Time Management for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Time Management for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners can be difficult. We have busy schedules. You can often wear every hat in the Company business. You are your own Marketing Expert, Social Media Expert, Blogger, Networker, Project Manager and Manager…and you “run” the business too! And if you have a brick and mortar building your work can still find its way back into your home office – causing even more stress.
Deciding where to concentrate and spend time every day to make sure that you are doing everything that is required can be overwhelming. This is probably why a majority of small businesses and Entrepreneur businesses fail. Being in charge of your time management is a very important part of being a business owner. So where do you spend your time when it is all important and all required – and you have trouble justifying paying someone else to help.
Time Management is crucial for every business. It is required in order for us to reach goals, complete projects, build a business and make money! The balance of it all can be daunting. And, don’t forget your family and personal life.
Better time management requires:
- Focus on priorities. How many networking events do you need to attend every week? Do you know which groups are right for your business? Are you truly networking with these groups – or simply enjoying social time with “friends” who occasionally send you a client or two?
- Stop being a control freak! What part of your business really Needs to be done by you? Are there areas that you can allow someone else to help? I was taught a long time ago by a wonderful business coach – if someone else can do it easier, better and faster…let them do it. I have to admit that this is still difficult for me. Knowing who to trust and being specific about your needs is an important key to getting the right help. It can be done though…t
here are other good company’s (just like yours) who can help you grow your business. - Lay out your calendar in advance – always be thinking ahead for the upcoming week. First thing Monday morning, schedule an appointment with yourself to check your calendar and identify where and when you will first spend time on things that will bring in income or “Income Producing Activities”. This could mean writing a Proposal or Finalizing a Contract. Even if these are not the activities that you enjoy, they are necessary for your Return on Investment and a necessity. Don’t put them off – make them top priority for your week.
- Many personalities find it helpful to color-code their calendar so that they can easily identify each area of their business. For example – any appointment that is an income generating appointment is highlighted in green (for money). A prospect meeting could be highlighted in blue. Personal and family appointments could be highlighted in pink. The colors that you chose don’t matter. What matters is that you are consistent and persistent when it comes to Time Management for your business.
Linda Clevenger, Professional and Personal Organizer
www.organizationdirect.com
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