Running a successful business involves finding smart ways to work effectively. Here are some practical habits that might help you and your team accomplish more while building a great reputation. Each tip comes with relevant statistics that show why it could work for you. According to research by McKinsey, companies that adopt productivity-enhancing practices outperform their peers by an average of 30-40% in operational efficiency.

 

1. Say No Clearly and Quickly

When opportunities don’t align with your goals, a prompt and polite “no” can help keep your focus where it matters most. Try crafting a few template responses that are kind but clear—this approach helps maintain good relationships while protecting your time.

Did you know? The average professional receives about 121 emails daily, with email taking up to 28% of the workweek. Quick responses can help you reclaim valuable time! Research from Harvard Business Review found that professionals who effectively manage their boundaries and decline non-essential requests save an average of 7.8 hours per week—that’s a full workday!

 

2. Use a Proper Email Signature

A complete email signature with your name, company, contact details, and website can save everyone time while presenting a professional image. Consider including links to your most relevant social profiles as well—it makes networking effortless for your contacts.

Did you know? Clear email habits can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency, giving you back precious hours each week. A study by Adobe found that professionals spend an average of 3.1 hours per day on work emails, and proper email organisation can reduce this by up to 20%.

 

3. Consider Keeping Phones Away During Meetings

Phones can sometimes pull our attention away from important discussions. Unless you’re expecting an urgent call, you might find meetings more productive with phones tucked away. Perhaps try a “tech basket” approach where everyone (including leadership) places their devices in a basket during crucial meetings—it creates a sense of shared commitment to being present.

Did you know? About 95% of companies report that technology distractions have affected their productivity. Research from the University of California found that it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully refocus after being interrupted by a notification, and the typical employee checks their phone 150 times during working hours.

 

4. Include Just the Right People in Emails

Keeping your email recipients list focused on those who truly need the information helps everyone manage their inboxes better. Try using the “To” field for people who need to take action and “CC” only for those who simply need to be informed—this thoughtful approach will be appreciated by your colleagues.

Did you know? Organising inboxes and keeping communications relevant can save hours of time each week. A Mckinsey Global Institute study found that the average professional spends 28% of their workday reading and answering emails, and reducing unnecessary recipients can decrease company-wide email volume by up to 30%.

 

5. Take Notes During Meetings

A quick note of key points and action items can ensure nothing important slips through the cracks. Consider rotating the note-taking role among team members or try collaborative digital note-taking tools that allow everyone to contribute—this creates shared ownership of meeting outcomes.

Did you know? The average employee spends about a third of their shift on performative work, often because of unclear communication and forgotten tasks. Research from Microsoft found that organisations with effective meeting follow-up processes see a 33% higher implementation rate of decisions, and proper note-taking is the foundation of this success.

 

6. Value Punctuality

Arriving on time for meetings shows respect for everyone’s schedule and helps maintain productivity. If you’re running the meeting, consider starting precisely on time even if some people are late—this gently reinforces the importance of punctuality while respecting those who made the effort to arrive promptly.

Did you know? An average meeting causes about 6 minutes of waiting per participant, and even small meetings can lose 14 minutes just waiting for everyone to arrive. The UK economy loses approximately £9 billion annually due to tardiness and waiting time, according to research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

 

7. Follow Meeting Agendas

Keeping discussions on track helps ensure meetings are productive. If a topic needs more attention, it might deserve its own dedicated time. Try distributing agendas 24 hours before meetings so everyone can arrive prepared—this small courtesy can dramatically improve meeting outcomes.

Did you know? While productivity in the UK is 2% above pre-pandemic levels, about 70.9% of UK workers are still in companies with below-average productivity—often due to inefficient meetings. Research from the Office for National Statistics shows that UK businesses with structured meeting protocols report 27% higher productivity than those without, and time spent in unnecessary meetings costs British businesses an estimated £191 million daily.

 

8. Focus on Relationships at Networking Events

Networking works best when you build genuine connections. Taking time to listen can be more valuable than immediately pitching. Try asking thoughtful questions about others’ businesses and challenges before mentioning your own—people remember how you made them feel more than what you said.

Did you know? Following the 80/20 rule in client conversations (listening 80% of the time, speaking 20%) often leads to stronger relationships. Research from the Harvard Business Review found that executives who are skilled listeners are rated 40% more effective as leaders, and according to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than formal applications.

 

9. Respect Time Limits When Presenting

Sticking to your allotted presentation time helps keep everyone’s schedule on track. A helpful approach is to rehearse your presentation with a timer and aim to finish slightly under your time limit—this shows you value others’ time and allows for questions.

Did you know? Workers save approximately 3.6 hours weekly by using automation and adhering to structured processes. According to research from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, audiences retain 40% more information from concise presentations compared to those that run overtime, and 73% of professionals report feeling frustrated when meetings exceed their scheduled duration.

 

10. Develop a Concise Pitch

When someone asks what you do, a brief and relevant explanation tends to make a stronger impression. Try crafting a 30-second pitch that focuses on how you help others rather than just what you do—this customer-centric approach resonates more deeply.

Did you know? Most people decide within the first 30 seconds whether they’re interested in what you’re saying—keeping it brief can make your message more effective! Research from the University of Cambridge found that successful pitches that lead to business relationships are typically under 40 seconds long, and including a brief customer success story increases engagement by 65%.

 

11. Set Up a Professional Voicemail

A clear voicemail message shows organisation and respect for people’s time. Consider including when callers might expect a return call and an alternative contact method—this extra touch shows consideration for their needs.

Did you know? Small touches like professional voicemail can enhance customer experience, which 84% of consumers consider before making a purchase. Research from the Institute of Customer Service shows that UK businesses with strong attention to communication details enjoy customer loyalty rates 31% higher than industry averages, and 67% of callers form their impression of a company based on their first phone interaction.

 

In Summary

These business practices aren’t just about appearing professional—they can help save time, reduce stress, and build trust. Companies with efficient practices and strong ethics often outperform others by up to 40% according to research from the London School of Economics.

The beauty of these approaches is that they don’t require massive organisational overhauls—small, consistent improvements in everyday practices can yield remarkable results over time. A study by Warwick Business School found that UK companies implementing similar productivity habits experienced an average 23% increase in employee satisfaction and a 17% decrease in operational costs.

If you’d like to explore implementing any of these strategies in your business, I’d be happy to chat. Sometimes, even small changes can make a significant difference in your business success!

If anything here resonated with you why not reach out for a conversation. My 40+ years of business tips have saved my clients huge amounts of money in gained productivity.