Whether it's serving customers, managing your team or getting the job done on time, there are a lot of demands on your time.     

Sure, you can "burn the candle at both ends" by working overtime to squeeze in a few more tasks, but that only works for so long.   How can you be more efficient and effective with your use of time?

Here's what owners say works best for them.

1) Turn off the technology.    If you want time to get real progress done on an office project, turn off the phone and email and focus.   Avoid the temptation to reach for your phone each time the little message alert rings. 

2)  Make appointments in your calendar for key tasks.   Block out time where you can work on one thing instead of scattering your energies.   It's easy to fill a schedule.  Fill it with the right things.

3)  Get better at saying no.    Decide what things will have a real impact on your business and attend those or do those.  If the volunteer project or "helping out" takes away from running your show, say no.

4)  Keep a to-do list.  You'll feel more in control of the items you need to complete and you won't forget critical things.    You'll actually feel less overwhelmed.

5)  Learn to delegate.   Lighten the load by finding others who can help.  Make use of subcontractors and part-timers during critical periods.