Running a business can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Between client work, social media, emails, admin, and the 27 tabs open on your browser - you’re busy.
But busy doesn’t equal productive.
Here’s the harsh truth:
Most of what you’re doing isn’t actually moving the needle.
So what is worth your time?
The 80/20 Rule: How to Find the 20% That Actually Grows Your Business
Enter the 80/20 Rule (a.k.a. the Pareto Principle)
Why the 80/20 Rule Matters for Small Business Owners & Freelancers
Step-by-Step: How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Business
The 80/20 Rule says that 80% of your outcomes come from just 20% of your efforts. In business terms:
80% of your revenue likely comes from 20% of your customers
80% of your website traffic probably comes from 20% of your content
80% of your results are tied to 20% of your actions
This isn’t just a productivity hack - it’s a strategic lens for growing a small business or freelance practice smarter.
When you’re building a business solo or with a lean team, your time is your most valuable resource.
You don’t have hours to waste on low-impact tasks that look good on paper but don’t bring in clients, revenue, or results.
By identifying and focusing on the vital few (the 20%), you create space to grow your business without burning out.
Let’s break it down into actionable steps so you can start applying this immediately.
Make a list of all the tasks you regularly do in your business. Include things like:
Posting on social media
Responding to emails
Creating content
Following up with leads
Fulfilling orders or client work
Admin or bookkeeping
Then ask: Which of these consistently drive results?
Now get specific. Ask yourself:
Which products or services generate the most revenue or profit?
Do some offers take far more time and energy than they’re worth?
Where do your best customers come from?
Are most of your sales from Instagram, referrals, your email list, or SEO?
What tasks directly lead to growth?
Think: sending a pitch, updating a sales page, writing a promo email, launching an offer.
These are your “top 20%” activities.
If something doesn’t lead to real growth, either:
Eliminate it completely
Delegate it to a contractor or tool
Push it off until you’ve finished your priority tasks
Busywork like tweaking your logo or tweeting another random opinion (that no one reads) can wait.
The tools you work with are more than just conveniences; they’re the levers that propel your business forward. The right ones help you work smarter, get more customers, and grow faster - without wasted time or guesswork. Not sure which tools we're talking about?
You just might need this guide
Microsoft discovered that 80% of software errors and crashes in Windows and Office were caused by just 20% of the bugs.
By focusing on this critical 20%, they significantly improved software stability and user experience.
Upon his return to Apple, Steve Jobs streamlined the company's product line, realizing that 20% of their products were generating 80% of the revenue.
This focus led to the development and success of flagship products like the iPhone and MacBook, propelling Apple's profitability.
Airbnb identified that a small fraction of hosts were responsible for the majority of bookings.
By creating the "Superhost" program to support these high-performing hosts, Airbnb enhanced guest experiences and drove significant growth.
You don’t need more hours in the day - you need to protect the few that actually matter.
When you stop wasting time on tasks that look productive and focus on what actually grows your business, you create more revenue, more clarity, and more freedom.
The 80/20 Rule is a reminder that more effort isn’t the answer - more intention is.
Find your top-performing tasks, clients, and channels
Ruthlessly prioritize them
Let go of the rest (without guilt!)
This is how small businesses scale sustainably - and how solopreneurs protect their time and energy.
At Full Scope, we help freelancers and small business owners focus on what really works with tools that really help.
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Copyright 2025. Full Scope
All Rights Reserved.
Website built with our own tools