Even the most uncomplicated checklist can help you boost your revenues and improve other aspects of life. Successful entrepreneurs use a list as a tool to make their lives more comfortable and more efficient. If you want to get more ROI from your startup, consider creating a simple checklist. The following tips will help you:
Related: 7 proven time management tips for busy office managers
Break your checklist into small steps
First of all, a checklist isn’t a tool for improving the standards of the business. You should make it a part of your daily life. If you’re new to a business world, creating a simple checklist after a company registration will significantly aid in your business growth. However, ensure that your checklist isn’t overwhelming. Break it down and make it a baby-step list. This way, you won’t bypass any important step in your checklist (if you still need to register your company add it to your checklist and think about giving company formation a visit).
Make it as short as possible
It’s all about simplicity and simplicity means brevity. There’s no point in creating a long checklist with complex and unmanageable steps. The limit of working memory is 5 to 9 points, which are easy to memorise and keep in your head. Shortening your checklist will make you simplify some complex processes and focus on the more critical steps. In case you have more points for your list, consider creating 2 or 3 checklists and accomplish each one at a time.
Keep it concise, simple, and clean
Sometimes even short lists can be complicated, so make sure your checklist is super simple. Use exact and unambiguous language and make it a single page list. Avoid using multiple colours of a pen – choose one colour that motivates you. Green is one of the best colours for lists, but you can opt for any you like. Rainbow lists are fun yet ineffective. Many checklist gurus suggest using both lower- and upper-case text for easy reading. This helps to eliminate any mess from a checklist.
Do you need a “do-confirm” or a “read-do” checklist?
There are two main kinds of checklists, and it’s crucial to choose one option when creating your list. Do-confirm checklists involve your team separately doing their job from experience and memory and taking a break to ensure each point on the checklist is done.
Read-do checklists consist of clearly defined responsibilities and tasks that you go through when you accomplish them. Both types are highly helpful as they increase the performance of your team or yours and make it easier to complete essential tasks and projects first.
Facilitate communication
The most complex tasks and projects can carry a more significant input when the tiniest details are taken care of. Checklists aid in facilitating communications once complications or problems inevitably occur. Regardless of your industry, building and using a checklist is a smart way to be sure that the team members consult with each other to find a solution to any problems that arise and find an agreement on how to complete a task/project faster.
Many entrepreneurs claim that checklists speed up the working process and help their employees stay motivated and organised. There’s a reduced chance of losing track when you have the most critical tasks on a single page handy.
Revisit your checklist
Check out each of your points again. Is each point manageable? Do you think one point is more important than another one? Is your first point a priority? Does your checklist look or sound complicated? Does your team have trouble accomplishing any of the points? Can you clearly understand each point? Once you create your checklist, revisit it to ensure it’s simple, achievable, and clear.
Take advantage of apps
We live in a technology-driven, smartphone-obsessed world, so there are tons of useful apps for building checklists. A checklist is a powerful tool in the business world. It’s used in the majority of industries and by successful entrepreneurs. A simple yet efficient checklist can ward off failures and create a higher level of performance for you and your employees. Give it a try and see your company grow!
Related: What is gamification in the workplace?
