Strategies for Time Management as a Small Business Owner

The term “small business” can be misleading. Something small should be easy to manage, right? Well, as it turns out, running a small business is no small feat.

Because of the unique challenges of running a startup, many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed. In the early stages, it may seem like there isn’t enough of time during the day. But that isn’t necessarily the case.

With the right mindset—and a few simple strategies—you can learn to effectively manage your time. Widening your day, getting more done and—imagine this—reducing the stress you feel on a daily basis. 

The Startup Pressure Cooker

The startup phase of a business can be intense. Limited resources, having to wear multiple hats, scrambling to establish processes while building a customer base . . . the struggle is real.

In other words, owners have a lot on their plates. And a seeming scarcity of your most valuable resource—time—can lead to a whole lot of stress.

But once you realize the importance of your time, you can begin to make changes. And here are some practical ways for doing just that. 

#1. Prioritize Your Tasks

There are a million tasks to do each day. Okay, maybe not a million, but there is a lot going on when running a business. But the thing is, not all of those tasks are created equal. 

Some will have a much larger impact on your business than others. As such, your goal is simple: identify those tasks which have the greatest impact and focus the majority of your energy and attention on those. 

If that feels a touch overwhelming, try using the following tool. Called the Eisenhower Matrix, this simple method divides tasks into one of four different categories—helping you allocate your time more efficiently and effectively.

1. Urgent and important: Do these tasks immediately
2. Important but not urgent: Schedule these tasks for later
3. Urgent but not important: Delegate these tasks if possible
4. Not urgent and not important: Eliminate these tasks

#2. Delegate and Outsource

Small business owners quickly realize something: you can’t do everything on your own. But getting help is yet another challenge—especially when resources are limited.

That being said, an immediate goal should be to improve cash flow so you can hire a team. This will help you free up your time to focus on what’s most important—the big picture steps for growing your business.

There are many, many tasks that need to be completed to keep a business running. Determine which you can delegate to others, and which you don’t like or feel are a weakness. Ideally, and as time goes on, your focus as an owner should be to stick to your strengths. 

#3. Break Down Larger Tasks

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when running a business. All too often, this leads to procrastination, and the projects which are most critical going unfinished.

Instead of tackling a huge task all at once, break it down into smaller steps. This approach makes larger projects more manageable. And seeing your progress will keep you motivated over the weeks, months and years to come.

The bottom line is there is only so much you can do at any given time. So heed the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1. That “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” and recognize that you can only take things step by step.

And in doing so accomplish larger goals without feeling overwhelmed.

#4. Set Personal Boundaries

If you’re passionate about your business, it’s easy to let work consume your life. However, maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for preventing work-related burnout—something that ultimately hurts you and your business.

Set specific work hours and stick to them. Be deliberate about scheduling time for rest, family and personal activities. Focus on rejuvenation.

Because these activities are not a distraction from what’s important—they are what’s important. And a restful balance will help you maintain your energy and bring your best to your work when it’s time to do so.

#5. Plan Your Day the Night Before

One simple tip for time management is to plan your day the evening before. This practice saves you time in the morning and helps you hit the ground running when you start your day. 

Before you go to bed, review your to-do list for the following day. Then, prioritize your tasks (perhaps using the Eisenhower Matrix) to identify which are most important. 

You may also find it useful to focus on completing a single task each day. Of course, you may get more done, but by tackling the most important issue, you begin each day with a clear plan—and avoid wasted time wondering what to do next. 

#6. Learn to Say No

As a small business leader, you’re likely bombarded with requests for your time and attention. And while it is important to be helpful, protecting your time is a crucial practice for propelling your business forward.

One of the most powerful—and sometimes difficult—ways to learn to say no. No non-essential tasks or commitments. No spending time on projects that won’t move the needle. 

This can be hard. You may struggle with knowing what tasks to turn down. You may feel guilty. If you struggle with saying no, put your faith in God and ask Him to guide your steps. Just know that at this critical stage for your business, staying focused on your priorities is the best way to ultimately free up your time and ability to serve. 

Sometimes a Partner Makes All the Difference

Managing your time effectively is essential to the success of your business. By prioritizing tasks, learning to delegate, breaking down large projects, setting boundaries, planning and learning to say no, you can navigate the unique pressures of the startup phase—all while staying healthy and full of energy.

However, sometimes having the tools is not enough. We need to hear things over and over before we make the change. Or better yet, have someone close by to guide us through each phase and help us tackle our problems in real time.

This is where a business coach comes in. Someone to walk with you, side by side and help you become the best version of yourself—to help your business thrive in a way that is unique to you and your vision. 

At Integro, we believe that business and faith go hand-in-hand. Our Christian business coaches have helped Christian leaders like yourself grow their companies and their faith. Building something that serves the Kingdom and all those it touches.

So if you’re ready to take the next step toward your business’s potential, reach out for a free 10-15 minute phone call today.

Your call is a space to share about your business, the struggles you’ve been facing and your goals for the future. Then, you’ll be on your way with everything you need to make the right decision for your business when you’re ready—with zero pressure and no strings attached.

So give us a call today. Because there’s no reason to stay stressed out and overwhelmed when building a Kingdom business.

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