“How can you call yourself an entrepreneur or business owner if you work for someone else?” A question I face on a regular basis but for me, it’s simple.

Working entrepreneur, here are 3 best tips to increase productivity

I am a working entrepreneur.

We take risks, but calculated ones, we supplement our incomes, have day jobs and do whatever it takes to reach our goals. We call ourselves, working entrepreneurs.

I often think people don’t realize how much we have to do in one single day.

For myself, strong organizational skills and punctuality are two attributes that have led me to success in my endeavors and that have allowed me to meet deadlines even during the busiest of times.

Here is a quick glimpse into my average day.

In the morning I wake up, walk my dog, get ready for work. I am in the office from 8:30 am to 5 pm, I come home, walk my dog and prepare dinner.

On average, I work with two to four new businesses at the same time, developing a social media strategy. I post to my blog on a regular basis, while making time for my family and friends and of course not neglecting my boyfriend and our dog.

Being a working entrepreneur is worth it, the hard work pays off. So how do I do it all?

Here are my working entrepreneur tips to manage your time and increase your productivity. 

1. Take notes

Yes, everyone should take notes, including working entrepreneurs.

The reality is that you can’t do it all, but sometimes at the beginning, we don’t have a choice. We don’t all have the same financial help when we start a business as such we may not be able to hire help.

The second you think of a task that needs action you should write it down.

I always carry a paper pad, smartphone, laptop, tablet, or anything that will allow you to take notes. You should then compile your notes and see what requires immediate attention.

Anything that can be done in less than two minutes should be first on your list.

What if you came up with a new business idea on your way to work in the morning or something that could make your new business go from zero to one hundred real quick?

The time you spend at work should be dedicated to your employer, writing it down quickly before you start will make sure that this genius idea can be looked at once you return to your own time.

2. Realistic timelines as a working entrepreneur

You want to dress to impress and provide top notch service, and of course, you wouldn’t dare to turn down a client.

A challenge many working entrepreneurs face; you want the client, but you’re afraid you may not be able to meet the deadlines needed.

In this case, honesty is the best policy, and will more than likely be well received by the client.

Make sure that you communicate expectations clearly, and that your agreement specifically states how long the project should take you.

Never underestimate your time just to impress a potential client. Remember that the overall experience will be a factor in deciding if this will be an ongoing or returning client.

3. Keep work and your business separate

As your journey as a new entrepreneur or business owner begins, it will be important to practice work life balance.

This doesn’t only apply to these working entrepreneur tips but also a general practice that will help you within most given situation. You’ll need to be in a position where once you clock out of your job you can focus on your business.

If you aren’t in that type of position, you’ll be faced with the decision of ultimately analyzing what is best for you. Your business won’t grow if you won’t give it the attention it needs.

On the other hand, you won’t keep a job if you aren’t doing your job, it’s that simple.

4. Take time off

It is true that technically speaking; there is no day off when you are an entrepreneur. You need to be ready for challenges and emergencies; this doesn’t mean however that you should not schedule yourself some time off.

There are good and bad stresses in life. The bad stress is the kind you should keep at bay.

If you overwork yourself in the hopes of overachieving quickly, you’ll get burnt out. The more stressed you are, the less you’ll accomplish, so resting should be regular and consistent.

Here you have it, my best four working entrepreneur tips to being the best possible productive working entrepreneur.

These tips don’t only apply while you are working. These four habits will help you develop healthy business habits as you grow and as your businesses achieve new heights.

What do you think? Have you applied these tips into your routine already? What other tips do you have? Let me know what you think in the comment section.

For more business and career tips, check our entrepreneurship section and subscribe to our weekly newsletters.