12 Tips for Prioritizing Professional Development in a Busy Schedule
Imagine having the secrets to mastering time management for learning and professional development, straight from top industry leaders. Our blog post features insights from a Chief Operating Officer and a CEO who share their best tips. Learn why embracing microlearning can lead to continuous growth and discover the importance of scheduling weekly learning blocks. With twelve expert insights, this article is your go-to guide for prioritizing professional development even within the busiest schedules.
- Embrace Microlearning for Continuous Growth
- Reflect and Adjust Weekly for Clarity
- Align Learning with Strategic Objectives
- Treat Learning as a Non-Negotiable Investment
- Focus on One or Two Goals
- Maximize Downtime for Micro-Learning
- Form Accountability Partnerships for Growth
- Concentrate on High-Impact Skills
- Engage in Professional Communities
- Integrate Learning into Daily Habits
- Block Time for Focused Learning
- Schedule Weekly Learning Blocks
Embrace Microlearning for Continuous Growth
Staying current with all of the latest trends, tools, courses, and strategies needed to run my business was one surprising roadblock I faced while running my business. There was always a fire to put out, an immediate priority that provided little room for continuous development. Over time, I noticed that not taking care of this aspect of my development as a business owner was preventing me from having a solid footing to make informed business decisions and keep up with the competition. I resorted to microlearning as a solution to this problem. I divided big topics into bite-size learning hours that could fit into my very full life. For instance, instead of spending hours reading a long book or attending an all-day seminar, I would spend 15 minutes a day reading an article, watching a short video, or listening to a podcast on the subject. Eventually, these little attempts led to some tangible knowledge and perspective. As I continued with my career, I began to embed this into my daily cycle by practicing segmental learning or sharing them in short bits whether during breaks or my early day. I might, for example, read an article about a new marketing strategy while I sip my morning coffee or watch a quick tutorial about a business tool when I have a 10-minute break between meetings. Since learning became part of my routine, it never felt like it was an additional task, but rather a manageable and regular routine. Microlearning has been game-changing in the field. Not only did it keep me updated but also triggered new thoughts and solutions to problems in my business. For example, those who took short sessions to learn automation tools ended up streamlining workflows, saving time, and cutting costs. My advice to small business owners who are experiencing something similar is to begin small and be deliberate. Identify some specific areas you would like to grow in and find bite-sized resources like articles, videos, podcasts, etc., around those topics. Set aside time every day to learn, even a few minutes. By regularly engaging in this practice, you will grow both your knowledge and self-assurance, enabling you to stay sharp and agile in a constantly shifting business landscape.
Reflect and Adjust Weekly for Clarity
Ironically, another challenge I faced in building my business was the very speed at which I was operating, which acted as a barrier to reflective observation and intentional learning. Initially, I was a hamster on a wheel, continually jumping from one context to another, learning new concepts without compartmentalizing those learnings and figuring how they could map to my decision-making or organizational playbook. As time went on, I found that even though I was learning, I wasn't learning as much as I could because I was bucketing insights and I wasn't taking the time to reflect and iterate based on them. To solve this, I implemented a practice I like to call "Reflect and Adjust." Every week, I set aside a few minutes to think about what I've learned and the difference it makes to my work. This time is dedicated not only to assess the outcomes of my decisions, but the behind the scenes learning that went into them. For instance, if I experimented with a new marketing strategy, I look back on what worked, what didn't, and how I can do better next time. I ensure that learning is meaningful and relevant to my goals by linking actions to outcomes. This practice has provided one of its greatest benefits: clarity. They help me externalize my busy-leaving mind and look at my business with a wider lens than day-to-day experience. (I've seen patterns of what drives success and picked up on where small tweaks could have outsized impact.) For example, my first few months working with a tough client motivated me to develop a communication process that would prevent the same from happening again. A second major benefit is that reflection helps me make better choices. I can do this through knowing what has been most meaningful, so I can devote my time and energy on what really matters. It also helps fine-tune what I should study further going forward. If I notice that a skill or body of knowledge would enhance my business, I put together a plan for what I will do about it in the weeks to come. To other small business owners, my advice would be finding time to reflect and making that a part of your process moving forward. You don't require an hour, just a few good minutes can bring forth some golden nuggets. Let yourself reflect on questions such as, "What was a win this week?" and "How would I do it differently next time?" Putting all of these thoughts into writing can help make them even more actionable.
Align Learning with Strategic Objectives
One of the most unexpected challenges I faced in running my business was ensuring that I retained a laser focus on professional development while tackling the day-to-day rigors of operations. When every minute counts to keep the wheels turning as a small business owner, it's hard to justify taking time away from your responsibilities to learn new things. But I soon came to understand that neglecting both learning and growth might marginalize the business's capacity to adapt and prosper.
In response, I created a practice to ensure that learning was in alignment with our strategic objectives. I made it an integral part of accomplishing them, rather than treating it as an add-on. One, about a year or so ago when we identified that becoming better team leaders was one of our top priorities, I started scouring the internet for books, workshops, and online courses designed around effective management practices. That way I ensured the time I put into learning became attached to measurable results for the business.
For example, I found this method very useful when I had to grow the team in a very short time. I realized that the leadership style I had been using up to then needed to develop in order for me to successfully lead a larger and more diverse group. Having aligned my learning efforts alongside the goal of improving my team leadership, I quickly put into practice what I was learning through strategies including better delegation, fostering collaboration and formatting concise communication strategies. These changes not only enabled me to develop as a leader, but also to augment team performance and morale.
For other business owners, my advice is to think of learning as a strategic tool, not a luxury. Prioritize your most urgent business needs and seek materials that serve those particular areas. Make it a habit to set aside time each week for professional development, even if it's only 30 minutes or an hour, and apply what you learn within the context of your real-world challenges immediately.
To ensure that the time and effort you pour into growth is purposeful and impactful, align learning to the overarching business strategy. Not only does this help you gain new skills, it also keeps your business nimble and competitive in a constantly shifting environment.
Treat Learning as a Non-Negotiable Investment
Scheduling time for learning and professional development is about recognizing it as a non-negotiable investment rather than an optional task. Over my career, I've learned that treating these activities like you would a high-priority client meeting is key. I recommend blocking specific times in your calendar each week for focused learning and treating those blocks as sacred. To prioritize what to focus on, identify gaps in your current skills or knowledge that directly align with your long-term goals or the needs of your business. For instance, if you're aiming to grow a business but struggling with financial strategies, dedicating time to learn about finance or analytics should take precedence. Keep a running list of skills to build, and reassess it quarterly to ensure alignment with your evolving goals.
One example that stands out is when I transitioned from running my telecommunications business to coaching entrepreneurs. I knew I needed a deeper understanding of financial strategies to help my clients maximize their profitability. Despite managing my business and growing my client base, I carved out early mornings twice a week to study finance while completing my MBA in finance from the Australian Institute of Business. The result was transformative. Not only did I use those skills to turn around multiple struggling businesses for clients, but I also published insights from a study on 675 entrepreneurs to identify what truly drives success. That time investment led to measurable growth for my clients and positioned me as a thought leader in the field. The lesson here is simple: schedule your learning like your business depends on it, because often, it does.
Focus on One or Two Goals
The obstacle I never expected to face when running my business was the realization that I was not making real progress because I was stretched too thin across too many priorities. At first, I focused on too many areas at a time, diversifying offerings, building integrations, marketing, internally automating, everything that should help scale your business fast. But this only watered down my attention and ultimately left me with mediocre performance in multiple sectors.
To counteract this, I changed my mindset to favor quality over quantity by implementing a one or two goal focus. For example, rather than attempting to change several areas of the business at once, I went deep on customer experience. That involved using time and resources to solicit feedback, improve service delivery, and train staff to meet and go beyond client expectations. Maybe it sounds like business 101. However, by focusing on only one goal, we were not only caring about customers, but also getting natural growth through recommendations and repeat work.
This deep dive taught me that burrowing deep into high-impact areas is much more productive than trying to do it all at once. It allowed me to implement insights and lessons learned accordingly, providing a solid base for attacking other objectives later on.
My advice to other small business owners who find themselves in a similar challenge is to figure out one or two priorities that more closely align with your long-term goals or address the biggest pain points in your operations. Spend enough time and energy here till you see tangible results and then move on to the next one, repeat. Do not fall into the trap of being overly scattered and make sure you focus on being good at something instead of being mediocre at several things.
This shift in perspective has allowed me to build a more sustainable, impactful business model that prioritizes quality over quantity. It streamlines the decision-making process and ensures that every step you take pushes you towards your long-term goals. It's about being more effective, not efficient, and focusing on significant progress instead of superficial improvements.
Maximize Downtime for Micro-Learning
That was the biggest challenge I came across in managing my business, that I never had time to keep myself updated as an individual and therefore did not have enough time for personal development. With juggling the daily grind, managing my team and confronting the curveballs life throws at you, it seemed unattainable to set aside hours to learn or grow as a professional. It made me feel disconnected from innovations and new ideas that could have helped my business.
I discovered this solution by maximizing downtime. Instead, I embraced the small gaps between meetings or the time I was waiting for calls and turned them into opportunities to engage in micro-learning. For instance, I could read a short piece on industry trends, skim a thoughtful newsletter, or even listen to a 15-minute podcast episode. These micro-learning sessions helped me maintain a level of engagement with the changing landscape of development, without requiring large blocks of dedicated time.
In order to make this practice as beneficial as possible, I made a list of resources I would be able to access during those short windows. I bookmarked my favorite industry blogs and followed email newsletters and downloaded audiobook and podcast apps. By having these resources ready to go, I could jump into learning quickly even if I only had a few minutes to spare.
The effects have been profound. By making sure to use all of my downtime to consume new ideas, I've continued to be aware of emerging trends and have received new perspectives on managing my business. For example, after reading about a marketing technique in a short article while standing by the phone waiting for it to ring, we put it into action and saw actual increased engagement from customers.
Creating this habit also gave me a greater sense of control over my time. Whereas previously I had felt frustrated by not standing still and wasting time, I used the time productively instead which made my days feel more meaningful and infinite.
For small business owners struggling with similar issues, my advice is to proactively leverage your downtime. Find a few trusted resources, a useful book or podcast, keep them close by, and then utilize those little pockets of time to better yourself. These moments accumulate over time, keeping you inspired and informed without the additional stress in your already busy day.
Form Accountability Partnerships for Growth
One surprise hurdle I faced in managing my business was how to keep up with professional development amidst the daily grind of running a company. I had so much on my plate that I allowed learning and skill-building to become secondary, even though I knew they were essential to growth and innovation. I wanted a way to keep myself accountable and make continuing education a priority. In order to combat this, I bought into the idea of making learning social through accountability partnerships. I formed relationships with colleagues and peers who were working toward similar professional development goals, and we promised each other that there would be accountability among us. For instance, if I wanted to finish a leadership training or read a business book, I would set a timeframe and then check in with my accountability buddy. They served as motivation and also made sure I stayed on track. In addition to accountability, they also created opportunities for meaningful discussion by sharing learning goals. After finishing a module or chapter, I would meet up with my partner to discuss what we learned, answer questions, and brainstorm ideas to bring back to our separate businesses. In addition to reinforcing the material, it also helped plant seeds of new ideas and perspectives that I may not have discovered on my own. So, this approach is truly a game-changer and has proved phenomenal. I have remained focused on building skills that would ultimately help my business, from leadership strategies to how to manage operations better. Further, such partnerships have broadened my professional network and facilitated prospects for new collaborations. For my fellow small business owners, my advice is to make it a shared learning experience. Identify a person you trust who is as committed to growth as you are and define goals for what you want to accomplish together. Not only will this help keep you on track, but it will also be more fun and rewarding. It is easier for you to prioritize your professional development when you have a partner who encourages and celebrates your progress with you.
Concentrate on High-Impact Skills
While running my business, one surprising hurdle I faced was coming to terms with the fact that I couldn't be a master of all trades when it came to the operations side of my business, but in order to do so I needed to make informed decisions in various areas. This gap was particularly apparent in circumstances that called for high-stakes decision-making, such as negotiating contracts or facilitating strategic planning conversations. The question was how to develop quickly and effectively the skills the business success depended on most. So to counteract this, I began concentrating on high-impact skills that would actually add value to my growth as a leader and the advancement of the business. I started out by identifying the individual areas I felt less competent in and focused on those that had the most urgent impact. As an example, I recognized that improving my negotiation skills would assist not only with contracts but also with partnerships and client retention. Once I determined this as my priority, I made time in my learning for webinars, case studies and one-on-one coaching sessions that addressed this capability. This focused strategy allowed me to progress quickly because instead of spreading myself thin and trying to master everything, I focused on one skill at a time. For instance, the more I learned about negotiation, the better the terms I was able to negotiate with vendors. This built better relationships with vendors and saved the business money. The success of this reinforced the emphasis on skill-based results. For other small business owners with similar struggles, I suggest doing a self-assessment to pinpoint your most pressing skill gaps. When you have a list, then from there decide which will benefit your business the most. Dedicate time to continue to learn that skill weekly (courses, mentorship or practice). This focused approach allows you to efficiently address weaknesses and convert them and propel your business forward. Not only does this approach make you the best leader you can be, but it means you are focusing your time and energy where you will give your greatest ROI to your business. That is why growth is all about deliberate effort, and what better way to build relevant skills that have tailored impact in your space to tackle unexpected challenges?
Engage in Professional Communities
One surprise roadblock I hit in operating my business was the isolation I felt in difficult situations when I needed to brainstorm new ideas for growth. As a small business owner, you can easily fall into a routine of trying to do it all yourself. To remedy this, I consciously sought out professional communities where learning and networking happened in tandem. Engaging in these communities has changed the game for me. Whether it's networking events or group discussions, I've met fellow business owners who have gone through similar situations and had different points of view to offer. Such engagements not only supply answers to burning questions but also expose me to methods and artifacts I would have otherwise not considered. For example, I discovered cost-effective marketing techniques in one of the discussions that helped increase my outreach tenfold without breaking the bank. What I love most about communities of professionals is that learning is a collaborative process. It doesn't feel like a solitary pursuit to better my skills or knowledge; it's a communal endeavor where fellow members help one another. Not only do I gain practical advice, but I also find these groups to be a source of motivation. Hearing success stories and witnessing others overcome challenges reminds me that I'm not alone in managing the ups and downs of running a business. I try to attend the events regularly, proactively engage in the discussions, get to know the people and follow up with them, all of which helps me get full benefits from these communities. When it comes to other small business owners, I do recommend finding their professional communities that are specific to your industry or interests. Whether in-person meetups, online forums, or trade associations, these communities provide invaluable information and a sense of community. The community not only helps you solve problems but also makes your journey of running a business seem less lonely and more collaborative.
Integrate Learning into Daily Habits
One of the challenges that I didn't expect when managing my own business was the need to always find out what is what while juggling a busy schedule. There's always more to learn, whether that be about industry trends, leadership strategies or operational efficiencies, as a small business owner, but finding the time to learn those things can be a challenge. I solved that by integrating learning into everyday habits, as I have done by pairing it with things I do anyway, such as commuting or exercising. For instance, I began using audiobooks and podcasts when I was driving to work or going for morning aerobic workouts. This habit gave me a fresh perspective and information without having to dedicate time during my day to do so. By focusing on topics relevant to my business goals, I guaranteed that what I was writing was truly relevant to the issues I needed to solve. When I had a challenge scaling operations, I listened to a series of business podcasts about growth strategies. The pragmatic knowledge I acquired allowed me to optimize processes and enhance team collaboration that directly translated into our capacity to manage heightened demand. This not only helped in overcoming the barrier of less time but also helped in making learning part of my daily routine. Having done that over time, it has allowed me to be more flexible and better prepared to face challenges when they arise. For other small business owners out there, my perspective is to find ways to weave learning into your everyday routines. Whether it be audiobooks, podcasts, or other formats that are conducive to your lifestyle, use opportunities like commuting, working out, or downtimes to enhance your mental capacities. Read your content according to your present targets or issues so you can use what you find out promptly. This will allow you to keep up with the challenges and advance whatever field you are working in without becoming swamped.
Block Time for Focused Learning
One of my best tips for scheduling time for learning and professional development is to block out specific times on my calendar for focused learning—just as I would for client meetings or team activities. I treat these learning sessions as non-negotiable, dedicating time to read, attend webinars, or take courses. By scheduling these blocks in advance, I ensure that personal development becomes a priority, not an afterthought.
To prioritize my learning goals, I align them with the immediate needs of the business and my long-term vision. For example, if I notice a gap in knowledge that could enhance our software development processes, I focus on learning that skill first. This approach allows me to stay current with industry trends while also ensuring that my growth directly supports the business’s evolution. Balancing learning with daily operations requires discipline, but by treating it as a critical part of my role, I ensure continuous improvement.
Schedule Weekly Learning Blocks
I faced an unforeseen obstacle, which surprised me, when running my business: I had no idea how challenging it was to keep yourself ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry while having to handle the day-to-day activities. I was so busy building and running the business that I didn't have time to work on my own professional development early on. This period of over-commitment did not provide dedicated time for learning and eventually hindered my ability to adapt, innovate, and make data-driven decisions. To solve this problem, I committed to iterating a dataset in blocks while learning weekly. I now carve out one or two hours each week to devote specifically to professional development. I consider this time of day non-negotiable, like a meeting I cannot miss. Carving out this space allows me to keep learning as part of my routine, or daily rhythm, rather than relegating it to a thing pushed to the side. Within these learning blocks I focus on actionable goals, either tails to my challenges or in line with long-term goals. For example, if I'm going through a business growth phase, I could spend the time going to a workshop on scaling operations. If I'm struggling with a leadership development issue, maybe I'll spend that time reading a book or listening to a podcast on how to lead successful teams. This has made all the difference in the world. Not only does it keep me up to date with industry trends, but it also gives me the tools and insights I need to make improvements in my decision-making. Since then, this method has assisted me with developing and being on the A-game, changing what was a barricade into a springboard for progress. For my fellow business owners going through similar challenges, my advice is to prioritize learning, schedule it regularly. Begin with just one hour a week, on the topics that are most relevant to your goals. The important part is consistency and regarding that time slot as sacred as any other business appointment. This will not only ensure that you keep moving ahead with the trends in your industry but it will also lay a foundation for a more successful upcoming era for your business.
