Time Management Woes of a Small Business Owner

It seems like every small business owner’s problem!

So how can we manage the overwhelm?

Time management can be a real struggle for small and micro business owners. Balancing your business, personal life, and creative pursuits can feel like juggling too many balls at once. In our latest podcast, we chat with Narelle Lane, founder of Barossa Body, who shares her journey and some great tips. 

Here are just a few highlights that we wanted to share:

Start Small and Grow

Narelle started making skincare products as a hobby over a decade ago. It took years before she officially launched Barossa Body in 2021, starting with market sales and then moving to in-store and online. Her story reminds us that it’s okay to take your time and grow gradually.

Delegate to Thrive

Narelle juggles a full-time job in HR while running her business. She emphasises the importance of outsourcing once it is possible. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout. By getting help with packaging and labelling, Narelle frees up time to focus on what she loves: creating products. For small business owners, delegating tasks can boost productivity and reduce stress.

Plan Your Week
Narelle’s secret to balancing everything is planning. She sets aside time each morning to plan her day and week, map out social media, and prepare for seasonal promotions. This proactive approach keeps her on track. We have used online tools like Asana, Monday and ClickUp to organise our tasks and projects. Even utilising Google Suite more, be a gamechanger. Calendar, Tasks, Contacts etc are all free with Gmail, so why not use them!? Small business owners can benefit from regular strategic planning to avoid last-minute rushes.

Use Your Network

Narelle leverages financial guidance, business coaching, and social media support through regional programs. Small business owners can tap into similar resources for valuable support and insights, often at little or no cost. Make sure to check in with your local Regional Development Australia, Council or The Regional Collective - don’t hesitate to seek out help.

Stay True to Your Vision

Despite temptations to expand into mass-market channels, Narelle sticks to boutique and luxury stores that align with her brand. It will seem like every day there are decisions to be made that could make or break your brand - but working out your true purpose & vision helps you to steady the course. Staying true to your vision ensures your brand’s integrity - even when faced with tempting opportunities.

Set Boundaries

Narelle manages her job, business, and personal life by setting clear boundaries and committing to self-care. She advises taking breaks and spending time with family to avoid burnout. Recognise that you will be tempted to work on your business ALL THE TIME! It can be exciting and all-consuming…however maintaining work-life balance is crucial for small business owners to protect their well-being.

A final thought…

We are so grateful for Narelle in sharing her story with Barossa Body with valuable lessons for managing time effectively. Here's a recap:

• Embrace gradual progress
• Delegate tasks
• Plan strategically
• Use available resources
• Stay true to your vision
• Set boundaries

Remember, success takes time, so be patient with yourself and your business.

For more insights from Narelle and other inspiring entrepreneurs, listen to our latest podcast episode, “E04 - Founders Journey Narelle Lane,” on The Regional Collective.