The SmallBizLady Buzz - Issue 203

Are You Suffering from Time Bankruptcy as a Business Owner?

As a business owner, time is your most precious resource. Yet, all too often, entrepreneurs find themselves stretched thin, constantly juggling multiple tasks, and struggling to keep up with the demands of running a business. It's easy to fall into the trap of time bankruptcy – a state where you feel perpetually overwhelmed and short on time. But fear not; there are strategies you can employ to reclaim control of your time and prevent that from derailing your business success.

Are you busy or productive? One common symptom of time bankruptcy is the feeling of being constantly busy but never truly productive. You may find yourself working long hours yet still falling behind on important tasks and deadlines. If this sounds familiar, it's time to take a step back and reassess how you're managing your time.

Start by identifying your priorities. What are the most critical tasks that require your attention as a business owner? Make a list of these priorities and set aside specific hours each day for your list, including strategic planning, client meetings, or financial management.

Learn to delegate effectively. There is a difference between Queen Bee's work and Worker Bee’s work. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself, fearing that no one else can do it as well. Identify tasks that can be delegated to employees, contractors, or virtual assistants, freeing up your time to focus on higher-value activities.

Implementing strict boundaries around your time. Schedule specific times to check email and social media and turn off notifications during focused work periods. Consider implementing a "no interruption" policy during certain hours of the day to give yourself uninterrupted blocks of time to tackle important tasks.

Embrace automation and technology. Invest in tools and systems that streamline repetitive tasks, automate workflows, and improve efficiency. From project management software to email automation tools, technology can be a game-changer for reclaiming lost time and boosting productivity.

Don't forget to prioritize self-care. It's easy to neglect yourself when running a business, but neglecting self-care only exacerbates the problem of time bankruptcy. Make time for activities that recharge your batteries, whether it's exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.

Time bankruptcy is a common challenge for many business owners, but it's not insurmountable. Using these strategies, you can reclaim control of your time and position yourself for greater success in business and in life.

Now check out the featured article of the week, Why All Successful Small Business Owners Have a Coach.

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Why All Successful Small Business Owners Have a Coach

Small business owners face a multitude of challenges on their journey to success. From navigating challenges with the economy and gas prices to managing day-to-day operations, the path to building a thriving business can be daunting. However, one common thread unites many successful entrepreneurs: the presence of a business coach. While some may view coaching as a luxury, the truth is that it is an indispensable tool that can catalyze growth, foster resilience, and unlock the full potential of a small business owner. Continue reading....

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It’s Still Not Too Late to Register for the Brand in Demand Coaching Program Live Classes start March 20th.

If you are trying to elevate your brand to position yourself as an author, speaker, coach, or consultant, this is the program you need. One of our recent students had this to say, “Coaching with Melinda has been transformative, to say the least! She helped me get clear on my target, business proposition, and offer. Two months later, I landed my biggest client to date, and it’s just the beginning!” If you want to get in on this cohort, you can also attend the Glam Brand Makeover Weekend March 29-30th in Philadelphia, PA, for FREE. Click here to Register Today!

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The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It & Quit It with Melissa Muhammad, Karla Ukman, and Olivia Thomas

Checkout my recent podcast: Hit It & Quit It with Melissa Muhammad, Karla Ukman, and Olivia Thomas

In this episode, I talk with guests Global Trade Expert Melissa Muhammad Esq., Financial Planner Karla Ukman, and Branding Expert Olivia Thomas about their favorite business apps, old-school marketing tips, and their favorite business books.

Are You a Business Expert? Do you think that you have something to offer The SmallBizChat Podcast audience? If so, click here to submit your materials.

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Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s?#1?Small Business Expert. She?is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, marketing and social selling. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.?In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of #Smallbizchat LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.