Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Small Business Owner in Challenging Times

It’s no secret that it can be a juggling act running a small business! Work life balance doesn’t need to be a vague concept that is wished for and never obtained.

As a business owner you may have a tendency to be a bit of a workaholic. A hard worker who wants to set a good example for your employees (if you have them). Or just know that if you don’t work, who else will?

As a small business owner, you owe it to yourself and the success of your business to invest in your most valuable asset – You.

12 Top tips for busy business owners

What can you do to achieve business success and also enjoy the process along the way? Here are some simple ideas to help. In no particular order.

Goals 

Take a moment to reflect. Why are you doing this? What was the reason you went into business? Was it for money, time, flexibility, enjoyment or family? Are you still heading in that direction? It’s important to make sure you still really want to be doing what you are doing.

Try setting yourself a set number of goals to achieve each week. At the end of each week, reflect on your achievements and the positive steps you have taken. And identify areas of improvement.

Identify your ‘power’ time

Are you a morning person, a night owl or neither? Plan your work day around your ‘power times’. These are the times you feel best and you ‘power’ through your work. 

Make a plan

Plan and prioritise appointments in your diary to bring order to your week – and keep time slots free for administrative or unexpected appointments.

If you know what is happening in your diary it means you are less likely to let down customers or family and friends. It will also make it easier to reschedule appointments if needed.

Set boundaries

You don't need to be on call 24/7. And, if your business does require this, ensure you delegate this regularly or share the load. Setting boundaries, might be as simple as deciding 'no work calls during meal times', no checking emails after 7pm or sticking to a 9-5 schedule. The key is to be consistent so you, your family and customers respect them.

Create a great workspace

Your surrounds are important. Make sure you want to work in the space you have created. 

An enjoyable workspace will make a difference to how you feel and your productivity. Cluttered work space? Too much cross over between home and work life? Your car is your portable office? Team members finding it hard to share space? Cubicle feeling like a prison cell? All of the above?

Identify the simple changes that will make a difference to you (and your teams) everyday workspace.

Alternative spaces

Common or shared office spaces are a great alternative if you do not have your own dedicated work space elsewhere. Share the space and share the overhead costs with other businesses. You can also mix and mingle with other business operators, making friends and being inspired.

Take time to recharge your batteries

Schedule in time to recharge, whether it’s a coffee or lunch with a friend, a walk on the beach or visit to the gym.

Turn off from your business. Spend time on a hobby or an activity that is totally unrelated from your business, catch up with friend, take a long weekend with the family. Give your head a space to ‘reset’.

Time to switch off your devices

Have a rest from screen time and commit to turning off digitally each day. Give yourself time away from emails and social media. If you are struggling to 'disconnect' from work, then this is a good place to start. Remember that email or message will still be there in the morning, don't get sucked back into a business mindset by checking devices as you head off to bed.

Try using automated tools like 'out of office' or automated emails and text replies to make sure your customers are still getting a response as appropriate.

Invest in ‘you doing you’

Being your business’s greatest asset, it’s essential that you invest in yourself. Eat well, exercise, have a medical check-up, get some sleep, have some fun.

If you are not in top form, then your work will be impacted, your relationships will suffer, both personal and professional. You will not only potentially be harming your own health, but that of your business, through lacking motivation, inefficiency and even affecting your business’s brand and reputation. Investing in you benefits everyone.

Ask for help

Small business owners often fall into the trap of being a 'jack of all trades' rather than the 'master' of their chosen one. Brainstorm the tasks that don't need your personal input, or could use extra expertise, like accounting or marketing. These areas could benefit your business by outsourcing, boosting efficiency and profits.

Automate

Embrace automation and discard those repetitive tasks that are essential but can be time wasters. Find the right tools to help organise meetings, take payments, send reminders, track jobs, organise staff rosters and more. The list could go on and on. 

Take time now to get it right

Running a successful business will be affected by your work-life balance. Take the time now to get it right. Have a successful business and feel great doing it!