We live in busy times. Despite the level of automation available and new technology small business people are still swamped with things to do. What ends up happening is that you spend so much time on all of the distractions around you that you don't spend enough time focusing on the tasks that are going to save or make you more money.
Maybe what you need to do is to focus a little on your time management and how effectively you are actually managing your time. Here are some ideas to help you get your time management under control.
A good starting point with improving your time management is to get yourself a decent diary. Whether it is a physical diary or an electronic diary it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that you really make an effort to use it and to schedule things in along with how much time you are prepared to spend on those tasks. Also, make sure that you keep to the time that you have allocated to specific tasks.
There is a lot that can be automated through the clever use of software. If you are in a sales related role then have a look at CRM related software and how it can improve your sales process. If you are in a production related role then maybe you want to look at project management software or scheduling software.
Don't try and do everything yourself. Focus on what you are good at and tasks that are key to the success of your business and try to delegate other tasks to your staff. Make sure that you give them adequate training in terms of what you want them to do and how you want them to do it.
You don't have to do everything the moment it is presented to you. Use your diary/scheduling software to schedule when you are going to get around to things and then stick to your timetable.
It doesn't make sense to try to do everything yourself. Identify tasks that can be outsourced to external consultants or workers and outsource that work. Common tasks that can be outsourced include bookkeeping, accounting, online marketing, telephone answering and administrative roles.
Unfortunately nothing ever stays the same forever. What you are outsourcing today may not suit outsourcing next week. Alternatively, what you have decided to keep in-house today may suit being outsourced in a months time. Keep an open mind and constantly review what you need to keep in-house and what you don't.