BUSINESS AND TRAINING 13
Ask Coach Craig
by
Craig Lourens , Business Coach
Do you have business related questions ? Coach Craig is a professional business coach who is keen to answer your queries . Email your business questions to tanya @ interactmedia . co . za with subject line Ask Coach Craig .
Question : Anonymous : “ I run my own business , need time to spend with my family and do all kinds of other things . Working on my business always seems to come last . I know I need to work on it so it can grow but I just don ’ t seem to find the time with all the responsibilities I have . How do I make time for working on my business ?”
Dear Anonymous , Thank you for reaching out with such a relatable and insightful question . You ’ re not alone — many business owners find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities , often feeling like there ’ s no time left to focus on growing their business . Interestingly , while you feel you ’ re not dedicating enough time to your business , many business owners feel the opposite — that they ’ re spending too much time on their business and not enough with their family . The solution I propose applies equally to both groups , ensuring balance and growth .
The first step is acknowledging that working ‘ on ’ your business — rather than just ‘ in ’ it — is crucial for growth and sustainability . This isn ’ t just about creating more profits ; it ’ s about creating a business that works for you , so you can spend quality time with your family and pursue other passions guilt-free .
Plan with purpose Start by setting aside dedicated time for planning . A weekly planning session of just 30 – 60 minutes can help you get a clear view of what ’ s ahead . During this time , list your key priorities for the week , ensuring that working on your business is one of them . Treat this as a non-negotiable commitment , just like a meeting with a top client . I recommend doing this every Friday from 3:00 to 3:30 PM . Use a simple methodology we at ActionCOACH call the LION Methodology :
• L – Last Week : What did you achieve last week ?
• I – Issues : What issues arose ?
• O – Opportunities : What opportunities have presented themselves ?
• N – Next Week : What is the plan for next week ?
Prioritise your priorities One of the biggest traps is trying to do everything at once . Remember , not all tasks are created equal . Use the 80 / 20 rule ( Pareto Principle ) to identify the 20 % of activities that will produce 80 % of your results . Focus on high-impact tasks such as marketing , improving customer service processes or training your team . These are the areas that will yield the greatest returns in the long run .
Embrace the default diary The key to effective time management is creating a default diary ( also known as a time-blocked schedule ). Allocate blocks of time to specific activities , including working on your business . For example , reserve an hour every Tuesday and Thursday morning before your workday starts to work on your business . Guard this time fiercely — no client emergencies or distractions allowed .
Delegate and empower If you ’ re feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities , it might be time to delegate more . Identify tasks that can be handled by your team or outsourced . Delegation isn ’ t just about lightening your load ; it ’ s about empowering others and fostering their growth , which in turn strengthens your business .
Communicate with your family Since family is a top priority for you , include them in the conversation . Let them know why dedicating time to your business is important and how it will benefit everyone in the long term . Setting boundaries with their support can make all the difference .
Progress , not perfection Finally , remember that progress is better than perfection . Even small , consistent efforts to work on your business can lead to significant growth over time . Celebrate your wins , however small they may seem , and keep moving forward . You ’ ve taken the first step by asking this question , and I ’ m confident that by applying these principles , you ’ ll find the balance you ’ re looking for . Keep the questions coming — this column is here to tackle the real challenges plumbers face in building thriving businesses . Here ’ s to your success ! PA
Craig Lourens , Business Coach
© Plumbing Africa
March 2025 Volume 31 I Number 01 www . plumbingafrica . co . za