The Art of Productivity: Lessons from a Life in Restaurants and Business Consulting

If you’ve ever wondered what juggling looks like in the real world, step into a busy restaurant on a Friday night. Picture a waiter managing five to ten tables, coordinating with the kitchen and bar, all while keeping the guests happy and comfortable. This is a masterclass in the art of productivity, and believe it or not, this is where I cut my teeth on the subject. 

The Restaurant as a Classroom 

My early years in the restaurant industry were formative, to say the least. In these demanding environments, I learned to multitask like a pro and my lessons in the art of productivity began. Whether you’re a waiter, a bartender, or the owner-operator, you’re managing multiple threads at once. The key is not just to manage them but to excel at each one, all with a smile on your face. This lesson served as a foundation for my work at Spark Business Consulting, where we have a varied clientele from restaurants to law firms. In my book, “Profit First for Restaurants,” I delve into this a bit more, offering tips and strategies to navigate this fast-paced world. 

The Legal Pad Hack 

One of my most valuable productivity lessons came from a General Manager at a Bar & Restaurant on Mass Ave in Boston. He walked around with a yellow legal pad and a black felt-tip pen, making checklists for the day. This simple tool became a game for me: the aim was to tick off as many boxes as possible and start each new day fresh. This “game-ified” mindset turned me into a productivity machine. I’ve even developed a planner, The Sparkle Planner, which consolidates all these lessons into a structured system. 

Custom Tools and Systems 

When you understand an industry well, you can create specialized tools to enhance productivity. My Sparkle Planner incorporates my years of experience and offers a structured approach to planning your day, week, and quarter. It’s a physical manifestation of all the productivity lessons I’ve learned and refined over the years. 

Time Management and Boundaries 

Wearing multiple hats requires some serious time management skills. Whether it’s consulting through Spark, writing, or spending time with my family, each gets its block of time. The secret? Boundaries. I also maintain an office space separate from home, which helps me focus when I need to and disengage when it’s family time. 

Lessons from the Trenches 

Each industry has its quirks, and knowing them can help you be more productive. At Spark, we’ve honed our skills to provide uniform deliverables across varied sectors. But beware of the shiny new apps and tools that promise to revolutionize your productivity. Sometimes, they make you less efficient, not more. Sometimes the best tool is the simplest one, like that good old legal pad. 

Books and Resources 

One book that has deeply influenced my perspective on productivity is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It delves into the psychology of habits and offers a practical guide to improvement, one small step at a time. 

The Final Word on The Art of Productivity 

So, if you’re starting out in one of these demanding industries, remember this: have a plan and know what feeds your soul as well as your needs. Without nourishing yourself first, you won’t be productive in the long run. Establish routines that set you up for a productive day and listen to your body to maintain your energy levels. 

And there you have it—a lifetime of the art of productivity lessons wrapped up in one article. May these insights serve you well on your own journey to achieving more, in less time, with fewer resources. 

Mastering Marketing Funnels: A Comprehensive Guide to Boost Your Business

Understanding how to attract, engage, and convert potential customers is crucial for digital marketing. The most effective framework to achieve this is the marketing funnel. A marketing funnel outlines the journey customers take from the moment they become aware of...

Small Business Forecasting Made Easy

Accurate financial forecasting is crucial for small businesses in today's competitive environment. It allows you to anticipate future trends, make data-driven decisions, and achieve long-term success. However, many small business owners find themselves overwhelmed by...

Maximizing Profit Margins: Spark’s Strategies for Businesses

Maximizing profit margins is crucial for long-term success and sustainability. By implementing effective strategies, retail businesses can improve their profitability, streamline operations, and provide better value to customers. Here are key strategies to help you...

Mastering Expense Control: A Profit First Approach to Cost Management 

In the world of business, managing expenses effectively is not just about cutting costs—it's about making strategic decisions that enhance your financial health and sustainability. The Profit First approach, introduced by Mike Michalowicz, offers a transformative way...

Prepping Your Small Business for Summer

Summer is not just a season; it's a vibrant period of opportunity for small businesses. As temperatures rise, so do the possibilities for increased customer engagement and sales. Whether you operate a beachside eatery, manage a boutique, or run a service-oriented...

How to Brand Your Business

How to Brand Your Business  In the competitive world of modern business, establishing a strong brand isn’t just an option—it’s essential. A brand is more than just a logo or a tagline; it’s the entire identity of your business. It’s what sets you apart from...

How to Hire a 5-Star Employee

How to Hire a 5-Star Employee Finding a 5-star employee is no small feat. A streamlined, thoughtful hiring process can make all the difference. At Spark Business Consulting, we've crafted a meticulous 10-step gauntlet to ensure we bring aboard only the best. While we...

How to Open a Café: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Business

Are you a coffee enthusiast with a passion for entrepreneurship? If so, opening your own café might be the perfect venture for you! But where do you begin? Follow this step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of launching your dream café. Step 1: Develop a...

5 Ways to Find your Business Community

5 Ways to Find your Business Community   As an entrepreneur or business owner, finding your community can be crucial to your success. A business community is a group of people who share common interests, goals, and experiences, and can provide support, advice,...

Don’t Make These 5 Business Mistakes!

In the 13+ years I have owned Spark, I have met with a lot of business owners - literally hundreds. And we all make or have made mistakes - literally hundreds (if not thousands). In this blog, I am writing about the same mistakes that I see currently as well as from...