Work-life balance is often a moving target.  One week it’s great and others prove more challenging with both business and home-life responsibilities competing for time and energy.  Balance is important no matter what the endeavor.  It isn’t just about having more time to spend with your family - it’s also about smart business. 

Here are five steps to get a jump-start on achieving better work-life balance:

1.     Organize your time.  Streamline like activities together and/or blocking off specific amounts of time for each activity.  For example, sticking to a designated time to respond to email, and another time slot to respond to voicemail is an effective strategy to help minimize distractions and remain focused. 

2.     Use the resources and tools available to you.  Many small business owners use financial software management tools like QuickBooks to help them stay organized and manage the backend of the business.  If you’re investing in technology like software, take time to learn how to use the tools effectively and realize the full benefits.

3.     Ask for help. If there are jobs to perform that friends and family can do, ask them to lend a hand.  This way, it is easier to check items off your list faster, and you can get back to doing what you really love.

4.     Communicate with family and friends.  Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks, identified in a recent survey that almost 80 per cent of Canadians wish they could see more of their friends and family who are entrepreneurs.  Family members may have different ideas on work-life balance and it’s important to take time to truly understand each perspective.  This cuts down on unnecessary frustration between each other and helps to build understanding and support.

5.     Be proactive.  Don’t wait for people to get back to you.  Also, let people know upfront what you need.  After a meeting, be clear on expectations with others and follow up with email if necessary on action items and next steps. This will ultimately save time and needless back and forth.

Tips provided by Intuit, makers of QuickBooks accounting software for small business.  Limited Time Offer: Save 20% on QuickBooks Pro 2012 license and Unlimited Monthly Support. Click for details.