Time Management is Key to Entrepreneurial Success: 5 Tips from A Business Coach

As entrepreneurs, we wear many hats and juggle multiple responsibilities on the daily. Between
managing teams, developing products, providing hands-on services, overseeing finances,
it's easy to feel overwhelmed and like there are never enough hours in the day. However, with
effective time management skills, you can increase your productivity, reduce your stress levels,
and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Through one-on-one coaching sessions, The Spurling Group works closely with business
owners to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for growth. We bring a wealth
of knowledge and expertise to the table, drawing on our own experience as successful
entrepreneurs to offer practical advice and guidance to entrepreneurs who want to start thriving.
Here are some of our tips for improving time management skills as an entrepreneur.

Tip #1: Create a Daily Schedule and To-Do List

One of the most effective ways to manage your time as an entrepreneur is to create a daily
schedule and to-do list. This helps you prioritize your tasks and ensures that you're making
progress toward your goals every single day. When creating your schedule, be sure to block out
time for important activities like meetings, strategic planning, and networking. This will help you
focus on your top priorities and prevent unexpected distractions from derailing your progress.
Prioritize and rank your tasks based on their importance and deadline. This will help you stay
organized and ensure that you're working on the most critical tasks first. Focus on one task at a
time, and complete it before moving on to the next one. But it’s also important to take breaks
and recharge throughout the day. Studies have shown that taking short breaks can actually
increase productivity and creativity. So, take a walk, grab a snack, or do something else to clear
your mind and come back to your work with renewed energy. Build these breaks right into your
schedule.

Get familiar with scheduling and list-making tools and methods that work well for you. As you
optimize your schedule and become well-versed in the art of to-do list-making, you will get the
most out of your available time and accomplish more in fewer hours.

Tip #2: Use Time-Tracking Tools

Time blindness is a clear and present danger to entrepreneurs. Technology can be your friend
here. Time-tracking tools can help you identify areas where you're spending too much time, and
help you optimize your workflow for maximum efficiency. Some popular time-tracking tools
include Toggl, RescueTime, and Focus@Will.

According to a study by RescueTime, people who tracked their time were more productive and
less distracted than those who didn't. By using a time-tracking tool, you can gain insight into
your work habits and make changes to improve your productivity and focus.

Tip #3: Eliminate Distractions

Our devices can sometimes get the best of us. While they are incredible tools for a myriad of
reasons, they can also become major distractions that can waste our precious time. Whether it's
checking your email every five minutes or scrolling through social media during your workday,
distractions can eat up valuable time and reduce your overall productivity. To eliminate distractions, try setting specific times for checking your email or social media, and use tools like website blockers, white noise, or noise-canceling headphones to help you stay focused. By minimizing distractions and staying focused on your goals, you can make the most of your time and achieve better results.

Tip #4: Delegate Tasks to Your Team

We know firsthand how tempting it can be to take on all your business responsibilities
yourself. However, this can quickly lead to burnout and can significantly limit your overall
productivity. To avoid this, consider delegating tasks to your team members or outsourcing
certain activities to third-party providers. You’re the boss - you get to tell people what to do! By
delegating tasks to others (and training them well!) you can free up time to focus on your
core business activities and achieve better results overall.

Tip #5: Work with a Business Coach

A business coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to time
management and develop a personalized plan to help you optimize your schedule and achieve
your goals. A business coach can provide accountability and support, which can be crucial for
entrepreneurs who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. With the guidance of a skilled business
coach, you can develop the habits and systems you need to manage your time effectively, build
your business, and achieve success.

Time Is Finite: Make The Most Of It With Business Coaching

Effective time management is critical for entrepreneurs to become skilled at. By prioritizing
tasks, eliminating distractions, and taking breaks, you can improve your productivity and
achieve your business goals more efficiently. If these tips strike a chord with you and you find
yourself struggling to manage your time effectively, The Spurling Group is here to help you
develop and implement a personalized time management strategy.

Source: MacKay, J. (2018, January 4). Productivity in 2017: What we learned from analyzing 225 million hours of work time. RescueTime Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.rescuetime.com/225-million-hours-productivity/