5 ways to free up your time so you can prioritise the things that matter in your business

Running a business can be super BUSY! And it can be really hard to figure out how to balance your time across everything you need to do and all the tasks that need your attention. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 strategies I use to free up my time and prioritise my tasks.

– Why defining your “Queen Bee” role is a must-do for anyone who runs a business.
– How automating your repetitive tasks can help to free up your time.
– Why delegating anything that's not your “Queen Bee” role will help you to buy back your time—cos just because you *can* do something doesn't mean *you* should do it.
– The importance of creating templates and processes around everything you can.
– How creating structure can keep you focused and energised—and create more freedom in your life.

Running a business means juggling countless tasks, often making it challenging to focus on what truly matters. Here's how I’ve managed to free up my time and prioritise the essentials in my business.

1. Identify Your Queen Bee Role

The concept of the “queen bee role” comes from Mike Michalowicz's book Clockwork. It’s about identifying the most crucial role in your business that only you can fulfil. For me, this is content creation, whether it’s free content, course material, or live interactions like Q&A sessions and speaking engagements. Everything else can be delegated. Identifying and focusing on your queen bee role ensures that your time is spent on tasks that truly move the needle.

2. Evaluate and Eliminate Non-Essential Tasks

We often create tasks that keep us busy but don't significantly impact our business. Ask yourself, “Do I really need to do this?” For example, spending time on hashtag research for every Instagram post is often unnecessary. Instead, focus on activities that provide real value and drive your business forward. Eliminate or delegate tasks that don’t align with your priorities.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Automation is a game-changer. I've automated various processes in my business, from podcast episode uploads to customer email responses. Using tools like Zapier, you can set up triggers that automate repetitive tasks, saving you countless hours. The key is to identify tasks you perform repeatedly and automate them to streamline your workflow.

4. Delegate Tasks to Your Team

Delegation is vital, especially for tasks outside your queen bee role. Start small by hiring a virtual assistant for tasks like uploading videos or managing your inbox. This not only frees up your time but also allows you to focus on high-impact activities. Remember, delegating can be a bit of a catch-22; you need more money to hire someone, but hiring someone can free up your time to make more money.

5. Create Templates and Processes

Templates and processes simplify repetitive tasks. For example, I have templates for emails, graphics, and other recurring tasks. Whenever a new task arises, I record myself performing it and have my operations manager, Jay, turn it into a step-by-step process. This way, tasks can be easily delegated in the future, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Structuring Your Time

Creating a structured schedule for your weeks, months, and years is crucial. Planning launches, holidays, and key business activities helps maintain focus. Within each week, allocate time for your queen bee role. For instance, I produce three podcast episodes a week, which form the foundation of my content strategy. This structured approach ensures that I prioritise content creation, the heart of my business.

Action Steps for You

1. Identify Your Queen Bee Role: Determine the most critical role you play in your business that cannot be delegated.
2. Delete, Delegate, or Automate: Choose one task to eliminate, delegate, or automate to save time and focus more on your queen bee role.

By implementing these strategies, you can free up your time and focus on what truly matters in your business, driving growth and achieving your goals.

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