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Have you ever wondered how some people seem to achieve so much more in the same 24 hours we all have? I often find myself wondering the same.   There never seems to be enough time to accomplish ALL the things I set out to do in a day, week, month, or year. This used to frustrate me when I was younger. Now, it serves as a reminder—being busy, having problems to solve and lots to do is a sign of life. A sign that there is still more for you to accomplish. This is a good thing, especially when you learn to focus on what’s most important and do those things first.

In my studies of master marketers, master persuaders, and master entrepreneurs, I have learned some things about time management, productivity, and success. It's not about working longer, sacrificing sleep, or pushing yourself to the limit. It's about working smarter, and I've got three secrets to share with you.

1. Embrace the 80/20 Rule. You've probably heard of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. It's a game-changer when it comes to productivity. This rule suggests that roughly 20 percent of your daily activities contribute to 80 percent of your success, income, and happiness. These are your "big-payoff" activities. On the flip side, 20 percent of your activities eat up 80 percent of your time - these are the "low-payoff" ones.

"Open Door Management" of your business is a two-edged sword. Yes, you should absolutely have times when your staff can access you directly. But when that time is unlimited, your ability to function as a leader or manager is seriously compromised.

It is not easy being a business owner - you have to oversee every part of the operations, manage your employees and clients, and make decisions that can have major consequences. It is understandable that  you clearly  don't have time to micromanage your marketing output. Even worse, it can be daunting being the only one in your business' marketing department. No second opinion. No team support. You need help! Here are some indicators that your business needs a marketing agency.

It was June 2012 in Cleveland and after the event we all went to the racetrack with Dan Kennedy. While everyone was having fun, I found a quiet moment with Dan and asked him:

"Dan, in your book on Time Management; you are talking about some EXTREME control measure on access to your time. This is easy for YOU, because you are Dan Kennedy. For a small, emerging business trying to drum up business, I need to make myself available when a prospect wants to talk to me. Exactly how do you suppose I apply the principles of time management in your book? I am exactly opposite of what you are recommending. I respond to email within minutes, I am almost always available to take a call from prospects and client 8AM to 10PM 7 days a week and my clients sincerely appreciate such availability.