An entrepreneur’s guide to time management

Manage time like a pro with the right tips for startup founders

By Stephen Kenney Email Stephen

6 minute read September 24, 2024

Has anyone really mastered time management?

With an unrelenting array of tasks constantly washing over most people in today’s world, it’s tough to properly prioritize one’s workload. That’s especially true of entrepreneurs, who often get stuck juggling various and seemingly unrelated tasks.

“Entrepreneurs are often considered to be jacks-of-all-trades, simultaneously managing multiple roles and responsibilities associated with the many facets of their businesses,” said Rebecca Arwine, assistant professor of management at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. “They could be a marketer, inventor, salesperson and CEO, all in one day.”

At UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub, startup mentors shepherd entrepreneurs through their diverse work responsibilities. If you’re starting a business on your own, however, our team crafted the following guide to help you handle time management like a pro:

1. List out today’s most important tasks

On any given day, you’ve probably got hundreds of startup goals swirling through your head. For that reason, you need to separate and order tasks by their criticality to the business in that moment.

The best way to prioritize tasks is by listing out which ones can’t wait until tomorrow. This may include tasks that aren’t as exciting or glamorous but are vital to moving the business forward.

What founders focus on as well as when they focus on those tasks matters for moving from the 'wantrepreneur' phase to actually launching a business.

Rebecca Arwine Assistant professor of management, UC's Lindner College of Business

“Research has uncovered that what founders focus on as well as when they focus on those tasks matters for moving from the ‘wantrepreneur’ phase to actually launching a business,” Arwine said. “Tasks such as acquiring a business registration number or filing for intellectual property may seem like administrative tasks that a founder may not have time for, but these are critical tasks that must be completed before a venture can move forward.”

While all your responsibilities may seem critical, some are on a tighter deadline than others. Forget about pushing through your entire workload in one day; instead, consider how much can be performed in an eight-hour window. Working through today’s most essential tasks and letting others wait will remove potential stressors and keep you focused on what really matters.

2. Methodically move through each assignment

Give 100% to whichever assignment you’re currently tasked with instead of tackling multiple projects at once. That way, you’re more likely to perform your best work on the entrepreneurial tasks that matter most. Once you’ve finished the first assignment, move on to whatever’s next on your plate.

Remember to take quick breaks every hour or two. While briefly pausing work may seem like an efficiency sap, it will dramatically increase your focus once you log back on — and offer long-term health benefits.

Try the 20-20-20 rule by taking at least a 20-second break every 20 minutes looking at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain and stretch frequently to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Even better than simply getting up from your desk is heading outdoors for a few minutes before heading back into the office.

3. Write down tasks so you don’t forget

If you don’t put your startup assignments down in pen and paper, you’re significantly more likely to forget about them. After all, keeping track of dozens of tasks isn’t easy for anyone. Lighten the load on yourself by writing down exactly what must be done when the issue first arises.

Rebecca Arwine. Photo/Rebecca Arwine

“Founders often lean on organization tools like Trello or Monday.com to help them stay organized,” Arwine said. “An added benefit is being able to share real-time updates with team members or co-founders.”

You’ll both clear some of your headspace and reduce the risk of forgetting something major if you jot down upcoming assignments. Relying on a specific list of tasks lets you methodically move through each assignment, providing direction on what to focus on next and avoiding the distraction of constantly thinking through one’s mental to-do list.

4. Be willing to pivot as issues come up

Ideally, entrepreneurs could simply line up their tasks and knock them out in linear fashion. The reality is that unexpected issues regularly pop up and may take precedence over your predetermined tasks.

It’s best to adapt to the change quickly when a work pivot occurs. Be willing to put your current assignment aside when something of higher importance comes up but keep tabs on where you were before the transition. You’ll thank yourself once your normal routine restarts.

In summary

It’s rare to meet an entrepreneur without enough work to do, and that’s why time management plays such a critical role for the job. Without a manageable and straightforward system for prioritizing tasks, startup founders will inevitably forget about something that matters.

UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub is filled with resources for those hoping to maximize efficiency during their entrepreneurial endeavors. From mentorship in the Venture Lab to time management tools taught in the Learning Lab, startup launchers have plenty of ways to discover how to balance time. Follow our tips and you too will be equipped with the skills to grow your business — and stay on track while doing so.

Featured image at top: Businessman working on a laptop. Photo/Eugenio Marongiu

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