Almost every budding entrepreneur these days has a great idea to boot, is working like crazy and too busy to eat their meals on time, let alone leave time for fun. But here’s the thing, instead of wishing more hours a day, a more viable solutions would be to look for options that can save time. And sure enough, there’s another genius entrepreneur out there who has come up with solutions to save time and increase productivity.

Every person, no matter what their passion, needs to revisit the principles of time management from time to time. However, this topic is particularly critical to entrepreneurs, who struggle with challenges and crises every day that they didn’t anticipate. Effective time management skills are often the best competitive edge.

Ironically – to save your time – we have reproduced key points from a recent book, ‘Put more time on your side’ by Jan Yager (former productivity coach). These pointers are not the usual ‘time management tips’ but certainly worth considering.

Overcome procrastination to achieve your priorities

We spend too much time on startup ‘emergencies,’ and put off ‘urgencies’ for later.Track daily where your time is really spent. This can help to force you to stay ‘on task’ rather than mindlessly working the issue of the moment.

See a deadline as something empowering, rather than negative

A realistic product deadline will motivate you, so stop setting unrealistic deadlines, which discourage you or even ‘shut you down.’

Respond right now rather than wait to the last minute

If you are the right person, handle it now, or pass it on to the right person immediately. Ignored requests lead to crises, animosity and projects that get off-track.

Seize opportunities in the marketplace

One of the greatest benefits of improved time management is that it allows you to recognize and follow-up on unexpected opportunities or pivots that could come your way. These can make all the difference in closing on a key new customer, or capitalizing on a new business partnership.

Determine where email and social media add value

Keep a check on your web browsing habits, and limit your daily time spent or delegate these activities.

Find and use preferred individual contact methods

Learn how to use the latest technology, to make you more productive and mobile. Communicate with your contacts your preferred mode of communication to avoid interruptions.

Get a neutral eye review before submitting critical work

It’s usually more efficient and effective to have a trusted team member make the last pass to save your time, and possibly add content and details that you overlooked.

Learn to say ‘no’

None of us have the time to do everything. Being able to feel comfortable with what you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to will help you to broaden your options and empower you to spend your valuable time on things with the biggest payback.

Look outside your business domain for new solutions

Too many of us get stuck in the rut of looking to our own experiences and skills for solutions to business challenges. Instead, don’t be hesitant to talk to your investors, board advisors, or peers in other industries for alternate approaches, new techniques, and direct outside help, it will speed up the task at hand.

Time management can be learnt and is a skill that takes continual focus. How many of the concepts presented here do you use on a regular basis? It’s time to factor it in.