Starting the day on the right foot is important. It’s natural to want to get started as quickly as possible when you’re under pressure. However, taking a step back can often be much more helpful. Aim to set aside half an hour at the start of everyday to make yourself a coffee, open up a new word document and make a plan. Set realistic goals, prioritise tasks according to urgency, and basically map out your day. Not only will aiming towards smaller hourly or quarterly goals proven to be more productive, but the act in itself can help in calming you if you’re feeling overcome or stressed by showing you what is achievable.

It’s worth considering how you can delegate more in order to maximise the time you do have and to complete projects quicker. Level One services which can help you free up time include telephone answering service, admin and postal management. These tasks, when taken over by another party can free up time and head space which allows you to focus on other tasks.

It may also be helpful to factor in time for interruptions, as more than likely you will be pulled away from what you’re doing at some point. If you are interrupted, make sure it’s for a good reason! It’s difficult to ignore every phone call, every e-mail, instant message, picture posted of the weekend etc…… but very often it’s these instant communications that lead to the biggest blocks of time-wastage. Time management is all about prioritising tasks; if a phone call from a client or colleague isn’t urgent or applicable to what you’re doing now, aim to call them back. If you can read that e-mail later without any major implications then wait, and so on…. It’s impossible to get everything done, but as long as you follow a few simple rules, you should be on your way!

• De-clutter!! There’s nothing worse than disorganisation when you’re trying to get through your daily tasks. Not only are you slowing yourself down productively, but a mess doesn’t send out a truly professional image! Spend some time re-organising your files and documents, and removing anything that doesn’t need to be there. You’ll be surprised at how much clearer your head will be and this will lead to you working more efficiently.
• Personalise your space. Less is definitely more in this department but studies have shown that a few strategically placed photos of friends and loved ones, mementos from a great holiday perhaps, or even a small potted plant can breathe colour and life into your workspace, making it a happier and more calming place to be.
• A little background noise is sometimes a good thing, particularly if you usually work alone. Some people aren’t bothered by, and actually enjoy listening to music while they work, finding a radio on in the background lessens that ‘solitary’ feeling. If you work alongside others though, it is a good idea to find out and acknowledge the preferences of others or, if in doubt, stick in your headphones!
• Finally, taking allocated breaks outside of your workspace is very effective in re-enforcing the work/play divide. Leaving the desk for even 20 minutes to grab something to eat, make a cup of coffee or stretch the legs. The canteen area can be the perfect place to escape to where you can have a quick chat with somebody who may not be in your business arena but could provide inspiration for that new idea you’re developing. This makes it easier to knuckle down again when you do return. Spending your entire working day (including breaks) at your desk isn’t productive as it encourages break-time to spill into work-time and vice versa. Also, as lovely as your workspace might be, no one benefits from spending too long in front of a computer. Striking a healthy balance here is vital to improving your productivity and getting the most out of your place of work.

Business Offers Free Support to Developing Companies

Level One is offering free support to new start-ups and growing businesses. Wishing to help stimulate business development, Level One is providing advice through established service providers in the areas of Finance, IT, Law, Graphic Design and Web Development. These service offerings have come about through steady client feedback and are meeting some of the needs Level One clients and prospective clients have made known there is currently a lack of for start-up and growing businesses without major financial outlays.

Offering a depth of knowledge and a range of expertise, the service providers involved are all in a position to give advice on the areas for which new and growing businesses most often seek.

Service providers include Brandon Consulting, an IT Services company. Brandon Consulting will be available for IT Support and also discounted setup and supply of IT equipment including desktop and server hardware.

Michael Quinn & Co. Solicitors is a full legal service firm equipped to give advice on business subjects such as Employment Law and Debt recovery, which are vital for businesses to keep costs down and a consistent cash flow.

Designers at Ken Little Design Studio, can help develop a unique corporate identity and web presence to enhance the marketing and appeal of businesses to their key target markets.

OC Consulting are also on hand to give advice on finance and accounting in business areas such as cost cutting, financial statements, financial planning and taxes.

Linda Burke, Managing Director of Level One, says

“Level One is delighted to be in a position to provide these basic services to clients through such recognised professionals. In dealing consistently with young and growing businesses, the one problem we’ve found across the board is that basic business services which most businesses require are out of reach for many due to costs incurred. Most businesses then can’t access this valuable advice and support which could enhance their business and help bring them to profit much quicker than they themselves could previously have anticipated.”

Level One accommodates large enterprises, SMEs and sole traders. The company is adept at working with their clients to ensure their business environment and space needs are met. Located in Liosbán Business Park and Galway Technology Park, Parkmore, Level One provides office suites, virtual offices and mail handling services which portray professionalism while teaming businesses with a full-time receptionist who becomes part of each company’s team.

For further information on the business support services offered by Level One, call us on 091 782 810 .

*Terms and conditions apply

On Monday 17th July 2006, the then Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen presided over the official opening of Level One in the Liosbán Business Park.

Established in June 2005 by Linda Burke, Level One was developed in response to a great need to provide state of the art office and meeting facilities, with the support of a central receptionist and a personalised call answering service. Level One also provides a ‘virtual office’ service, which is aimed at clients who require office services without the actual office. Thus clients receive all of the above services with minimal financial investment.

Level One goes beyond providing office facilities, in that it affords businesses of all types an instant professional and corporate image, which allows the client to focus on the growth of their business.

The concept has captivated the minds of the Galway business community for its innovative approach to supporting young entrepreneurs in starting up their business and also as a support structure for established businesses.

Speaking at the opening, Linda said she is delighted that Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen could launch the business, and that it was a huge opportunity for Level One to continue supporting the fast developing enterprise community in Galway.

Accompanied by Minister Frank Fahey, Minister Cowen met with the clients of Level One and later added that he was impressed with the way in which Level One accommodated a wide range of clients at various stages in their business development. The concept, he added, “is one which lends its support in a significant way to young entrepreneurs”.