Count Out the Excess With the 80-20 Rule

Having a tough time setting priorities? Most new franchisees do. After all, when you expect excellence, you’re more than likely apt to oversee every detail with your own eyes. However, important as high standards may be, anyone who attempts to do it all everyday is bound to wind up burnt up and worn out.

More than likely you’ve heard a friend or colleague refer to the 80-20 Rule. Also known as the Pareto Principle or the Law of the Vital Few, it states that in many cases, 20% of actions yields 80% of consequences. Taken at a fairly basic, but practical level, this means that if you focus your energy on the vital 20% of tasks you’ll get 80% of the results. Simply put, efficiency comes from spending time wisely. Not rocket science in theory, but not as easy as ABC in practice.

The tricky bit is deciding which activities really are the most essential. The best way to begin is by making a list. Jot down all of today’s tasks and circle the ones that matter the most to your franchise. You’ve got to meet with clients, finish some filing, tidy the office, and confirm placement of an advert in next week’s paper. Which of those activities will make the most difference to the growth of your business? It’s not so hard to see.

Certainly there will come a time when a messy work area could hinder efficiency, so it’s important not to let less pressing tasks fall by the wayside. However, today may be better spent on other activities. Consider that your skill set may be best used on client relations and it may behove you to outsource the administrative work. Perhaps you are quite organised, but not an excellent speaker. Work with a partner or employee whose strengths complement your own and you’ll always be able to focus on the 20% of tasks at which you excel.

One reason we fail to focus on vital tasks is that they are often the most difficult. Meeting those tasks head on may seem difficult now, but the noticeable long-term results will definitely keep you motivated. The trick is to start today—no excuses.

So ask yourself, which of today’s tasks belong in that golden 20%?


Think you’ve mastered the 80-20 Rule? Put your expertise to work with your own TopMatch Franchise.