Time management is a must-have skill for any small business owner, but finding time for ourselves can be difficult in today’s world. You can prioritize time for yourself by scheduling personal time, delegating responsibilities, and setting boundaries. Here are some helpful tips to get started:
Set a Schedule
Treating your business as your number one client, schedule time to work on your business and stick to it. A set schedule can help establish boundaries and prevent overwork. Try to keep your schedule close to 40 hours a week or less, and be sure to include “me time”. This should be scheduled in advance and treated like a non-negotiable appointment. You can use this time to get a massage, try a new cafe, or roam around downtown.
Practice Self-Care
In the midst of nurturing a business, it’s easy to forget to nurture yourself. Make time to recharge by sitting down with your family for a meal, scheduling a 5 minute walk outside, or meeting up with a friend for lunch. These seemingly small acts will motivate you through rough patches and reward you for your wins. Set goals, but don’t forget to celebrate yourself when you reach them.
Setting Boundaries
Healthy boundaries can help entrepreneurs maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout. It’s recommended that you set boundaries and communicate these with your team and your clients. These will set realistic expectations for your availability. Establish set business hours as well as rules for when you’ll check email or answer phone calls, and set a limit for the amount of time you spend talking about work with friends and family.
Delegate Tasks
Delegation is a key trait of successful entrepreneurs because it allows you to focus on your strengths and produce higher quality work. It’s nearly impossible to do everything by yourself, so have trust in your team members and delegate lower-value tasks to free up time for more important activities.
Use Automation
Using technology and automation to streamline repetitive processes will greatly free up your time. Use automation to set up booking calendars and send automated emails while you’re away. You can also schedule social media posts ahead of time using programs such as Hootsuite, use automation software to respond to customer emails immediately, send meeting and event reminders, restock alerts, empty cart abandonment messages, promotional deals and discounts, and the list goes on.
If you need assistance with administrative tasks, social media scheduling or automation, it may be time to think about hiring a Virtual Assistant. All of us at Projects Made Simple would love to help! Contact us today!
