Running a business—especially in the shirt-making, tumbler-printing, sticker-making, and custom product industries—means wearing a million hats at once. Between managing orders, marketing, designing, packing, and customer service, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day.
Good news? You CAN take control of your schedule! With the right time management strategies, you’ll work smarter, not harder, while staying productive and stress-free.
Let’s dive into game-changing time management hacks for small business owners! 👇
1. Start Your Day with a Plan 📅
Waking up and winging it? Not a good strategy. Instead, take 5-10 minutes each morning (or the night before) to outline your top priorities for the day.
📌 Try this simple planning method:
✅ Top 3 Priority Tasks – What MUST get done today?
✅ Time Blocks – Assign chunks of time to different tasks.
✅ Set a "Cutoff Time" – Avoid overworking yourself.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a daily planner like Notion or Trello to keep track of tasks.
2. Time Block Your Workday ⏳
Instead of multitasking (which can kill productivity), use time blocking—a method where you dedicate specific time slots for certain tasks.
📌 Example Time Blocking Schedule:
🕘 9:00 - 10:30 AM → Process orders & respond to customers
🕚 10:30 - 12:00 PM → Create designs & product mockups
🕑 1:00 - 2:30 PM → Marketing & social media content
🕒 2:30 - 4:00 PM → Packing & shipping orders
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a timer app like Pomodone or Forest to stay focused during each block.
3. Automate Repetitive Tasks 🤖
Stop wasting time on things that can be automated! Free up hours in your day by setting up automations for the tasks that slow you down.
📌 What to Automate?
✅ Emails & Customer Follow-Ups → Use Shopify Email or Klaviyo
✅ Social Media Posting → Use Later or Meta Business Suite
✅ Invoicing & Payments → Use HoneyBook or QuickBooks
✅ Order Tracking & Shipping → Use Pirate Ship or ShipStation
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re spending more than 30 minutes a day on a task, ask yourself: Can I automate this?
4. Batch Similar Tasks Together 📦
Jumping between different tasks all day wastes mental energy. Instead, try batch working—grouping similar tasks together to get them done faster and more efficiently.
📌 Examples of Task Batching:
✅ Content Creation Day – Design all social media posts for the week in one sitting.
✅ Shipping Day – Pack and ship all orders at once instead of throughout the day.
✅ Email & Customer Service Hour – Check and respond to messages once or twice a day, instead of constantly.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a checklist in ClickUp or Asana to keep track of batch tasks.
5. Set Boundaries & Avoid Distractions 🚧
Distractions will wreck your productivity if you don’t set clear boundaries. Whether it’s endless social media scrolling or constant customer DMs, you need rules in place to protect your time.
📌 How to Stay Focused:
✅ Set Business Hours – Let customers know when you’re available (and stick to it!).
✅ Turn Off Notifications – Use Do Not Disturb Mode when working.
✅ Use Website Blockers – Tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey can block distracting sites.
✅ Create a Dedicated Work Space – Whether it’s a home office or a corner in your craft room, set up a focused work zone.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you get distracted by social media, schedule specific times to check notifications instead of reacting all day long.
6. Delegate or Outsource Tasks When Possible 👥
You don’t have to do it all alone! Hiring a virtual assistant, social media manager, or part-time help can free up valuable time so you can focus on what you do best.
📌 Tasks You Can Outsource:
✅ Social Media Management → Scheduling posts, responding to DMs
✅ Bookkeeping & Finances → Managing expenses & invoices
✅ Order Packing & Fulfillment → Hire help during busy seasons
✅ Graphic Design & Mockups → Get custom designs done faster
🔥 Need help finding trusted VAs? Check out my Trusted Vendors List for highly recommended virtual assistants & freelancers!
7. Take Breaks (Seriously!) ☕
Working non-stop isn’t productive—it’s exhausting. Taking regular breaks helps you recharge so you can work smarter.
📌 Best Break Methods:
✅ Pomodoro Technique: Work for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break.
✅ Walk & Stretch: Get up and move at least once per hour.
✅ Hydrate & Eat Snacks: Keep your energy levels up with water & healthy snacks.
🔥 Pro Tip: Set a timer for breaks so you don’t forget (or accidentally take a 3-hour “break” scrolling TikTok 😂).
Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder! 🚀
Time management is the secret weapon of successful entrepreneurs. By prioritizing your tasks, using automation, and setting boundaries, you can increase productivity without burnout.
✅ Start each day with a plan
✅ Time block your work
✅ Automate repetitive tasks
✅ Batch similar work together
✅ Set boundaries & limit distractions
✅ Delegate when possible
✅ Take breaks to stay productive
💬 Which time management hack has helped you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
