Maximising your time this summer (and every Season!)
Alison with her top ten tips to manage your time more effectively!
How to Manage Your Time Effectively This Summer (Without Burning Out)
It’s summertime, and despite what Ella Fitzgerald might sing, *“the livin’ isn’t always easy”—*especially if you’re a business owner juggling work, clients, and personal commitments.
I’m based in Northern Ireland, where many local businesses still close for the traditional 12th of July fortnight break. But I also work with clients in England and Germany, where holiday periods differ—and let’s be honest, the workload rarely stops!
I don’t have children, so I don’t face the school holiday childcare juggle, but we do have a house full of summer visitors. Between day trips, beach breaks (we’re lucky to live just 5 minutes from the coast!), and hosting family, I want to be present and productive.
So, how do you stay sane, productive, and still enjoy the summer?
Here are my Top 10 Time Management Tips for business owners, freelancers, and remote workers this summer—perfect whether you’re based in Northern Ireland, the UK, or anywhere juggling a seasonal slowdown!
🔟 Top 10 Summer Productivity Tips for Small Business Owners
1. Plan Ahead (Your Calendar is Your Best Friend!)
Review your calendar and map out:
Client deadlines
Holiday periods
Family commitments
Available working hours
Then block your time clearly—for client work, business development, admin, and networking. Be honest about your availability and communicate it clearly.
2. Communicate Clearly with Clients
Whether you’re taking a full break or working reduced hours, transparency builds trust. Let clients know about your summer schedule. Tools like Asana, Trello, or Slack can help keep communication flowing and expectations clear—even when you’re offline.
3. Be Realistic About Your Time
It’s summer. The sun might come out in Northern Ireland (hey, miracles happen!), so plan accordingly. Under-promise and over-deliver. Give yourself space to breathe, not burnout.
4. Set an Out-of-Office (Even if You're Just Slowing Down)
Automate your boundaries:
Email
WhatsApp Business
Facebook Messenger
A quick auto-response helps manage expectations—and gives you peace of mind.
5. Log Every Commitment in a Shared Calendar
Summer chaos = playdates, BBQs, day trips, and overlapping schedules.
In our house, we share everything—from client calls to vet appointments—via Google Calendar. It keeps things smooth, and the dogs always have someone home!
6. Automate Where You Can
Free up time and reduce mental load:
Set up Calendly or a booking tool (I offer setup services if you need help!)
Use email automation for newsletter sign-ups
Create onboarding templates for new clients
These small systems keep your business running smoothly in the background.
7. Make Time for You
Between work and family, you need your own reset button.
As an introvert, I love escaping solo to the beach or my local coffee shop with a magazine or feel-good summer read. What’s your version of that?
8. Lead with Empathy
Summer is different for everyone. Kids at home, health challenges, or family care might affect your colleagues or clients. I’ve learned (especially since getting two needy dogs!) to be more empathetic—and business is better for it.
9. When You Switch Off—Actually Switch Off
Put the phone away. Turn off notifications. Step away from the screen. Let your brain breathe. Creativity and clarity need space.
10. Enjoy It!
Summer should be joyful. Whether it’s a holiday, a picnic, a paddle in the sea, or simply sleeping in a little later—take the time to recharge. You’ll thank yourself when the darker days roll in.
🌞 Your Summer Reminder: Rest Isn’t Lazy—It’s Productive
Taking a proper break, being social, and living offline isn’t something to feel guilty about. It’s essential. It fuels creativity, improves focus, and helps you come back stronger.
So enjoy your summer—wherever you are!
Watch out, September—we're coming for you!
🎯 Plus, don’t forget: I also offer the Your Time Matters self-paced online course, where I dive deeper into time-blocking and other productivity strategies. Work through it whenever it suits you!
🌞 Let me be your accountability buddy this summer. Let’s get things DONE.
Email me alison@virtuali.uk if you have any queries
