Without a doubt, spending time alone without distractions can increase your productivity. But that doesn’t work for everyone and might not work in every scenario. Sometimes, working with others can give us the boost we need to get more done. This post will discuss working with an expert as a productivity partner.
What are Experts?
Experts (and specialists) focus on one specific skill or area of study. Research indicates it takes an average of 10 years of deliberate study and practice to become an expert.1 Some people might have a natural talent in a particular field but also have a passionate interest. They study every aspect of their discipline. They stay on top of new developments and quickly learn how to implement them.
For example, as a professional organizer, I regularly attend industry webinars and conferences. My inbox is full of newsletters from companies that support the professional organizing industry, manufacture organizing products, and offer productivity tools and advice. I use all this information to assist my clients in their decluttering journey.
The Benefits of Having an Expert as a Productivity Partner
If you have some skills in an area but are spending too much time achieving the desired result, an expert will be able to help. Because experts have a high level of knowledge and experience, they can troubleshoot and anticipate problems before they become problems. They work quickly with few errors and can complete complex tasks effectively and efficiently.
Experts find the short-cuts. You must pay them, but what they cost you in money, they make up for by saving you time. For example, you reorganize your bedroom a dozen times, and within days it’s a mess again. You spend hours reading tips and tricks, trying to find workable solutions instead of spending time with your family. When you hire the Out of Chaos team, we organize your space quickly – and the systems we help you put in place will allow you to keep it that way.
Often, experts will act as guides or teachers. They will set up a system and teach you how to use it; then, you call them in when you need assistance or encounter a problem. The Out of Chaos team operates this way with many of our clients. We will organize a client’s home, and when they experience a change in their lifestyle (new job, marriage, new baby, etc.), they call us back to help them adjust.
Experts Who Are Worth It
Over the years, I’ve recognized that I don’t have time to do it all or the time to learn to do it effectively and efficiently. It is better for me to focus on what I do best: decluttering, organizing, and managing moves. Here are a few experts I’ve worked with over the years that are worth every penny.
- Accountant: From preparing tax returns to recommending best practices to help businesses and families save, manage their finances, and steer clear of audits.
- Bookkeeper: These individuals manage the day-to-day finances of a business by handling payroll, accounts payable and receivable, etc., leaving business owners to do what they do best.
- Financial Advisors: These experts advise on investments and debt repayment to help people keep more money in their pockets.
- Lawyer/Notary: From wills and powers of attorney to advice on all sorts of contracts, these specialists can counsel you on protecting yourself and your assets.
- Human Resources Specialist: These experts guide small businesses on employing team members, including hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Technology Consultant: These consultants are worth their weight in gold when you need your computer systems to work. They can also recommend the best software and apps for your business or lifestyle.
- Coaches: Hiring a coach can help you excel in business ownership, public speaking, employment/interview, leadership, etiquette, and health & fitness. You can also look for coaches for specific sports and industries.
- Professional Organizers: If you need to declutter quickly, then professional organizers can help. But they also create solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Once in place, these organizational systems help you keep your space tidy and orderly.
When you work with an expert as a productivity partner, you will get excellent results quickly and maximize the return on your investment. I’ll leave you with a quote by Anthea Turner, “The first rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do everything yourself because you can’t.”
For more ideas on working effectively and efficiently, check out our productivity tips. Contact us today if you are interested in working with the experts at Out of Chaos.
References
1. Ericsson, K A, et al. “Apa PsycNet.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, July 1993, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-40718-001.
