Declutter Your Digital Life: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Imagine this: every single day, someone's nudging you to try a new tool or download another app.

"This will boost your sales," they say.

"That will make your marketing a breeze," promises another.

It's like a never-ending tech buffet, but instead of feeling full, you're just overwhelmed. Sounds familiar, right?

I know that I’m guilty of being one of those voices. I love technology and I enjoy experimenting with these new toys every day. But I know everyone doesn’t feel the same way. I want to let you know that its ok to be a bit of a digital minimalist if that’s what makes you feel more comfortable.

Digital Minimalism is like finding that quiet corner in a noisy room. It's about making smart choices with tech, picking what truly adds value instead of letting it take over. This approach isn't just about tidying up your digital clutter; it's about shaping your digital life into something that feels good, enhances your productivity, and nurtures real connections beyond the screen.

It is very easy for a small business owner to get overwhelmed after being constantly bombarded with the latest tech must-haves. I want to help you find a sweet spot with technology, allowing you to concentrate on what genuinely matters—like growing your business and enjoying the process.

You can reclaim heaps of time and energy by selecting the digital tools and platforms that genuinely serve you. This newsletter is full of strategies to help you achieve that balance!

This week your main quest is to declutter our PC Desktops, Bookmarks, and Phone Apps.

We live in digital spaces whether we like it or not, and bad habits can lead to cluttered PC desktops, disorganized files, scattered bookmarks, and a pile of unused apps. This week is an opportunity to clean that all up for a fresh start.

Steps to Sorting Your PC Desktop

There are a few ways to organize your desktop, and the one you choose to use depends on how much effort you want to put into this. (I’m a realist.)

There are several different frameworks you can use for organizing files and programs on your Desktop, but all of them rely on a series of folders.

You can create folders on your PC Desktop (You can do that right clicking on any space and selecting New Folder).

I’ll present two options here.

1. Create one folder and label it “Archives.” You would use this folder for every file that you need to keep but isn’t relevant to something that you are working on right now.

2. You can use the PARA Method and create 4 folders.

   1. Projects - For projects that you are working on right now and have a specific due date.

   2. Areas - These are things you want to collect information on but don’t have a due date.

   3. Resources - This is information you want to have on hand, but don’t know when you will need it. (I put the PDFs of the manuals for my appliances here.)

   4. Archives - This is where everything else goes.

This is a video explaining the PARA framework further.

Once the folders are in place, then it’s time to go through your files. Take a look at the files on your desktop and put them where they go. If they genuinely don’t have any use, then feel free to throw them into the digital recycle bin.

Steps to Declutter Your Phone

• Scroll through your apps and evaluate each one based on the last time you used it and its importance to your daily life.

• Uninstall apps that serve no purpose, distract you from your goals or duplicate the functions of other tools.

• Organize the remaining apps into folders based on categories or frequency of use.

This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also reduces the temptation to mindlessly open apps.

Organize You Bookmarks

Browsers give us the ability to bookmark URLs that we go to frequently. This is a great tool that can help make using the internet much more efficient, but sometimes those bookmarks can get out of control.

This is an article with several steps on how to organize bookmarks on a variety of different browsers.

I know. This can be a pain. But, a streamlined digital environment can improve focus, reduce stress, and make using the internet easier and faster.

Once you’ve completed your Main Quest share it with our community! Post your results in the Side Quest Solutions Facebook Group with the hashtag #MainQuestComplete!

All of my newsletter graphics are created in Canva. It’s an amazing tool.

Are you seeking a supportive space to share experiences, gain insights, and tackle challenges together?

Look no further! Our Side Quest Solutions Community on Facebook is your go-to hub.

It's more than just a group; it's a vibrant community where you can share struggles, exchange expertise, and seek answers to your burning questions.

Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, engage in meaningful conversations, and grow together. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a community that's as passionate about business success as you are. Join us now! 💼🚀🤝 

The Sidequest this week is to go back to the list of Apps you made a few weeks ago and get rid of any services you haven’t used.

If you’re going to simplify your desktop, then it’s worth taking some time to simplify your digital workflow. It’ll net you time every day (and who doesn’t love that?)

Go through each tool on your list and evaluate them.

• Does it do what you thought it would?

• Does it work?

• Do you enjoy using it?

• How often does it “break?”

• Does it duplicate any other tools that you use?

This is a continual process so it’s a good idea to run through these questions with the apps you use regularly. (But. don’t worry. I’ll remind you every once in a while!)

The Forest app encourages focus and present-mindedness. It offers a creative way to manage phone usage and stay productive. Each session of focused work grows a virtual tree, linking your progress to environmental stewardship through real tree planting.

Below are seven days of social media ideas! These are written to be generic. Adapt them! Use them word for word! Go wild!

Day 1: Motivational Monday

• "Start your week with a dose of motivation and a sprinkle of ambition. Remember, great things never came from comfort zones. Let's conquer this week together! 💪 #MotivationMonday"

Day 2: Transformation Tuesday

• "A look back to see how far we've come. Transformations aren’t just physical, they’re about growth, learning, and evolving into the best versions of ourselves. Share your transformation story with us! 🌟 #TransformationTuesday"

Day 3: Wisdom Wednesday

• "Midweek wisdom: 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.' - Winston S. Churchill. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? Share with us! 📚 #WisdomWednesday"

Day 4: Throwback Thursday

• "Throwing it back to unforgettable moments and the memories that bring us back to smiles. What’s a memory that always makes you smile? Share your throwback with us! #ThrowbackThursday 🕰️"

Day 5: Feel-good Friday

• "It's Friday, and that means it's time for some feel-good vibes! Share something that made you happy this week, let's spread some positivity. 😊 #FeelGoodFriday"

Day 6: Social Saturday

• "Saturday's are for adventures and making memories with those who matter most. What's your plan for today? Share your Saturday vibes with us! 🌈 #SocialSaturday"

Day 7: Self-care Sunday

• "Sundays are perfect for self-care and preparing for the week ahead. How do you recharge your batteries? Share your self-care routine with us! 🌸 #SelfcareSunday"