reactively. When you identify potential roadblocks or issues before they develop, you can address them head-on rather than wasting time rushing to find solutions at the last minute.

For example, if you notice a supplier is consistently late with deliveries, consider reaching out to them to discuss the issue. Being proactive allows you to stay ahead of problems, making it easier to maintain your workflow.

Making time for professional development

While we mentioned avoiding an overload on personal development, investing in professional training shouldn’t be overlooked. Take time to learn about best practices in warehousing, technology trends, and customer service. Attend workshops, webinars, or local industry events to expand your knowledge.

As you learn more about your industry, you’ll find ways to innovate and enhance your current operations. Adopting new strategies from learning can improve the daily workload, leading to better outcomes for your business as a whole.

To summarise

In conclusion, improving your time management as a wholesale business owner involves looking closely at how you operate day-to-day and making adjustments in your workflow.

By understanding your processes, creating daily and weekly overviews, batching tasks, implementing the Pomodoro technique, leveraging technology, and maintaining open lines of communication with your team, you can enhance your productivity.

Each of these steps contributes to a more organised approach, allowing you to focus on what truly matters for your business. Adapting these practical strategies, you’re likely to find a balance that serves not only your professional goals but also your overall well-being.