Make time through smart delegating

QUESTION: I own and operate a small business. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all I want to do. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: In answer to your question there are usually two culprits, failure to delegate and/or poor time management. Let’s analyze each…

It is not unusual for the owner or manager of a small business to feel he or she must stay on top of every aspect of the operation. If this is you, determine what are your greatest strengths and try to delegate the rest to capable employees.

If you are a good communicator, spend your time developing relationships with current and new customers. Your mission is to keep and bring business in the front door.

If you are a detailed numbers person, by all means, handle the inventory, bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, insurance, etc. and delegate the sales and customer relations to someone else, because nothing really happens until a sale is made.

Bottom line, do what you do best and delegate or outsource the rest.

Good time management is critical if you are to accomplish all the goals you hope to reach. Your goals can be both short and longterm. Begin by organizing your work week. Make a list of all the things you need to accomplish in the coming week.

Break the list down in order of their importance. High priority items come first, followed by the rest. Whatever you decide to do today becomes a high priority tomorrow if you fail to do it today.

Strive to eliminate distractions like lengthy phone calls or responding to every email you receive. Unless they are important and contribute to the growth of your business, they are a waste of

BY GRAY POEHLER Guest Columnist

your time. When an employee comes to you with a problem, rather than offering the solution, ask the employee what they think is the correct answer. In this manner you are helping the employee solve their own question which empowers them to become decision makers.

With long-term goals, take a project management approach. The essential elements of project management include:

• Goals that are specific – State the goal clearly, including the necessary tasks.

• Goals that are measurable –For example, when designing a product, goals may represent specific features the product must include.

• Goals that are attainable –Goal must be realistic, within budget, timeline and available resources.

• Goals have a timeline – The project must have a timeline for completion. Deadlines help motivate team members and ensure their accountability when completing tasks.

In conclusion, time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities. Good time management enables you to complete more in a shorter period of time, lowers stress and leads to career success.

Gray Poehler is a volunteer with SCORE Naples. Business counseling on this and other business matters is available, without charge, from the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Call (239) 430-0081 or visit naples.score.org/mentors.

Construction progresses at Grandview high-rise on Estero

London Bay Development continues construction at Grandview at Bay Beach, creating the high-rise’s 58 luxury residences and exclusive on-site amenities. Located on the southern tip of Estero Island, the 11-story tower is nearly 70% sold.

As the final building in the gated high-rise community of Waterside at Bay Beach, Grandview offers a combination of new construction, competitive pricing, a walk-to-thebeach location and spacious luxury residences featuring panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Estero Bay and vibrant sunsets. The tower remains on target for occupancy in summer 2023.

Designer-furnished models by Clive Daniel Home and Romanza Interior Design are slated for completion in early spring 2023.

Appealing to an array of homebuyers – from millennials and families to seasonal and full-time residents – Grandview was designed for a luxury low-maintenance lifestyle with private amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, clubroom and expansive outdoor living with fire pits, an alfresco kitchen and a raised spa.

Three- and four-bedroom residences and penthouses offer up to three-and-a-half bathrooms and dens in 2,400 to over 2,900 square feet of air-conditioned living space empha- sizing sweeping views and indooroutdoor living with breezy covered and open-air terraces. Grandview features six open-concept floor plans with spacious great rooms, elegant dining areas and gourmet kitchens flowing to generously sized screened lanai balconies.

Each residence has private elevator access and dedicated parking in the main garage. Six exclusive penthouses feature 11-foot ceilings and a private two-car garage. Smarthome-ready technology and energyefficient programmable digital thermostats provide added innovation and convenience.

Grandview also sets the bar high when it comes to safety and quality, from elevation and solid foundation to the highest-rated impact glass and insulation, buyers are ensured privacy and peace of mind.

Grandview’s resort-inspired lifestyle is elevated by private amenities in The EL. Designed for sunset views over Estero Bay, social experiences, health and wellness, The EL blends the building’s many indoor and outdoor destinations. Adjoining club and living rooms feature a linear fireplace, a catering kitchen with bar-style seating, and inviting spaces for cocktails, conversations and cards.

Luxury residences in Grandview start from the low $1 millions.