10 Time-Saving Tips Every Overwhelmed Business Owner Needs to Try
Running a business is a constant juggling act. Between managing clients, staying on top of admin tasks, and trying to carve out time to grow your brand, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. But here’s the truth: small shifts in how you manage your time can lead to big wins. This post shares 10 practical, proven tips to help you reclaim your time and focus on what really matters.
1️⃣ Batch Similar Tasks Together
Instead of switching from one type of task to another throughout the day, group similar tasks and tackle them in dedicated blocks. For example, set aside one hour to answer emails, another to create content, and another to manage client work. This reduces context switching and increases focus.
2️⃣ Plan Your Day the Night Before
Spend 10–15 minutes each evening mapping out your next day. List your top priorities, appointments, and must-do tasks. This reduces decision fatigue in the morning and helps you hit the ground running.
3️⃣ Set Boundaries Around Your Time
Being available 24/7 isn't sustainable. Define your work hours, use calendar blocks to guard focus time, and set expectations with clients and your team. For instance, block off mornings for deep work and keep afternoons for calls or meetings.
4️⃣ Delegate the Lower Value Tasks
If you're spending hours on tasks like data entry, scheduling, or formatting slides, it's time to delegate. Focus your time on high-impact activities and outsource the rest to a skilled Virtual Assistant (VA) or Online Business Manager (OBM) who can take these off your plate.
5️⃣ Use Templates for Repeated Work
Stop reinventing the wheel. Create templates for emails, onboarding documents, client proposals, and reports. Tools like Google Docs, Canva, and Notion make it easy to duplicate and tweak your templates quickly.
6️⃣ Automate Routine Tasks
Free up hours each week by automating tasks like client onboarding, lead follow-up, or social media scheduling. Tools like Zapier, Mailerlite, and Calendly can handle a lot of the busywork for you.
7️⃣ Use Keyboard Shortcuts & Text Expanders
Save time typing the same things over and over. Tools like TextBlaze or aText let you create shortcuts for frequently used text. Combine that with system keyboard shortcuts to navigate your tools faster.
8️⃣ Limit Decision Fatigue
Every decision you make drains a little of your energy. Simplify daily routines - like planning meals or work outfits in advance - and streamline your workspace so you can focus more on high-level decisions.
9️⃣ Control Notifications & Communications
Notifications are constant distractions. Turn off non-essential alerts and schedule time blocks to check messages or emails. Try batching communications two or three times a day instead of responding instantly.
🔟 Schedule “CEO Time” Every Week
Reserve at least an hour a week to step back from daily operations. Use this time to review progress, plan ahead, and think strategically. This habit helps you stay in control and make intentional decisions.
Time is one of your most valuable assets. By making small, consistent changes to how you work, you can create more space to lead, grow, and thrive in your business.
Ready to take back your time?
Let’s talk about how a Virtual Assistant or Online Business Manager can help you implement these tips and more.
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