As a busy online business manager, I know you’re juggling client needs, team management, deadlines, and a million little things that pop up daily. Trust me; I get it. Managing time in this whirlwind can feel like a high-wire act. But it doesn’t have to be chaos all the time. Today, we’re diving into some serious time management hacks to help you reclaim your day, work smarter (not harder), and stay on top without the burnout. Let’s get sh*t done, shall we?

1. Leverage Productivity Tools that Keep You on Track

First things first: get the right tools in your toolkit. When it comes to time management hacks, productivity tools are like your best friend. They’ll keep you organized, save you time, and help you stay laser-focused on your priorities. Here are a few I can’t live without:

• ClickUp or Asana: These task management platforms keep everything in one place. No more sticky notes all over your screen! Use them to set deadlines, create task lists, and keep track of what’s done and what’s not.
• Slack: For team communication, nothing beats Slack. Set up specific channels for projects, clients, or team chats so messages don’t slip through the cracks.
• Google Calendar: An oldie but a goodie. I live by my calendar, blocking out time for deep work, meetings, and (of course) some cozy game breaks.

Using these tools, you can get a clear visual of what’s on your plate and what deserves your attention each day. The best part? They’re super easy to use—no “type-A brain” required (but if you’ve got one, you’re in good company!).

2. Prioritize High-Impact Tasks with a “Top 3” List

Time to kick “busy work” to the curb. As an online business manager, not all tasks are created equal. Instead of writing an overwhelming to-do list, focus on a “Top 3” for the day. Here’s how it works:

• Choose three tasks that have the highest impact or urgency.
• Tackle those before anything else.

By zeroing in on your top three, you ensure you’re making a meaningful dent in your workload instead of spreading yourself too thin. I swear by this hack because it gives me clarity and keeps me moving forward.

3. Master the Art of Delegation

Now let’s get real for a second. You can’t do everything—and you shouldn’t! Delegating is essential for staying focused and preventing burnout. Plus, it empowers your team to step up and shine. Here’s how to delegate like a pro:

• Assign clear tasks: Make sure your team knows exactly what’s expected.
• Set a deadline: Don’t leave it open-ended, or you’ll end up micromanaging.
• Trust your team: Give them the space to handle it, and resist the urge to check in every five minutes.

Delegation isn’t just about dumping tasks on others. It’s about focusing on high-impact work and letting your team take care of the rest. By doing so, you’ll feel lighter, less stressed, and more able to tackle what truly matters.

4. Time Block Like a Boss

Time blocking is my go-to hack for making the most out of every day. This method involves scheduling specific blocks of time for each task. No multitasking. No switching between ten different things. Just one focus at a time.

• Block “Deep Work” sessions: Reserve uninterrupted time for big tasks, like project planning or high-level strategy work.
• Schedule breaks: Yeah, breaks matter! A 5-10 minute reset after every hour works wonders.
• Add buffer time: Give yourself a few extra minutes between tasks for a quick breather or snack run.

This structure will make you a productivity machine! Time blocking gives you control over your day, so you’re not just reacting to what’s thrown your way.

5. Set Boundaries that Stick

Let’s talk boundaries. When you work remotely, it’s easy to let work bleed into every corner of your life. Before you know it, you’re answering emails at 10 pm and wondering why you feel drained. Sound familiar? Here’s how to set boundaries like a pro:

• Establish “on” and “off” hours: Choose start and end times that suit your lifestyle, and communicate them to clients and team members.
• Say no to unnecessary meetings: Not every chat needs a full meeting. Keep things simple with voice memos or email updates.
• Silence notifications: During your off hours, turn off Slack, emails, and everything else work-related. Trust me, it’s liberating.

When you set these boundaries, you’re giving yourself the space to recharge. It’s essential for staying effective, fresh, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

Take a look at this blog on How To Create and Maintain Boundaries In Your Business

6. Batch Tasks to Get in the Zone

If you’re constantly jumping from one task to the next, you’ll struggle to find your flow. Batching is a time management hack that involves grouping similar tasks together. It’s like getting in the zone and staying there until the work is done. Here are a few ways to batch like a pro:

• Content creation: Set aside one day to handle all social media posts, emails, and blog drafts.
• Client communication: Respond to messages and emails once or twice a day instead of every time you get a notification.
• Admin work: Tackle all your admin tasks—think invoices, scheduling, and file organization—in one go.

Batching saves you time, energy, and sanity. You’ll find that you get through your workload faster without constant interruptions.

7. Use the Pomodoro Technique to Stay Focused

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s a simple yet powerful tool for staying focused. Here’s how it works:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes and dive into one task.
2. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.
3. After four rounds, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

This method is a game-changer because it’s designed for maximum focus and minimum burnout. Those short breaks keep your energy levels up, and the timer adds just enough pressure to keep you moving.

8. Review and Adjust Regularly

The final hack? Review and adjust. Time management isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Every week, set aside time to evaluate your workflow. What’s working? What isn’t? Don’t be afraid to switch things up as needed. Here’s my process:

• Weekly review: Look back at your week and spot any time-wasters. Did you have too many meetings? Was a tool slowing you down? Make a note.
• Adjust priorities: If certain tasks are taking up too much time, find ways to streamline or delegate.
• Celebrate wins: Taking a moment to appreciate what you accomplished is a huge motivator!

Regularly tweaking your approach will help you stay on top of your game and keep burnout at bay.

Get Sh*t Done With These Time Management Hacks

Managing your time as an online business manager isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. With these time management hacks, you’ll find your groove and feel like the unicorn team member your clients rave about. So, grab your favorite productivity tools, set those boundaries, and let’s make it happen!

If you’re ready to dive deeper and build systems that work seamlessly, I’m here to help. Let’s create some kick-a** systems together that make managing your business (and life) a whole lot easier. Let’s go, GF! You got this!