BreakThrough Business SolutionsMobile: (021) 991 917

Business Growth Specialists

  • Home
  • SERVICES
    • Coaching and Consulting
    • Marketing Consulting
    • Sales Training Program
    • BreakThrough Business and Strategy Planning
    • Products
      • Business eBook Now
      • Success Workbook 2024
    • EVENTS
    • MEMBERS LOGIN
    • BLOG
  • ABOUT
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • IN THE MEDIA
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • BreakThrough Women In Business
  • BreakThrough Women in Trades
  • Sales Game Changer Program™
  • Media & Workshops
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Blog / 16 Top Tips for Time Management

16 Top Tips for Time Management

January 31, 2019

16 ToP TIPS for TIME MANAGEMENT

Struggle with Time Management as a business owner?

Time Management for a business owner is always challenging when running a business. So the best way to make the most of your time is not just to master time management… But to also leverage your time to become more productive without putting in extra hours.

Below I’ve compiled the best time management tips that I have been using for years and also teach my clients how to use and implement. Just a few small tweaks to your day and normal routine can make all the difference.

Planning Ahead Time Management Tips

TIP 1. Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan out your entire day. And, don’t start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.

TIP 2. Get in the habit of setting time limits for tasks. For instance, reading and answering emails can consume your whole day if you let it. Instead, set limits of intervals during the day. Make sure you allocate time to respond by setting an alarm. Or prioritise importance to respond to e-mails, then move onto projects, other work needing attention.

TIP 3. Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the day and where your precious moments are going. You’ll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive thoughts, conversations, and actions.

TIP 4. Re-condition the expectations of others as to your availability and their claim on your time. For example, use an activity planner to help you justify why you and not others should be prioritising your activities and time.

Limiting Activity & Availability Tips

TIP 5. Put up a “Do not disturb” sign when you absolutely have to get work done.

TIP 6. Practice not answering the phone just because it’s ringing. As well as, replying to e-mails just because they show up. Ensure you disconnect instant messaging. More specifically, don’t instantly give people your attention unless it’s crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

TIP 7. Any activity or conversation that’s important to your success should have a time assigned to it. As we know, To-do lists get longer and longer to the point where they’re unworkable. However, appointment books do work. As you can schedule appointments with yourself and create time blocks for high-priority thoughts, conversations, and actions. Schedule when they will begin and end and have the discipline to keep these appointments.

TIP 8. Always probe deadlines to establish the true situation. People asking you to do things will often say ‘now’ when ‘later today’ would be perfectly acceptable. Therefore, try to appeal to the other person’s own sense of time management. It’s impossible for anyone to do a good job without the opportunity to plan and prioritise.

TIP 9. Try to minimise the time that you are available to take unplanned phone calls. Unless you are in a customer-facing, reactive role, you must plan some time-slots when you are not available. If not, you will never get anything important and pro-active done.

TIP 10. The more senior you are the more selective you need to be about when to be available to receive phone calls. Try to manage your emails and phone calls – don’t let them manage you. Ideally, check at planned times, and avoid checking in on continuous notifications of incoming emails.

Organisation & Preparation Time Management Tips

TIP 11. Be sure your systems are organised. For instance, are you wasting a lot of time looking for files on your computer? If so, take the time to organise a file management system. Is your filing system slowing you down? Then redo it, so it’s organised to the point that you can quickly lay your hands on what you need.

TIP 12. Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. By doing so, you know what success looks like before you start. And it will also slow time down. Furthermore, take five minutes after each call/activity to determine whether your desired result was achieved. If not, what was missing? How do you put what’s missing in your next call or activity?

TIP 13. Don’t waste time waiting. From client meetings to dentist appointments, it’s impossible to avoid waiting for someone or something. But you don’t need to just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. For instance, always take something to do with you. Such as a report or business magazine you need to read. Or even just a blank pad of paper that you can use to plan your next marketing campaign. Technology makes it easy to work wherever you are; your iPad and/or cell phone will help you stay connected.

Planning Ahead Time Management Tips

TIP 14. Plan to spend at least 50% of your time engaged in thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results. Ask yourself is this activity beneficial to where I want to be?

TIP 15. Mute social media and app notifications on your phone to help you avoid getting distracted. Furthermore, turn on the ‘do not disturb’ feature on your iPhone. This feature mutes all messages, calls, and notifications. You only see them when you unlock your phone and see what notifications have come through. If you can’t trust yourself around constant app notifications, then place your phone in the other room. If it is away from you, you can focus on the task at hand.

TIP 16. Remember that it’s impossible to get everything done. As a result, remember 20% of your thoughts, conversations, and activities produce 80% of your results.

FREE Downloadable Template

Implementing these tips will utilise your time more productively, but you will also notice an increase of time to work ON your business and less time working IN it.

Time Management Plan Fiona ClarkTo help you maximise your time, download our free Daily Time Management Plan template. 

Need some help or assistance? If you’d like to find out more or discuss customised time management strategies personalised for your business, feel free to give us a call on +64 9 476 9407, pop a message into the form below or e-mail us at info@bbsolutions.co.nz

Contact Form

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Leveraging Time, Managing Time, Time Management Tips

Power Profit Growth Session

Free Report

eBook

Client Success Stories

Incredibly talented business growth specialist

Fiona is an incredibly talented business growth specialist. Her values-centred guidance challenged us to think beyond just “web solutions company ” and focus more on finding our specialization that would capitalize on our passions and strengths. Her knowledge of so many industries, and her willingness to connect us are particularly valuable. Her uplifting, positive, and fun personality make her easy to open up to and enjoyable to work with. She has not only been a mentor, but her strategies and lessons have inspired and motivated us to take our business forward in the right direction. Fiona is truly one-of-a-kind, and I would recommend her to anyone looking to grow and scale their business.

Jaline Pietroiusti – Founder – The Odd Wave

Wealth of knowledge when it comes to growing a business

Fiona certainly has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to growing a business, strategic thinking and actual marketing. I can not express my appreciation enough, for the structured sessions each and every time. She allocated ample time to understand me, my business and my clients and what opportunities I can derive, before the actual process started. I believe this is what made this programme very unique, valuable and a success. Not just a copy and paste programme, as there is so much to choose from when looking for help, rather one filled with valuable tools, processes and direction. The fact that she extracted the absolute best from me, re-iterating my strengths and focusing on those, got my confidence right up there, thinking big and putting plans and goals in place. The accountability that she embeds in achieving those small ‘wins’ every week, as we worked through the process was just great. I am on my way to reaching new heights in my business and building a great brand, growing from strength to strength. Looking forward to continue my journey with Fiona going forward. Thank you

Karin Blaauw – Barfoot & Thompson

Staff have really stepped up and even surprised themselves…

Fiona has helped us look at our business from a totally different perspective. She has helped us to develop new strategies and approaches and we are working more ‘on’ the business rather than being consumed by it. The staff training we have had has gone very well and the staff have really stepped up and even surprised themselves by what they have achieved. Fiona makes you accountable to yourself and has a fabulous way of working. I would definitely recommend her.

Mavis Griffiths – The Prenzel Shop

Leadership skills I gained from her services immeasurable

I would highly recommend Fiona as a Business Coach and Mentor, her hands on approach and analysis of your business really helps it to move forward. I found her manner approachable and knowledgeable. When working together we worked on systems, marketing and leadership. I found the leadership skills I gained from her services immeasurable and it has helped propel me forward in my skills to take my business forward. With the skills I learned in Marketing and structures we put in place it has allowed me to pivot quickly in times of change and uncertainty. She has been a pleasure to work with.

Sarah Hopkins – Director / Hibiscus Neuro Rehab

Great Results

Fiona has assisted me in taking my business to the next level. Although we were doing all the right things we weren’t getting the results we wanted. Fiona helped us to do everything better. From planning, strategy to follow through, she has helped us achieve better results overall and the results are above expectations!  I highly recommend you talk to Fiona if you are considering looking for a business coach who will give you value for money, and great results.

Jess Daniell – Director –Sendsational Gifts

Staff Training / Seminar

“Fiona has been great to work with. When we met she listened well and grasped the nature of our business quickly, and then worked closely with us to plan an effective staff team day. Her communication was prompt and clear, and the programme she mapped out was spot on for what we wanted. The actual day was delivered professionally, with warmth and fun. Staff enjoyed themselves and learnt lots at the same time. I would highly recommend Fiona and we are looking at how we can work with her again.”

Vicki Sykes – CEO – Friendship House

We have increased turnover by 30-40% in 3 months!!!

Fiona was recommended to me by a colleague of mine, and I am very pleased I made contact with her. She has helped me come up with new strategies and a new way of thinking to help increase my business. Now instead of patchy bookings, the clinic has solid bookings in advance and turnover has increased 30 – 40% in 3 months.

John Cullen – Queen Street Osteopaths

Recently expanded my business

I have recently moved into a beautiful new Beauty Therapy Salon, and it is all since working with Fiona Clark from BreakThrough Business Solutions. She has given me the confidence to set goals, to have a vision and to believe in myself. The Business Planning process and strategies she developed were unbelievable, and my business has successfully expanded. I have a great business that I love coming to every day. I am so grateful for all the help and support I’ve had. Thank you!

Christina Boyd – Esetic Beauty Therapy

I’m excited again about my business

As a small business owner Fiona gave me the confidence to think about my business differently. I have been in the Travel Industry nearly 20 years, and after working with Fiona I have increased the leads I am getting and turning those leads into actual sales. She has helped me identify new opportunities, put good structures and processes in place, and take control of my business which has had a huge impact. She has enabled me to get excited again about my business and working with her is the best thing I could have done.”

Anita Gatley Travel

Future-proofed my business

There are times in business when a fresh set of eyes and world experience is essential for you to grow, change or just reset. I have owned my own businesses for over 20 years, I approached Fiona for mentoring and coaching as we were/are going through an exceptional growth phase. It was one of the best decisions I have made, especially as it was proactive (rather than trying to put out fires). Fiona has helped guide my business through constructive input into systems, staff management, time management and so much more, her insights have helped shape us so we are in a future-proofed position. If you are considering a business influencer take the time to have a coffee with Fiona!

Matt Piggin, Director – Millin Ltd

Another fantastic seminar from Fiona at BreakThrough Business Solutions. I have been to many seminars but Fiona certainly stands out from the crowd. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and winning strategies , I look forward to implementing these and reaping the rewards!!!

Sara Morles – Business Development Manager – Peter Hay Group

I have been working with Fiona just over a year and she has helped me build my business to what it is today. I have had a 75% increase in turnover. I would highly recommend taking the steps to bring Fiona on board in your business. I have come across many business advisors/coaches but no one comes close to the service and hands on approach like Fiona.

Pauline Stockhausen – Social Soup NZ

No other business advisors/coaches come close to Fiona…

I have been working with Fiona just over a year and she has helped me build my business to what it is today. I have had a 75% increase in turnover. I would highly recommend taking the steps to bring Fiona on board in your business. I have come across many business advisors/coaches but no one comes close to the service and hands on approach like Fiona.

Pauline Stockhausen – Social Soup NZ

Opened my eyes to different strategies

Today’s economic situation is tough for a lot of us, so it made sense to me to bring in outside expertise to help me increase the practice. Fiona has shown me simple, cost effective ways to increase my business and get results. We have achieved an awful lot since working together and she has opened my eyes to using different strategies which has had a great impact. I would recommend talking to Fiona who really knows what she is talking about.”

Dr R Taylor

The difference between surviving and now thriving

I am a personal trainer and have been in business for many years, so motivating others to achieve, is what I do. I discovered Fiona whilst reading her business coaching article in NZ Business Magazine. That was the light bulb moment I needed. She was going to be my business personal trainer. Fiona encouraged, guided, inspired, but mostly motivated me to achieve. Her knowledge for business is outstanding and her ability to get results without adding pressure made it exciting and fun for me. Sometimes in business we need an extra pair of eyes, to see what we have and how we can build and Fiona was those eyes. Fiona was the difference between my business just surviving and now thriving. I would encourage anyone to get Fiona on board, no matter how experienced or long you have been in business.

Angela Hewson, Director – Her Fitness Ltd

New Clients and Secured Stronger relationships…

We hired Fiona from June 2012 through to December 2012 to upgrade our business systems and implement new strategies to increase our company profile and client base. A Business plan was developed that when followed enabled the admin side of the business to become more efficient. This in turn allowed us to focus more on creating and distributing new marketing material to new clients. As a result of the knowledge and expertise that Breakthough Business Solutions has shared, our business has secured new clients and solidified relationships with existing ones. We have experienced growth throughout our time working together and there is no doubt that we will continue to do so in the future.

Stu Finch – Elixir Events

Now we are more customer focused rather than product focused

We have worked with Fiona to help increase our business and also for Staff Sales Training in our retail stores. We have good staff and have done training ourselves in the past, but it has been more product focused rather than customer focused. Fiona has helped us to work on our approach, add value to our customers, recommend the ‘right’ kind of product and change the way we focus on targets with staff. Her support and attending of staff meetings has been great and her advice invaluable.

Sarah Dodson – The Prenzel Shop

Seen a marked increase in turnover of more than 40%

After working with Fiona for the past eight months I have seen a marked increase in the turnover of my business of more than 40%. Fiona has helped to develop clear strategies for marketing, and put in place a structured approach that will allow the business to continue to grow long after the association with her ends. The strategies suggested by Fiona were low cost (some around $50) and produced an impressive return on investment. Fiona’s influence has helped to give greater direction, focus and results to my business.

James Hutchinson – Total Osteo

Huge Growth Rate in my business…

I started working with Fiona in October 2012 on my 2 Physiotherapy clinics in Christchurch and Auckland. Since working with her, she has helped me achieve a huge growth rate in terms of patient numbers, resulting in an increase in turnover. I love working with Fiona as she has reputable experience as well as strategies that really work. She is also innovative and motivating, which I believe has helped me to see the increase in my business that I wished. I highly recommend her to anyone as a business consultant!

Ariel Chuang – LifePhysio

We’re set up for the future and expanding even further…

When deciding to grow our firm, we needed to know how to go about it in a sustainable way. During the time we worked with Fiona we developed a Business Plan, Action Plan, created marketing material, identified who to target our business towards and achieved great results. Better systems helped us to set aside time to focus on the running of the business – something we had previously struggled to do. We have now set our business up for the future and are looking at expanding further in the next 12 months, comfortable in the knowledge that we have the skills and procedures in place to do so.

Jeff Cook – Director – Jenco Electrical

We now have a plan that will Ensure Success!

“We have recently received some business planning and growth advice from Fiona Clark from BreakThrough Business Solutions. Fiona was amazing to work with. She was well organised, had some great strategic initiatives and helped us articulate a workable business plan.  We have always tended to be reactive, rather than proactive and Fiona has helped us put together a business plan for the future which will ensure success.  If you’re serious about planning and growing your business, I highly recommend that you talk to Fiona now!”

Daniel Hunt – Managing Director – Daniel Hunt & Associates Limited (DHA)

Our Bank Manager wanted to know how we got these results!!

In the past couple of years, we have had changes in ACC funding which affected our business and resulted in a large decline in turnover. We got Fiona on board and started developing new ideas and growth strategies. Our turnover increased to the point our Bank Manager noticed the results and wanted to know how we were increasing business! And Fiona has also given us a new skill set we didn’t have before, which adds strength to our business.


Joanne Kitchen – Director Northcross Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Fiona gave us the simple steps and practical strategies to succeed in 2014…

We contracted Fiona to help formulate a practical Business Plan for the next 12 months. She was generous with her time and expertise, quickly grasping the nature of our business and identifying the main issues needing attention. Fiona is highly organised and motivated, with a great sense of humour and a determination to see her clients succeed. We have enjoyed working with her and now have a clear step-by-step plan to implement, along with practical strategies to make it easy.

Sonya Berger – General Manager – South Trade

Our Bank Manager wanted to know how we got these results!!

In the past couple of years, we have had changes in ACC funding which affected our business and resulted in a large decline in turnover. We needed to change the way we did things and look at our business differently. We got Fiona on board and started developing new ideas and growth strategies. We have a number of staff and needed to work on establishing a more sales rather and service mindset. Our turnover increased to the point our Bank Manager noticed the results and wanted to know how we were increasing business! And Fiona has also given us a new skill set we didn’t have before, which adds strength to our business.

Jo Kitchen – Northcross Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

On – the – mark Business Planning

Fiona has been providing me with on-the-mark advice around my business development for the coming year. It’s her determination to see her clients succeed that makes Fiona stand out. Not for her ‘advise . . . and walk away.’ Fiona follows up, provides the structure and advice founded in experience to develop a strong business plan that works. Of course, it’s over to her clients to actually do the doing – and Fiona’s got the systems at her fingertips and the ability to whip-crack (nicely) so we develop that self-discipline to carry out the required actions. Value? Yes. Great to deal with? Yes. Results? Yes – if you follow Fiona’s advice.

Helen Slater – Strata Communications

Simple but effective ways to get new customers

Fiona helped me to stay on track with my business; put good systems in place, identified opportunities for growth, and implemented various strategies to increase the business. Fiona showed me what steps to take to improve and grow my business. She created a simple but effective way to help new customers with decision making which led to increased orders of product. She is absolutely passionate about what she does and helps business owners to get there.

Marina Korovkina – Basilur Tea New Zealand

A genuine desire to help others

Working with Fiona has been amazing. She really helped me to gain more clarity on the priorities for my business over the next 12 months. What I appreciated most about Fiona’s style was that she really listened to my needs, niche, goals and working style and was able to deliver a really practical plan that meets both personal and business outcomes. She does all this from a genuine desire to help others. Thank you, Fiona.

Shalini Perera

Fiona ‘GOT’ my business and what it was about’’

Fiona was highly recommended to me by another business person who said to me “Fiona turned my business around”. So I met with Fiona and knew instantly that she “got my business and what it was about”. I was drawn to Fiona also by her expert knowledge and experience in sales and marketing. Fiona is thorough, detailed and very personable. She is a pleasure to work with.

Kirsten Laurence – Managing Director – Proficient Debt Recovery

Complimentary
60 Minute Power Profit Growth Session

E-BOOK
Business Success Now!

Newsletter
Great Monthly Tips & Advice

CONTACT DETAILS

Mobile: (021) 991917

PO Box 308042 Whangaparaoa
Auckland, New Zealand
Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Earnings Disclaimer Facebook Disclaimer

Copyright © 2025 BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
BreakThrough Business Solutions provides services that are registered for NZTE Capability Development Vouchers