Inside the Daily Life of a Small Business Owner - Candle Making, Packaging, and Shipping
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- My Small Business
- Daily Routine
- Morning Routine
- Challenges of Time Management
- Importance of Organization
- Utilizing Labels for Products
- Rules and Regulations for Selling Products
- Taking Care of Family and Work
- Conclusion
My Small Business and Daily Routine
Running a small business and managing daily tasks can be challenging, but it's a rewarding experience. As the owner of a social media digital company, I juggle between professional and personal responsibilities. In this article, I'll take you through my entire daily routine, encompassing the different aspects of my life.
Introduction
Hey there, everyone! My name is Bhagu, and welcome to my channel. I hope you all are doing great. I am a small business owner and a mother as well. Besides managing my business, I also take care of my home and our adorable dog. My day is usually full of hectic activities, and I kickstart it with a cup of tea.
My Small Business
I own a social media digital company where we create content for small businesses. We cater to the content needs of various industries and strive to make their online presence impactful. Being a mother, I understand the challenges faced by small businesses, and I am passionate about helping them grow.
Daily Routine
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Morning Start: I begin my day with a warm cup of tea and spend some time outdoors, enjoying the pleasant weather. Having lived in Chicago for the past ten years, this winter has been exceptionally good so far. If the weather is favorable, I try to squeeze in a quick run, although it has been challenging due to my lack of exercise in the past few months. However, I still make an effort to get out and be active.
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Getting Ready: After returning home, I freshen up and perform my daily worship. Then, I kickstart my day by going for a run. Almost six months ago, I was not consistent with my exercise routine, but I'm trying to get back on track. After running, I return home, take a shower, and perform my daily prayers.
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Work Priorities: Two main tasks top my priority list for the day. Firstly, I have a special candle order to fulfill, which is a custom design requested by a client. Secondly, I have a list of content shortlisted for one of my clients, which needs to be organized and sent. These tasks involve email correspondence and meticulous planning.
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Managing Emails: I spend considerable time managing my emails, responding to queries, and organizing my work. Mondays are usually busier because I couldn't complete some tasks over the weekend due to the children being on a break. Aside from that, I have multiple tasks lined up for the day.
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Craft Show Applications: I need to spend some time researching a new craft show, search for the application process, and submit it. Most craft shows operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Hence, I need to make advanced bookings. I have already completed bookings for some of my upcoming craft shows, but there are still future events I need to apply for.
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Listing on Online Platforms: I will list my out-of-stock products on Amazonbusiness.in and Etsy. Along with listing, I will also conduct an inventory check to ensure the availability of products. If any product is lacking in stock, I will make a note to create it later. Additionally, I need to ship an order I received today promptly. It requires careful packaging and timely delivery, as it is a special order that must reach the customer within two days.
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Content Management: Apart from the above tasks, I have to work on other content-related projects. These include managing my to-do list, researching new craft shows, and keeping track of upcoming fairs and events. My aim is to organize everything efficiently to maximize productivity. I believe that maintaining a well-structured schedule and discipline is crucial for the growth of any business.
Challenges of Time Management
As a small business owner, the biggest challenge I face is time management. With numerous tasks at hand, it becomes essential to prioritize effectively. If I fail to plan appropriately, important tasks may slip through the cracks. Moreover, external factors like gloomy weather or extreme cold can affect our motivation to work. Despite these challenges, I continuously strive to ensure that my to-do list is well-organized and all tasks are completed on time.
Importance of Organization
To overcome the challenges of time management, I emphasize organization in my daily routine. I maintain an organized workspace, manage my tasks effectively, and strive for discipline. By staying organized, I can handle multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality. Additionally, I minimize the use of plastic and ensure that my products are eco-friendly, contributing to a greener environment.
Utilizing Labels for Products
Labels play a vital role in branding and conveying information to customers. Each candle I create has a morning label attached, indicating the fragrance, batch details, burn time, and instructions for use. These labels not only provide necessary information but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the product. It is essential for customers to know how to use products correctly, ensuring a satisfying experience.
Rules and Regulations for Selling Products
When selling products in the market, adhering to rules and regulations is crucial. As I sell candles, I follow safety guidelines set by the National Association for Fire Safety. This includes placing the candles in a safe location, away from flammable items, and ensuring that customers understand the proper usage and precautions associated with the candles.
Taking Care of Family and Work
Apart from managing my business, I also have the responsibility of taking care of my family and maintaining a work-life balance. My children are the priority, and I make sure their meals are prepared while they are away at school. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my day, and if you have any specific questions, please write them in the comments section. I will surely try to give my best to answer them. Thanks for subscribing to my channel! See you soon.
Conclusion
Running a small business is a fulfilling journey that requires careful planning and time management. By staying organized and prioritizing effectively, I handle various tasks while taking care of my family. Maintaining an eco-friendly approach and following safety regulations are essential aspects of my work. Despite the challenges, I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance and provide the best products and services to my customers.
Highlights:
- Juggling a small business and personal responsibilities
- Starting the day with a cup of tea and outdoor activities
- Managing a social media digital company for small businesses
- Prioritizing tasks and managing emails efficiently
- Participating in craft shows and listing products online
- Importance of organization and eco-friendly practices
- Utilizing labels for branding and customer information
- Following rules and regulations for product safety
- Balancing work and family responsibilities
- Striving for a well-structured routine and work-life balance
FAQ:
Q1: How do you manage your time as a small business owner?
A1: Time management is a challenge, but I prioritize tasks and maintain discipline in my daily routine to ensure that everything is completed on time.
Q2: What are your suggestions for organizing a small business?
A2: It's important to have a well-organized workspace and maintain a to-do list. Prioritize tasks according to their importance and dedicate specific time slots for different activities.
Q3: How do you balance work and family responsibilities?
A3: Balancing work and family requires effective time management and setting boundaries. I prioritize my children and ensure that their needs are met, while also dedicating time to my business.
Q4: How do you ensure your products are eco-friendly?
A4: I minimize the use of plastic and ensure that my products are made using sustainable materials. I follow environmentally friendly practices and encourage customers to recycle packaging.
Q5: What safety measures do you follow for your products?
A5: I adhere to the safety guidelines set by the National Association for Fire Safety. This includes proper labeling, placing candles away from flammable items, and providing usage instructions to customers.
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