Tips on time management

This week’s #TradesTalk Twitter chat looked at the topic of time management. There were loads of useful tips shared so here’s our round-up of the best bits.

The first question asked for time-saving hacks – any simple tricks to cut down wasted time on the job.

A1. On the way to the van, look to see if your done with anything, could save a separate trip later. #TradesTalk

— I.R.B Heating (@irbheating) February 12, 2019

#TradesTalk A1. Clean and tidy as going along. You know where everything is, and it's too hand. Prepping is key.

— Goode Services (@GoodeServices) February 13, 2019

https://twitter.com/property_ready/status/1095416953181749250?s=20

The second question looked at saving time on paperwork, and there were some useful recommendations of different technology, such as apps, that can help tradespeople.

A2 Mobile Apps: Quickbooks for accounting, Speedinvoice for Quotes, Squareup for Payments, Buffer for Social Media posts, Google Drive for having all docs/photos everywhere I am, Amazon Prime for ordering little bits instantly, one solid local independent supplier #TradesTalk

— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) February 13, 2019

Getting that balance between family and work was the third topic up for discussion.

A3. As the great @irbheating plan your holidays and work for them also I attempt to spend a bit of time as soon as I am home with the children then may do a small bit after but switch off at 9.00 #TradesTalk

— Paul Williams (@AWilliamsltd) February 12, 2019

A3 pretty rubbish at that to be honest mondays evening I always have to be finished by 6 and Sundays is family day but got a bit lax in doing stuff on that day but trying to get better and get the family out and about for the day even if it's just to the woods #TradesTalk

— James B (@JamesB177) February 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/scottieplumbgas/status/1095425313453023232?s=20

Taking time out for the things you enjoy was also covered.

A4. Is so difficult what with young boys atm, working wife, working on my own, & that's without mentioning family & friends… only truly relax when either diy-ing, cleaning or going to the football #KeepingAllBallsInTheAir #PlateSpinning #AmIReallyThatSad #COYS #TradesTalk

— Al Fitzjohn (@AJFitzLtd) February 13, 2019

A4 Either complete silence or very loud music #TradesTalk

— Green Albion Ltd (@GreenAlbionLtd) February 12, 2019

Sitting in the bath watching Netflix and turning off, bonfire of the weeks rubbish and packaging on a Saturday and spending time with my loved ones

— Liam Bielby (@BielbyLiam) February 12, 2019

Managing time around proper breaks and holidays can also be a struggle for tradespeople, but pretty much everyone agreed that time completely away from work is important.

No not at all go on as many as you can cos like i say do it while you can as NONE OF IS ARE GETTING OUT HERE ALIVE

— Andy Cam (@iloveplumbingme) February 13, 2019

https://twitter.com/BenGardom/status/1095434568209977346?s=20

Nope cant beat a holiday means #familytime you work hard all year so holidays are so important to me send special time away with family #memories #TradesTalk

— Earth plumbing (@EarthNicks) February 12, 2019

The final question asked what manufacturers could be doing to help tradespeople save time.

A6 Tell the customers why your products are better and will last longer and therefore are a bit more expensive up front but long term will be cheaper than buying budget products,then replacing them and paying for 2 installs versus one good install of quality goods. #TradesTalk

— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) February 13, 2019