Running a business is often described as a roller coaster. Exciting, unpredictable and occasionally nail biting and stomach churning. If you are an entrepreneur right now , you are not imagining it, things are changing.
Recent research has highlighted just how stretched and overwhelmed small business owners are feeling. While there is no magic fix, there are some ways to utilise your time and protect your energy and mindset. Here’s what the studies show and what might help.
The Wearing All The Hats Problem
According to a survey by AXA, 84% of UK small business owners say they feel like a “Jack of all trades”. During a typical working week, business owners estimate they spend three days of time outside “normal” working hours. They use this time to get these extra tasks done.
What can help?
- Set boundaries on your time. Block out specific hours for admin, strategy or marketing. Then stick to them.
- Batch tasks. Group similar tasks together to stay in flow. (e.g. block out time and respond to all the emails and messages in one go).
- Delegate where you can. Whether it’s software, automation or a person. You don’t have to do it alone.
Financial Stress is Real
The Dojo 2024 SME Insights Report found that 30% of UK business owners cite financial stress as their biggest concern. Rising costs, unpredictable income and pressure to grow quickly can make even the smallest decision feel overwhelming.
What can help?
- Get familiar with your figures. If spreadsheets and numbers are not your thing, consider a user friendly finance app. Better still get yourself a bookkeeper or accountant who can advise you.
- Review your spending habits. Are there subscriptions or tools you are paying for but not using? When you sign up for something, always schedule a calendar review before its renewal date.
- Don’t undervalue your time. Every hour you spend on aspects of your business that are not your thing, is time not spent earning or growing your business.
Time is Slipping Away
Samsung’s 2024 study found that 27% of entrepreneurs say they don’t have enough time to turn ideas into a reality. Sound familiar?
What can help?
- Do a time audit. Spend a day / week / month tracking where your time actually goes. Write it down, use an app but you will be surprised.
- Say no. Protect your time and guard it like you most precious resource. Because it is.
- Create a to-don’t list. Whats dragging you down? What are the tasks you can’t, won’t or shouldn’t be doing? Either stop doing, delegate or automate. Examine the tasks that really don’t need your personal attention, then get rid of them.
Technology is moving fast and its exhausting
The same Dojo report found that keeping up with the latest apps, AI tools, and platforms can feel like a full-time job. It can be overwhelming. The report found that 27% of business owners are stressed about the pace of change and the pressure to learn new skills.
What can help?
- Pick one thing at a time. You don’t have to master everything. Choose tools that fit your business. If you find something that works for you, stick with it.
- Ask for help. Whether it’s tech support, a virtual assistant or a YouTube tutorial. Don’t waste hours struggling solo. If you are thinking of trying some new software, look for reviews, ask your network for their experience.
- Focus on impact. A shiny new tool or the latest must have software is not worth your time (or money) unless it will genuinely make a difference to your life.
Final Thought: You are Only Human.
If you’re tired, overwhelmed or secretly thinking about cloning yourself, you are not alone. Everyone hits a wall at some point.
The key is knowing when to stop pushing through and to start getting strategic with your time and energy.
Sometimes this means saying no. Sometimes it means outsourcing or simplifying. Sometimes it means giving yourself permission to have a rethink.
Ready to find a better way? Get in touch to discuss how Help With That can lighten the load.
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