Our CEO, Imran Raza, has over three decades of dedicated experience in accountancy and two decades in software innovation and has always served the rural community. In this article he explores managing time effectively and the tips he has learnt throughout his years of managing different groups of people.
I’ve come to realise that effective time management is the cornerstone of success, regardless of whether you’re running a farm, an accounting firm, or a high-growth tech startup. In New Zealand, where our economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and increasingly diversifying into other sectors, mastering this skill is more crucial than ever.
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a dairy farmer in the Waikato region, an accountant in bustling Auckland, and a software entrepreneur in Wellington. While their day-to-day tasks may differ dramatically, they all face the same fundamental challenge: making the most of the 24 hours they have each day.
In farming, timing is everything. You can’t tell the cows to wait an extra hour for milking, just as you can’t delay planting or harvesting when the seasons dictate otherwise. Similarly, in accountancy, there are immovable deadlines for tax filings and financial reports. High-growth businesses, on the other hand, operate in a fast-paced environment where every minute counts in staying ahead of the competition.
I’ve found that the most successful business owners in all these fields share a common trait: they treat time as their most valuable resource. They plan meticulously, priortise ruthlessly, and execute efficiently. Just as a farmer plans their crop rotation or an accountant structures their workflow around tax seasons, a tech entrepreneur must map out product development cycles and marketing campaigns.
But what happens when we fail to manage our time effectively?
The consequences of poor time management can be severe. In farming, it might mean missing the optimal window for planting or harvesting, resulting in reduced yields. For an accountant, it could lead to errors in financial statements or missed deadlines, potentially damaging client relationships. In a high-growth business, poor time management can result in delayed product launches, missed market opportunities, or burnout among team members.
So, what have I learned in my thirty years of business that I wish I’d known from the start?
- Prioritise ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Focus on the ones that truly move the needle for your business.
- Delegate effectively: Build a team you trust and empower them to take on responsibilities. Your time is better spent on high-level strategy and growth.
- Embrace technology: Whether it’s farm management software, accounting automation tools, or project management platforms, technology can be a great time-saver when used wisely.
- Plan ahead but stay flexible: While it’s crucial to have a solid plan, the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is equally important.
- Take care of yourself: Burnout is a real threat. Make time for rest and recreation – it’s an investment in your long-term productivity.
- Learn to say no: Every ‘yes’ to a non-essential task is a ‘no’ to something potentially more important.
In conclusion, managing time effectively is not just about being busy – it’s about being productive. Whether you’re tending to your orchards in Hawke’s Bay, balancing books in Christchurch, or scaling a startup in Dunedin, how you manage your time will largely determine your success. Remember, we all have the same 24 hours in a day – it’s how we use them that makes all the difference.
Imran Raza, CEO and founder of AgriSmart, accountant and rural advocate
