Welcome champions of the tax code! Back by popular demand (or because I just have more wisdom to share), here’s a few more tips to help you slay the productivity dragon. Let’s turn your office into a well-oiled, tax-filing, time-saving machine with a sprinkle of fun and a dash of wit.
1. “Batch Processing” – The Culinary Art of Tax Work Picture yourself as a master chef in a gourmet kitchen. Just as a chef wouldn’t cook one dish at a time, you shouldn’t handle tasks one by one. Enter the world of “batch processing.” Group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated time slots. Answer emails in one go, set aside time for all client calls, and process filings in batches. It’s like meal-prepping, but for taxes. You’ll be amazed how much time you save when you’re not constantly switching gears. Plus, who doesn’t like feeling like a tax Gordon Ramsay?
2. “Early Bird or Night Owl?” – Harness Your Prime Time Are you a morning lark, singing the sweet songs of deductions at dawn? Or are you a night owl, wise to the ways of tax wizardry under the moonlight or candlelight? Identify when you’re most productive and schedule your biggest and most challenging tasks during these hours. Using your peak hours effectively is like catching the express train in rush hour – you get to your destination faster and smarter. So, brew that coffee or pour that late-night tea (without caffeine, not good for your sleep time), and make magic in your prime time. Oh, and don’t do the batched tasks you identified in #1 above during these times. This would be a waste of your Prime Time.
3. “The Magic of ‘One Touch’” – Touch It, Tackle It, Triumph! In the mystical realm of tax filing, there lies an ancient secret: the “One Touch” rule. The idea is simple yet powerful – touch a task once and complete it. Got an email that needs a quick reply? Do it now (in conjunction with #1). A form that needs a quick review? Don’t put it off. By applying the “One Touch” rule, you avoid the black hole of procrastination and the vortex of time-wasting. It’s like defeating the boss monster in one epic move. Game over, inefficiency! This is one of my difficulties, but I am working to beat this one.
4. “The Zen of Saying ‘Later’” – The Artful Skill of Prioritizing In the symphony of tax tasks, not all instruments need to play at once. Learn the art of saying “later” to tasks that don’t require immediate attention. Prioritize like a pro – focus on what’s urgent and important. It’s like being the conductor of an orchestra – you decide what plays now and what waits for the next movement. This way, you’re not just busy, you’re productive. And when everything comes together in perfect harmony, it’s music to your ears (and your schedule).
5. “Tech-ify Your Tax Life” – Embrace the Digital Tools In a world where technology is king, not using the latest tax software and tools is like riding a horse to work – charming but impractical. Embrace the digital age. Use cloud storage for easy access to files, leverage tax preparation software to speed up processing, and utilize project management tools to keep track of deadlines. It’s like having a team of digital genies at your service. And the best part? They don’t take coffee breaks.
Extra Sprinkle of Wisdom: Self-Care is Productive Too Remember, that all work and no play makes Jack a dull accountant (the world already thinks we are, don’t need to prove it). Incorporate regular breaks, indulge in hobbies, and make sure you’re getting enough rest. A well-rested mind is a productive mind. Plus, who can resist the charm of an accountant who’s also a well-rounded human being?
Remember that being efficient isn’t just about working hard – it’s about working smart, with a touch of fun and a dash of wit. Implement these tips and watch as your productivity soars, your stress levels plummet, and your clients look at you in wonder, thinking, “How do they do it?”
And when they ask, just wink and say, “A tax professional never reveals all their secrets.” Go forth, conquer your workload, and may the force of efficiency be with you!
Don’t forget, you are invited to join us at our next FastStart Bootcamp. You can register and get details for the January 11th and 12th session HERE! and the January 18th session HERE!
Register ASAP as seats are limited.
Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC
