Apparently, we spend less than 60% of our time working productively. That’s nearly half our day we waste on activities such as checking social media, checking emails, having dead-end meetings. Imagine what you could do with half a day, every day. Go for a walk, cook a nice meal, spend time with your family, read a book.

No doubt one of the reasons that you started your own business was to be able to be flexible with your time, take the odd afternoon off, start late on a morning, take a long holiday. It’s unlikely that you started your own business to chase your tail feeling stressed every day.

Productivity is the key to retaining your flexibility. If you manage your time effectively, you will be more productive. If you can improve your productivity, then those 8 hours you are spending in the office, could be reduced to 6 hours; suddenly you have got your flexibility back.

Here are some top tips for time management:

• Be clear about your goals and objectives – It is easy to get sucked in to things that have little value or relevance to your business; be clear what you want to achieve.
• Steer clear of the time-sucking traps – checking emails, checking your phone constantly, attending meetings that achieve little.

• Use your diary effectively – schedule your time for each day, each week, each month. Work at your most productive time of day to ensure that you maximise the efficiency of your working hours.
• Set deadlines and stick to them – deadlines are about budgeting your time. It will help you get projects completed if you set realistic time frames.
• Make lists – there are all number of apps, but a traditional pen and paper list is a great start.
• Focus on just one thing at a time – avoid multi-tasking, it doesn’t work. The human brain works best when focused on one thing.
• Delegate or outsource as much as possible – outsourcing allows you time to concentrate on your areas of responsibility.
• Avoid procrastination: The ultimate time-killer is procrastination.

If you are struggling to take control of your business, you might benefit from our Business Builder Club. We will work with you reviewing and monitoring your business and helping you to implement the changes that you need in order to become successful. And because we understand that success looks different to everyone, we don’t just talk about the bottom line. For an accountant who understands that business is about more than just accounts and tax returns, contact TLA Business Services today on 01905 21411