Mastering Productivity and Online Business Networking: Tips for Small Business Owners

The life of a small business owner has always been a juggle, balancing to-do lists, important decisions, client needs, and unexpected interruptions.

While online working offers endless possibilities for building business networking connections, creating awareness of our products and services, fostering creative thought by exposing us to fresh ideas, and introducing us to the latest productivity tools and methods, the distraction factor is such a problem that it often negates these gains.

Is it possible to harness online working and networking without spending your time drowning in notifications and falling down online rabbit holes? 

Kelly and James West, founders of ONLE Networking, discussed this topic with Louise Miller, a productivity mentor and member of the ONLE community. Here’s what we learned about mastering productivity and making meaningful connections through business networking:

1. The Key To Productivity Is Counter-Intuitive

Productivity is often misunderstood as simply getting more done in less time. Louise redefines productivity as "doing what's important efficiently to create space for what you love." The key takeaway? It’s not about squeezing every drop out of your day but making space to do more of what fuels you.

Small business owners can easily get caught in the busy trap—constantly moving, always chasing—but that isn’t sustainable. Louise shares that true productivity starts in the pause, taking a step back to reflect on priorities rather than leaping from task to task. This mindset shift is crucial for avoiding burnout and finding balance.

2. Dealing with Distractions: Why We Struggle and What to Do About It

Our world is buzzing with distractions. Whether it’s social media notifications, email pings, or the urge to switch tasks, staying focused can seem impossible. Louise breaks down two types of distractions: those that happen moment-to-moment (like browsing LinkedIn instead of finishing a task) and those that take us off-track from larger projects.

The root cause? Our human instincts to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. Tackling this requires mindfulness and intentionality. Louise suggests a simple strategy: decide on a single task, focus on it, and notice when you feel the urge to drift. When you catch yourself, celebrate it—self-awareness is a powerful step toward productivity mastery.

3. Pausing with Purpose: Building Productivity into Business Networking

Small business owners often attend online business networking for leads and growth, but it can become another source of stress if approached solely with high expectations of immediate results. Kelly and James remind us that networking is most effective when approached with curiosity and a genuine interest in building relationships.

In fact, networking itself can serve as a productive "pause" from the daily grind. As Louise points out, creating space for genuine conversations can lead to unexpected insights, new ideas, and even renewed energy for your business. Taking time to network without the pressure to immediately convert relationships into revenue is a powerful antidote to burnout.

4. Redefining "Work" and Rethinking ROI in Networking

As small business owners, we sometimes feel that every minute of the day must produce a measurable ROI. But building connections through networking, enjoying meaningful conversations, and even taking a short mental break all have intrinsic value. Whether it’s learning something new, gaining fresh perspectives, or simply finding community, not all wins can be tracked on a spreadsheet.

Networking within communities like ONLE provides exactly this kind of space. By removing expectations and focusing on connection, business owners can find an invaluable support system while maintaining their mental well-being.

5. Applying It All: Practical Tips for Small Business Owners

• Create "Pauses" in Your Day: Schedule intentional time to reflect, focus on high-priority tasks, or connect meaningfully with your network.

• Celebrate Self-Awareness: When you catch yourself getting distracted, acknowledge it as a win and redirect your focus.

• Set Clear Boundaries for Networking: Approach networking with a genuine desire to connect and learn, without the burden of immediate expectations.

• Do What Matters: Align daily actions with your long-term vision to ensure you’re spending time on what moves your business forward.

Final Thoughts
Mastering productivity isn’t about turning yourself into a machine or cramming more into already-packed days. It’s about pausing, focusing on what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to breathe and connect. As Louise reminded us, when we step back to make intentional choices, we can work smarter and feel more fulfilled. And isn’t that why we became business owners in the first place?

We’d love you to put some of the ideas from this blog about networking into practice. Please use the discount code: ONLEHELLO for a half-price visit (£5) to any of our online business networking meetings. Take a look at our meeting calendar to find a meeting that suits your schedule.