How to Manage Time as a Business Owner
Tell me on a scale of 1-10 how much you can relate to this:
A day that is fueled by anxiety…managing the ever-growing to-do list, answering frustrated client communication, dealing with team dynamics, keeping track of company goals and measurables, finding time to work on that giant project so that you’re not saving it until the last minute…AGAIN. Then, you attempt to leave all of that behind so that you can go and cheer for your growing boy on the football field and drop off ballet shoes that your daughter forgot in your rush out the door to practice.
Yes, there are bright sides to this life of leadership, business, and family, and many times I’m happy to point them out, celebrate them, and bring them to light. Right now, however, I want to make sure we talk about the very real and very prevalent fact that countless business owners are drowning in tasks, expectations, and fast-food dinners. To put it simply, there is a mass crisis of OVERWHELM.
Why You Need Time Management in Business
My friend, this blog is FOR YOU.
You’re too important. You have too many people relying on your leadership. You have too big of a calling to work, lead, love, and serve to be treating yourself this way. Stop de-valuing your time and your contribution. Stop spending your time “flying by the seat of your pants.”
Let this be your wake-up call to place a greater value on your time, priorities, and contribution. The anxiety, overwhelm, and frustration from living in a state of overwhelm is taking its toll on your mental health, the profitability of your business, and your supply of resources.
Business and time management is really resource and mental energy management–a necessary tool in the business owner’s life. It will take you from being reactionary to being intentional, lower your mental load, and give you a clear picture of the expectations you have on yourself and your team.
With my personal experience and training as a coach I’ve learned how to look at the big picture, connect that vision to our day-to-day activities, and time block for both productivity and rest.
These are time management strategies that you will want to implement immediately.
Time Management Benefits
When you consistently manage your time well as a business owner, the benefits will ripple out with a cascade of positive outcomes.
You’ll notice increased productivity, efficiency, and sales of products and/or services.
As a result of you being less scattered and overwhelmed, your customer experience will improve. Imagine the difference your customers will see when they’re interacting with a calm and present representative rather than one who is distracted and detached.
Your team members will notice the positive effects, too! Functional time management will improve company culture, employee retention, and overall operations. Your staff can feel your stress and it trickles down to them, even if none of you recognize it. When you are a good manager of your time as a leader you will upgrade the entire organization.
Are you ready?? These time management tips are going to be practical, realistic, and focused. You’re going to feel empowered to take some control and save time during your week.
How to Manage Time
Be clear about your business goals and desires.
Limit yourself to 3-5 large, overarching goals for the year. YES, that’s all!!! The narrowed focus will cause you to bring intensity that will move the needle for you in monumental ways.
Are other things going to come up? Are you going to have other (usually smaller) projects to work on or other demands placed on your time?
100% YES!! But, you will know where your business priorities lie. You will be clear about the overall needs and direction of your business and you will make better decisions about how to move forward with the “distractions.”
Plan your week before it happens.
This is the most effective way to KICK DISTRACTIONS TO THE CURB!
Mental fatigue comes hand in hand with overwhelm. This makes it more difficult to keep focus on one task, to zone out distractions, and to choose where to put your attention. And, I know there are a lot of things vying for your attention!
It is very difficult to prioritize your time, priorities, and goals IN THE MOMENT. Things that are loud and squeaky get the attention, not necessarily the things that are IMPORTANT.
One of my favorite ways to do this is to identify my Top 3 Most Important Tasks for the Week, and then to make sure I have time for them on my calendar. As you’re planning your week, ask yourself these questions–
What are my priorities and needs?
What tasks/goals do I need to work on/accomplish?
Where am I already obligated?
Where do I have time to focus with intention?
Where do I need to ask for help or support?
What boundaries can I set for myself to ensure success?
Learn to tell what’s IMPORTANT and URGENT.
Important = Moves me closer to my goal
Urgent = Deadline is soon
Goal: Spend more time on IMPORTANT things, even when they aren’t URGENT. This Eisenhower Matrix that I use with my clients can be really helpful here!! (There’s a download for this available at the bottom!! I got you!!)
Let me break this down for you…
You very likely spend way too much time in the quadrant of items and on the daily tasks which both urgent and important. This is where anxiety lives and burnout thrives.
As a result, you also spend too much time in the quadrant that is neither urgent or important. This is “dead time” when you’re so exhausted from anxiety that you can’t do anything except shut down.
THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE.
Two things that you can commit to learn that will CHANGE THE GAME for you:
Things in the urgent and not important quadrant (these are items that have a looming deadline, but that do not significantly move you closer to your goal)–learn to delegate these items. You can delegate tasks to people, technology, or systems. (Learn more about that here.)
Move From People Pleasing to Difference Making Mastermind the Art Of Delegation
Things in the important and not urgent quadrant (these are items that are high quality and move the needle on accomplishing an important goal, but that have no clear deadline and are easily procrastinated)–time block these items and make a promise to yourself to keep your appointment! Practice making time for these time blocks and stay focused on a regular basis. You’ll thank me later.
Getting Help for Time Management Practices
As you grow and evolve with your business, how you spend your time also needs to change. The best use of your time when you’re starting a business is different than once you’re established and growing. You’ll notice this as you grow and progress through many stages of your business–managing a growing team, developing leaders, designing new product offerings, building a legacy. Managing a small business means staying nimble with your time management and frequently making decisions about how to best use the finite and valuable resource of your time and energy.
I created two free resources to help busy business owners (just like you!) manage their time through any stage of business and run their business like a BOSS!
Time Management Makeover–This helpful PDF will help you plan your week with intention, purpose, and clarity! It’ll take you through many of the steps outlined above. Use it each week as you decide where you want to spend your time and energy.
Overcoming Overwhelm–This PDF will provide guidance with prioritizing your tasks. It will help you decide which things are urgent and/or important.
I know you can do it!! Begin with just one thing and you’ll discover:
That you accomplish more important tasks during the day
That you’re taking steps toward your goals
That you’re spending less time on unimportant tasks
Let this be your wake-up call to place a greater value on your time, priorities, and contribution.
Need help managing your time as a business owner? Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Want harmony with your faith, family, and career?
Schedule a Coaching Chat with one of our coaches today. We’d love to help you in this season of growth!