How to Work On Your Business—Not Just In It

If you're like most small business owners, your day starts with a to-do list that never seems to shrink. You're answering customer emails, managing employees, handling billing, and solving the next urgent issue that pops up. Before you know it, the day is over—and you didn’t get to the things that actually move your business forward.

Welcome to the small business trap: being so busy running the business that you don’t have time to grow it.

🛠️ Working In the Business vs. On the Business

Working in the business means managing daily operations:

• Answering phones

• Shipping orders

• Responding to clients

• Processing payroll

It’s necessary—but if that’s all you do, you’ll stay stuck.

Working on the business means:

• Creating systems

• Reviewing financials

• Planning for growth

• Hiring intentionally

• Improving customer experience

That’s what separates businesses that survive from those that scale.

💡 3 Ways to Shift from Day-to-Day to Big Picture

1. Block CEO Time Weekly

Schedule two hours each week (minimum) to focus on strategy—not operations. Use this time to:

• Review numbers

• Set goals

• Identify inefficiencies

• Brainstorm new offerings or improvements

📌 Tip: Protect this time like a meeting with your best client—because it is.

2. Build Repeatable Systems

If you’re doing the same task more than once, it’s time for a system:

• Write it down

• Turn it into a checklist or template

• Train someone else to do it

Systems free up your time, reduce errors, and make it easier to delegate.

3. Track the Right Metrics

You don’t need a complex dashboard. Just start with:

• Revenue vs. profit

• Customer acquisition cost

• Customer retention rate

• Employee performance metrics (if applicable)

Knowing your numbers means you can lead with facts—not feelings.

🚀 Final Thought: Build Something That Runs Without You

You didn’t start your business to become its most overworked employee. Working on your business lets you step into your real role—as a leader, strategist, and visionary.

Need help putting systems in place, creating strategy, or regaining your time? I work with small business owners and startups to simplify operations and build smarter foundations for growth. Call/Email today for your free 30 min consultation!