Strong time management skills can mean the difference between success and failure in your business. A robust time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs means getting more done, in less time, so you can make more money.

Time management system for small business owners:  Introduction

The most successful businesses run on effective systems.  As a small business or solopreneur, one of your most valuable assets is your attention.  A time management system for small business owners can help you harness your limited time, energy, and attention. You’ll ensure that you’re pouring into the projects and tasks that will move the needle in your business, as a result.

If you’re:

• Struggling to get things done,
• Losing track of tasks and to-do’s, or
• Always running out of time in your business,

…A strong time management system could be exactly what you need to get back on track.  Here are 5 reasons why it’s essential to have a time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs.

Create structure in your business

First, a strong time management system creates structure for your business (and also for your personal life).  Rather than allowing interruptions to derail your work or letting to-do’s pile up, a solid time management system brings order, efficiency, and some predictability to your days and weeks.  This can result in less stress, more confidence, and less overwhelm.  That means better focus, more energy, and more done.

A strong system can help you organize and focus your energy and attention.  This ensures that you get the most impact out of the time you spend on projects, with clients, and in your personal life.  For example, structure makes it easier to decide whether it makes sense to say “yes” to a request or new opportunity.

Structure can also help rein in distractions and interruptions.  You can structure your days or weeks to include things like:

• Dedicated focus time
• Designated times to deal with random things that pop up
• Specific times when staff and clients can contact you or expect to hear back from you

Prioritize tasks for maximum effectiveness

Another benefit of a strong time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs is prioritization.  A solid system can also help you assess and prioritize tasks.  This is important because, as humans, we have limited time and energy.  Identifying the tasks that will help you grow your business, and making them a priority, will help you get the most impact from your precious, limited resources.

Prioritization can also help you examine your tasks from a critical perspective. This will help ensure that only the most important items make it onto your calendar.

For example, if you’re holding onto tasks that you no longer need to be doing, or that aren’t important to your business, an honest priority assessment can help root them out.  That means more time and energy for the things that will help your business grow.

Track what is and isn’t completed

A robust time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs helps keep track of which tasks are done, and which still need to be completed.  It can help eliminate those frustrating “I forgot to…” moments. You know, the ones that hold up projects, damage relationships with clients, and ultimately hurt your bottom line.

A strong time management system should include a method for collecting, reviewing, and scheduling tasks.  This will help you keep track of all the stuff you need to do. That includes everything from big projects, to serving clients, to the random little action items that come up.  Knowing where you’re at on a project, process, or with daily operations will help you work more efficiently. It will also help you make better decisions as a business owner.

Plan and spend your time strategically

What I’ve seen with so many clients is that they put off important tasks that will move their business forward. They spend lots of time “putting out fires” in their business, instead.  A time management system can help you focus some of your time and energy on important, business-building tasks.

What’s more, a time management system can help you create routines and failsafe plans in your business. You’ll cut down on the number of “fires” that pop up in your business, as a result.  Think back over the last month or so.  What kinds of “fires” came up?  Were some of them caused by the same issue?  How could you use a time management system to get ahead of that problem? How could planning and time management help you to be proactive rather than reactive?

Stay focused on making progress

When used in conjunction with goal-setting and planning, a good time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs is gold. It can can help ensure that you’re continuing to make forward progress toward your business goals.

It can be easy for business growth goals to become forgotten amid the day-to-day bustle of running a business.  A time management system will help you keep your goals and plans at the forefront of your mind. It will also allow you to create time to work on them.

Time management system for small business owners:  Conclusion

Structure and strategy are two key ingredients for small business growth.  Planning and managing your time effectively will help you create both.  Let’s recap. Here are 5 reasons to have a time management system for small business owners and solopreneurs:

• Create structure in your life and business
• Prioritize tasks for maximum effectiveness
• Track what is and isn’t completed
• Plan and spend your time strategically
• Stay focused on making progress

Creating a robust, effective time management system from scratch is a lot of work.  The good news?  You don’t have to do start from nothing!  I offer a comprehensive time management system that you can use and customize to fit your life and business.  And, I’ll be there to help you implement, customize, and troubleshoot, every step of the way.  Sound cool?  Let’s talk!