All business owners are busy, and most business owners wish there were more hours in the day and more days in the week. Despite this wish, most would humbly acknowledge that mere mortals can, in fact, grow their business within the finite constraints of a normal workday. So what is their secret? Well here are a few time-tested and time-saving tips to get the most out of your time...

1. Goals: Set clear, achievable goals on a yearly, monthly, and daily basis. Write or type your goals someplace where you will see them daily. Break down larger, complex goals into individual steps that can ultimately work their way onto a daily to-do list. 
   * we use Webplanner.com for tracking short and long-term goals
2. Tasklists:  Create your to-do list first thing every day (or before bed the night before). Prioritize the items listed based on importance, with “importance” defined as what will make the biggest positive influence on your productivity. Always try to get the ugly ones done first since these tend to be the easiest to put off, and will make the rest of your list easier when you "lick the toad" first.
   * we use QuickTasks to manage and compartmentalize tasks, which is available for Windows, IOS, and Android, and syncs with Act!
3. Timeboxing: Use “time boxing” to allocate a fixed time period (a start and end time) for each item on your task list. This will ensure that you don’t lose track of time, you’re able to complete each task, and you’ll meet your deadlines. Examples: “8:00 am-9:00 am: Read bookmarked articles. 9:15-10am: Write blog post.” Give yourself a little buffer between each task and use a timer to keep on schedule.
   * Act! can help with this scheduling
4. Block out “heads down” time by removing distractions. Log out of social applications like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Shut your email, instant messaging, and chat applications down temporarily. Turn off your phones and let messages go to voicemail. (Most cell phones have a “Do Not Disturb” mode, and many of them allow you to add exception phone numbers to it, such as your child’s school or an important client.)
5. Use a CRM. Duh: Use a CRM like Act! to manage your daily tasks and activities, and choose one that is accessible on your smartphone. Set alarms with enough time to allow for travel or preparation.
6. Summary email: Take a few minutes after each call or meeting to jot down a summary of key points and action items, and email it to the other party to confirm you're both aligned on deliverables.
7. Perfection: Never let perfection be the enemy of the good. Make sure that you’re investing the appropriate amount of time into a single task, project, or deliverable. The 80/20 rule applies here. If you spend 40 hours on a project that yields high-quality results, is spending another five hours to “make it perfect” good use of your time? That extra five hours can usually be used more effectively, such as to tackle other items on your list.
   * read our blog entitled Never let perfection become the enemy of the good
8. Learn to say "No": Many of us resist saying “no” to avoid appearing less competent, less devoted, or less of a team player. But when requests from others are of truly lower priority, they can drain your productivity. In such situations, especially those in which you’d like to help just to be helpful, try saying, “I’d love to help, but I’m swamped. Can I get it to you sometime next week?” You may find that the individual is pleased by your attempt but manages to find an alternative that lets you off the hook.
9. Delegate!: Delegating can be especially hard for business owners who tend to be do-it-yourselfers, but you can’t focus on important tasks if you’re trying to “do it all.” Start by delegating tasks that are less important and have less risk associated with them, and gradually ramp up responsibilities as individuals prove capable. This has the added benefit of developing your employees professionally.