Toolbox: The 3-3-3 Method of Time Management to Super-boost your Business Development Efforts
The 3-3-3 Method is a practical framework for balancing deep work, meetings and business development activities. Discover how it can help you achieve sustainable growth.
In this BD Tips Wednesday post, I look at: 'The 3-3-3 Method'.
What Is the 3-3-3 Method?
Let's start with the obvious: What is the 3-3-3 Method?
The 3-3-3 Method is a daily time management framework built on three blocks of activity:
3 hours of deep work – Focused, uninterrupted time on your most important projects/client work.
3 hours for meetings/collaboration session/short tasks – Key meetings and/or to-dos that are necessary but don’t require deep concentration.
3 hours of personal and business development time – Things that keep you and your practice moving forward personally and professionally; such as exercise, learning, writing a blog post, commenting on LinkedIn or having a coffee with a contact.
Why Does It Work?
Firstly, the 3-3-3 Method helps you focus on your priorities for the day. By limiting yourself to three hours of deep work, you push yourself to decide what really matters for that day. This avoids spreading yourself thin across too many tasks.
You achieve progress without burnout. Three hours of deep work is substantial, but it’s also sustainable. Instead of marathon days that drain you, you get consistent, high-quality progress.
You have structure without rigidity. The 3-3-3 Method provides guidance but leaves room for flexibility. Your “3 shorter tasks” could be emails, calls or admin. Your “3 maintenance activities” could be as simple as a having lunch with a colleague who refers you work.
Remember, the 3-3-3 Method is not about perfection. Some days, your deep work might stretch to 4 hours, or you may only tick off 2 maintenance activities. The power lies in the framework; it guides your attention without being a straitjacket.
Final Thoughts: Sustainably Growing your Practice
Making time for business development in your busy day doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, implementing simple frameworks in to how you structure your day can provide the most powerful ROI on your efforts.
Further Reading
Need Help With Your Business Development?
Get in touch if you want to talk about any of this. We also offer a very affordable BD Audit and Training package.
Toolbox: How the Pomodoro Technique Can Transform Your Business Development Productivity
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple productivity framework that helps professionals focus on high-value activities, reduce distractions and build sustainable business development habits.
For this BD Tips Wednesday post I’m doing a quick walk through of the Pomodoro Technique and some tips on how utilising this can super boost your business development efforts.
What Is The Pomodoro Technique?
Let's start with the obvious question: 'What is the Pomodoro Technique?'
The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo (circa late 1980s) who named it after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used as a student (something I did not know till doing reseach about this: pomodoro means 'tomato' in Italian).
The beauty of Cirillo's concept is that it is really easy to understand and follow. You break your work into focused intervals (of 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. These intervals are what is known as Pomodoros.
After completing a spin of four Pomodoros you can take a longer break, giving your brain a chance to rest and recharge.
The rhythm is designed to help you maintain mental agility throughout the day, without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Does It Work?
As I have mentioned already, the real genius of this technique lies in its simplicity. By committing to just 25 minutes of focused work, it becomes easier to overcome procrastination. There's no need to worry about completing the entire task, just start the timer and work until it rings. Knowing that a break is coming, makes it easier to resist the urge to check your phone or get distracted (at which point, feel free to check that phone, LinkedIn update or soccer score!).
Over time, this technique should help you improve your ability to estimate how long tasks take, build momentum through visible progress, and makes it easier to stay focused. It should also give your brain regular opportunities to rest, thereby reducing the risk of burnout (one for the bids and tenders experts out there to take-away!).
Getting Started
All you need is a timer. You can use your phone, a kitchen timer, or any number of Pomodoro apps.
Start by choosing a task and setting a timer for 25 minutes.
Work with full attention until the timer goes off
Take a five-minute break.
After four sessions, take a longer break -15 to 30 minutes
Start the cycle again.
Making It Your Own
While 25-minute intervals work well for most people, don’t be afraid to adjust the technique to suit your working style. The key is not so much the focus time, but to find a happy rhythm that keeps you engaged and productive without draining your energy.
The breaks are just as important as the work sessions. Use them wisely: step away from your screen, grab a glass of water, stretch, or simply breathe. These pauses help reset your attention and give your mind the clarity it needs to stay effective.
Final Thought
The Pomodoro Technique isn’t just a time management hack, it’s a mindset shift. It reminds us that focus is finite, that rest is essential and that progress comes in small, consistent steps.
Further Reading
Need Help With Your Business Development?
Get in touch if you want to talk about any of this. We also offer a very affordable BD Audit and Training package.
Timeblocking: Mastering your day, one block at a time
Timeblocking is one of the simplest ways to improve focus, reduce distractions and ensure business development activities receive dedicated attention.
I’ll be honest, when I worked in-house I didn’t practice Timeblocking. Since going out on my own though, I’ve experienced the very real benefits that Timeblocking can provide.
So for this BD Tips Wednesday post, I thought I would share with you the wonders of this productivity tool and show why I have become such a big fan!
What Is Timeblocking?
Timeblocking is a proven time management strategy where you divide your day into dedicated blocks of time, with each block focused on a specific task or category of work. Rather than working from a never-ending to-do list, Timeblocking gives each task a defined slot in your calendar.
Think of it as creating a personalised schedule that aligns with your daily client management goals.
Example of a Timeblocked Day:
8:30–9:00 AM – Respond to emails
9:00–1:00 PM – Deep work (no interruptions)
1:00–2:00 PM – Lunch & walk/exercise
2:00–5:00 PM – Meetings (internal and external), calls, business development /pipeline follow-ups
5:00–5:30 PM – Wrap-up and plan for tomorrow
Key Benefits of Timeblocking
Here are some of the many benefits I have experienced from Timeblocking:
1. Boosts Focus and Efficiency
→ Timeblocking eliminates the chaos of the dreaded multitasking. By committing to one task at a time, your brain can focus deeply—leading to better results in less time.
2. Reduces Stress
→ A cluttered to-do list can cause stress and indecision. Timeblocking breaks your day into manageable parts, giving you a clear roadmap for what’s next.
3. Encourages Better Work-Life Balance
→ By intentionally scheduling breaks, personal time and non-work priorities, you can avoid burnout and ensure your personal life gets the attention it deserves.
4. Minimises Procrastination
→ When your calendar tells you what you should be doing, it’s easier to stay on track. Timeblocking builds accountability into your daily routine.
5. Aligns with Your Priorities
→ Have big goals? Timeblocking allows you to allocate dedicated time for high-impact projects, learning and self-care—without them getting lost in the day-to-day grind of daily life!
6. Reduces Decision Fatigue
→ Planning ahead means fewer in-the-moment choices. With less mental load, you can channel more energy into actually doing the work.
7. Improves Time Awareness
→ We often underestimate how long tasks take. Timeblocking helps you become more realistic about your schedule and teaches you to plan smarter.
Tips on Getting Started with Timeblocking
✅ Start small: Focus on blocking time for your top 2–3 tasks each day.
✅ Review and adjust daily: Audit your schedule at the end of the day and make changes as needed.
✅ Leave buffer time: Life happens. Build in space for the unexpected.
✅ Batch similar tasks: Grouping tasks (like emails or admin work) reduces mental switching and boosts efficiency.
✅ Use your favorite tools: Google Calendar, Outlook, Notion, or even a physical planner—pick what works best for you (I use a piece of paper that has the day at the top and the time down the side).
✅ Evaluate regularly: Keep refining your blocks to match your workload and lifestyle.
Bringing it all together
Timeblocking isn’t about rigidity—it’s about intention. When you control your schedule, rather than letting it control you, you create space for meaningful work, rest and growth.
Keep in mind though that Timeblocking is more than just a scheduling technique: it's a mindset shift. By treating time as your most valuable asset (and who doesn’t in professional services!), you can regain control over your day and focus on what truly matters.
Further Reading
Toolbox: How the Pomodoro Technique Can Transform Your Business Development Productivity
Toolbox: The 3-3-3 Method of Time Management to Super-boost your Business Development Efforts
Need Help With Your Business Development?
Get in touch if you want to talk about any of this. We also offer a very affordable BD Audit and Training package.