As small business owners, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of tasks, constantly questioning whether what we’re doing is actually driving growth. I know this feeling all too well. When I was actively running my business, I spent a lot of time wondering: Does Instagram really help me? Are my potential clients—hairdressers, fitness coaches, consultants, and doctors—actually looking for solutions on social media? Or am I just making content for the sake of being seen?
The truth is, many small business owners don’t have a strategy. They think that simply showing up online and making posts is enough. But it’s about so much more than that. It’s about speaking directly to your clients’ problems and offering clear solutions, no matter where they are searching for help.
Are You Prioritizing the Wrong Things?
Many business owners fall into the trap of trying to do everything instead of focusing on what truly moves the needle. I’ve been there. When I first started photography, I tried to cover it all—newborn sessions, product photography, family portraits, birthing shoots, and business branding. But over time, I realized that each of these was its own niche.
Once I honed in on a specific niche, I became an expert in that area, and my business thrived. The same applies to any small business: you need to stop trying to compete with large corporations and instead focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.
The 80/20 Rule in Business
The 80/20 rule (also called the Pareto Principle) suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. In business, this means that:
✔ 80% of revenue often comes from 20% of customers.
✔ 80% of growth comes from 20% of marketing efforts.
✔ 80% of productivity comes from 20% of focused time.
Instead of working harder, we need to work smarter—and that starts with setting clear priorities and cutting out what doesn’t serve us.
How I Apply the 80/20 Rule in My Life
For me, it wasn’t about an exact 80/20 split—it was about creating balance and setting non-negotiables. I made the conscious decision to prioritize myself first by setting fixed times where I don’t work. Every Wednesday and Sunday, I box. Every day from 2 p.m. onward, I am fully family-focused. These commitments are unshakable, even if an important business request comes up. If a friend or client wants to schedule something during those times, my answer is simple: No, because this time is important to me.
When business owners start treating their personal priorities as non-negotiable, they become more productive, focused, and fulfilled—and their business benefits too.
Top 3 Tasks to Prioritize for Business Growth
If you’re a small business owner, here’s what you should be focusing on:
1️⃣ Yourself – You can’t run a business if you’re burned out. Build a schedule that includes time for you.
2️⃣ Understanding Your Customers’ Problems – Business is about solving problems. The better you understand your customers’ pain points, the better you can serve them.
3️⃣ Customer Follow-Up & Appreciation – A simple check-in message, thank-you email, or small token of appreciation can turn a one-time customer into a lifelong client.
What shouldn’t you be focusing on? Trying to compete with large corporations on their terms. Big businesses have massive budgets for ads, marketing, and branding. You don’t need to match that. Instead, you need to leverage your personal touch, your expertise, and your community presence.
Real Example: Delegating for Growth
One of my clients, a hairstylist, was constantly running around answering phones while cutting hair. It was chaotic, stressful, and draining. The moment they hired a receptionist, their business transformed. Suddenly, they had more time to focus on clients, build relationships, and actually enjoy what they did. Their productivity skyrocketed.
This is a classic example of delegating low-value tasks and focusing on what truly grows the business.
Time-Saving Tips for Small Business Owners
⏳ Organize your time efficiently – Plan your day around your highest-value activities.
⏳ Know what needs to be delegated or eliminated – If a task is draining you and doesn’t move the business forward, pass it on or remove it.
⏳ Be conscious of distractions – If you’re constantly getting sidetracked by emails, phone calls, or messages, you need to set boundaries. Not everything is urgent.
How to Track Where Your Time Is Going
The first step to making any change is awareness. If you’re unsure where your time is going, start tracking it:
✔ Keep a log of every task you do for a week.
✔ Identify what keeps interrupting you—is it customer calls, admin work, social media?
✔ Ask yourself: What’s really important, and what can I delegate or eliminate?
By simply noticing where your time is being spent, you can start making smarter choices about what actually deserves your energy.
Your Next Step: Take Control of Your Time
If you’re ready to stop wasting time on things that don’t move your business forward, download the Energy Leaks Workbook below. It will help you:
✅ Identify time-wasters
✅ Categorize tasks (Essential, Delegate, Eliminate)
✅ Build a schedule that prioritizes what truly matters
📥 Download Your Free Planner Here
