How to Get More Time Back in Your Business (Without Losing Control)

Most small business owners dream of having more time—

• to focus on growth,
• spend with family,
• or just breathe.

But instead, they find themselves stuck in the weeds—

• answering emails,
• managing every detail,
• and feeling like they can never truly step away.

If you feel like your business can’t run without you, it’s time to make a change.

The secret? Getting more time back in your business doesn’t mean losing control—it means creating systems that allow things to run smoothly, even when you step away. Let’s talk about how to reclaim your time without sacrificing quality or success.

Step 1: Shift from “Doing Everything” to “Building Systems”

Most small business owners run their business on memory and habits instead of systems.  Start building a system by documenting every repeatable task you do.

• Create workflows for client onboarding, marketing, and admin tasks
• Use a CRM like 17hats to automate follow-ups & client interactions
• Write SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) so someone else can handle tasks when needed

Hot take: If you want to stop being the bottleneck, start creating repeatable systems that anyone can follow.

Step 2: Automate Before You Delegate

Business owners often hire too soon for tasks they could automate instead.  It’s always a good idea to step back and do an assessment of what can be automated before you make the move to hire and delegate.

• Use a tool like 17hats to automate and customize your client journey.
• Set up ManyChat to answer FAQs and nurture social media leads automatically
• Use an email marketing platform like Flodesk to build and nurture your leads
• Create a content batching system so you’re not always creating from scratch

Automating simple tasks first frees up time and resources before hiring becomes necessary.

Step 3: Hire the Right People for the Right Tasks

Many entrepreneurs wait too long to outsource—or hire the wrong people, often because they haven’t taken the time to build systems that force them to think through their processes and create a much better path for others to follow.  This is one of the biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs make when looking for help.  If you don’t have your processes dialed in, how can you expect someone else to come in and do a good job for you?  YOU have to show them the way through your processes.

• Start small – Hire a VA for admin work or a bookkeeper for finances
• Look for specialists – Instead of hiring a general assistant, get an expert for key areas (social media, customer service, etc.)
• Train with SOPs – Give clear instructions so your team can handle tasks efficiently

Hiring shouldn’t feel overwhelming if you have the right systems in place.

Step 4: Set Boundaries So Your Business Doesn’t Control You

Many business owners are available 24/7—which keeps them stuck in daily operations.  It’s really hard to work ON your business when your stuck working IN your business.

• Establish work hours and stick to them
• Say NO to low-value tasks that don’t move your business forward
• Use automation & delegation to avoid unnecessary interruptions

The best business owners protect their time by setting boundaries—so they can focus on growth, not just daily operations.

Final Thoughts: The Freedom Formula for Small Business Owners

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this:

• Automate first – Let systems handle repetitive work
• Delegate wisely – Hire for what you can’t (or shouldn’t) do.  If your time is worth more than the time you’ll pay someone else to do it, it’s time to outsource.
• Set boundaries – Your business should fit into your life, not take over it

Want to start building a business that runs without you? Let’s hop on a call to chat about how I can help you make that happen. You can schedule a FREE Discovery Call with me here.

You might also like…

• TIme is a Precious Commodity. Are you using yours wisely?
• The Fine Line Between Working On vs IN your business.
• Small Business Success: Crafting Business Processes that Work

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Deb Mitzel is Your 17hats Guide—an experienced Small Business Operations Consultant and Coach, as well as a 17hats Implementation Specialist. With a passion for empowering small business owners, Deb specializes in helping clients reclaim their time so they can focus on building businesses that support their personal and professional dreams. Deb believes in creating an Integrated Life—a harmony where your business and personal life work together to serve you best. She knows that with the right systems, strategies, and a little guidance, you can build a business that is a blessing, not a burden. If you’re ready to simplify your processes and maximize your impact with 17hats or other tailored strategies, Deb offers a Free Discovery Call to explore how she can help. Click below to schedule your call and take the first step toward turning your vision into reality.

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