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Feel like you’re wearing all the hats?

Feel like you’re wearing all the hats?

Being a business owner means doing a bit of everything. From sales and service delivery to finance, marketing, admin, and more – it often feels like there’s no off switch. Sound familiar?

If you’re constantly juggling tasks, jumping from one fire to the next, and wondering how to squeeze more hours out of the day then you’re not alone. Most service-based SME owners find themselves wearing all the hats, especially in the early years. But here’s the good news; a few small shifts in how you manage your time can create some much-needed breathing space.

Let’s explore some simple, practical tactics to help you reclaim control of your time (without adding to your to-do list).

1. Start with your priorities, not your task list

It’s easy to fall into the trap of ticking off what’s urgent rather than what’s important. Before your week begins, take 10 minutes to ask:

  • What three things, if done this week, would genuinely move the business forward?
  • What’s essential for clients and cash flow – and what’s just noise?
  • Use these answers to shape your daily focus, not just your to-do list.

Tip: Try using the “Must/Should/Could” framework. Prioritise your ‘musts’, delegate or delay your ‘shoulds’, and only tackle ‘coulds’ if you have spare capacity.

2. Time block like a boss

Rather than working reactively, block time in your diary for core areas of the business. Even if it's just an hour at a time. For example:

  • Monday AM: client delivery
  • Wednesday PM: business development
  • Friday PM: finance and planning

Protect these blocks like appointments with your most important client – because ultimately, you are.

3. Embrace ‘good enough’ (perfection is a thief)

As the business grows, trying to do everything perfectly will hold you back. Ask yourself:

  • Does this need to be 100%, or will 80% get it out the door?
  • Is this task worth my time, or could someone else take it on?

Your time is one of your most valuable assets. Perfectionism often steals it.

4. Delegate the right way (and don’t take it back!)

Delegating isn't just about handing over tasks – it’s about trusting others to own the outcome.

  • Start small: delegate low-risk, repeatable tasks first.
  • Document how you do things with simple SOPs (screen recordings work wonders).
  • Resist the urge to swoop back in if it’s not done your way immediately.

Delegation is a skill and a muscle – and it gets stronger the more you use it.

5. Set boundaries around your time (even if you love the work)

Being available 24/7 might feel like you’re giving great service – but it’s not sustainable. Protect your focus by setting boundaries like:

  • Fixed days/times for client calls
  • No emails before 8am or after 6pm
  • A lunch break that’s actually a break

Remember: clients respect what you model.

6. Review weekly – celebrate what did get done

It’s easy to focus on what’s still unfinished. But ending the week by reviewing what did go well (and why) builds momentum. Try a simple weekly reflection:

  • What worked?
  • What didn’t?
  • What needs adjusting next week?

It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

Final Thought

Wearing lots of hats is part of the territory, but you don’t have to feel like you’re drowning in them. Small shifts in how you manage your time can lead to big gains in clarity, control, and confidence.

And if you ever need a fresh pair of eyes or someone to help lighten the load, we’re just a phone call away.

Moving to Panthera is easy

It’s a big decision to move accountants. We get it. That’s why we have a clearly defined process in place to make it as straightforward as possible.

Step 1: We have a short initial discovery meeting to understand your needs so we can create the perfect service package for your business

Step 2: You receive your tailored proposal with one simple monthly fee and you e-sign the letter of engagement

Step 3: You provide your current accountant with notice – and you leave the rest to us!

We liaise directly with your previous accountant regarding the transfer of information. We request authority from HMRC to act on your behalf. We handle as much of the admin as possible, so you can get on with running your business – safe in the knowledge that everything is going on in the background. And if there’s any action for you, we let you know.

Contact us to find out how we can help you

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