As an entrepreneur, you have that gadget, habit, app, or book that makes your work easier, and motivates you to do more and that’s what we refer to as a CEO Hack. It helps you achieve maximum productivity and stick to your goals regardless of the hurdles you face as an entrepreneur. For instance, it could be a pro tip on managing employees to make the workplace a conducive environment for everyone. Maybe it’s an app that you have which helps you plan and execute tasks on time. It could also be a book that you read and it brings ideas your way on how to scale your business. The list goes on.
You can check our CEO Hacks and different entrepreneurs’ CEO Hacks below where we have insightful responses.
#1- Be everywhere
I'm a big fan of a simple hack: be everywhere. I believe that if you're not everywhere, you're nowhere. And that's true whether you're a CEO or just trying to get your business off the ground. So I try to make sure that I'm always involved in every aspect of my business. I do everything from designing the website to writing copy for our social media posts, and even helping out with the customer service team.
Thanks to Noel Griffith, Supply Gem!
#2- A fixed morning routine
The secret to my success lies in my daily routine. Without it, I would not be able to maintain my success and continue improving. Accordingly, I begin my day with mindfulness which entails meditating for 10 minutes. I then carefully plan my day in detail. This means I set my daily goals and meetings. I do an inventory of what I achieved the previous day and I take notes to include in my next mindfulness session. After that, I exercise and begin my day.
Thanks to Tejas Patel, Austin Cosmetic Dentistry!
#3- Staying close to my culture
As a Brazilian entrepreneur, my resource is my culture. We business people benefit from some amazing opportunities in our country from not only government and networks but from the innate backbone we have ingrained in our culture, that of hard work. One of my favorites is the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Brazil. I appreciate the strong network of mentors available within Brazil’s business community who provide invaluable advice on how best to navigate through difficult times or take advantage of new opportunities when they arise.
Thanks to Bernardo Castro, Bybrand!
#4- Using online forums
My favorite resource for making my eCommerce successful is online forums. There are a plethora of different forums dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, and they provide invaluable advice from experienced business owners. You can discuss strategies that others might have tried or just basically throw something out and see if it causes a reaction and sticks. The feedback given on these platforms allows me to get an objective opinion on how effectively certain decisions were made.
Thanks to Sanket Shah, The Opal!
#5- Dream big, work hard
I believe most of my success can be credited to one simple mantra: Dream big, work hard, and celebrate your victories during the journey. That simple philosophy has allowed me to start a business without any financial support, build a small business into a national brand, sell a business for a large sum of money and live a life most only dream about. It's a simple concept but most people try to make life as an entrepreneur way too difficult. Dream big, work hard, and celebrate your victories. It's that simple.
Thanks to Ron Holt, Pink Zebra Moving!
#6- Continuous learning
One resource that has made me successful as a CEO is the habit of continuous learning. The world of business is ever-evolving, and staying ahead requires constant adaptation and knowledge acquisition. In that regard, reading books has been an invaluable hack. Whether it's timeless classics like ‘The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries or ‘Good to Great' by Jim Collins or more recent releases on leadership and innovation, books provide me with fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and inspiring stories.
Thanks to Haley Slade, Slade Copy House!
#7- Time management and organization
Time management and organization skills are crucial to a business. Daniel H. Pink's WHEN book provides insight that analytical work is best performed in the morning, and administrative duties are best. During the afternoon, and creative tasks towards the end of the day. The time-consuming projects can be completed during the first few hours of the day with little interruption, while phone calls and messages can be handled with minimal focus. After lunch, I'll see an increase in creative capabilities.
Thanks to Christy Pyrz, Paradigm Peptides!
#8- Leading and coordinating
For those who are tired of “networking” and are not sure you’re hanging out with the right group of people: here’s a great solution. By leading and coordinating collectively authored books, I’m the most strategic networker in town! This allows me to connect with others who align based on industry, connect with impressive thought leaders, and tap into areas of business passion. All while promoting my own business and helping provide personal and professional growth opportunities.
Thanks to Melanie Booher, Influence Network Media!
#9- Seeking creative ideas
The only way to be competitive is to seek creative ideas that allow you to change your way of thinking. So we are flipping the traditional mentor-mentee dynamic on its head and turning to reverse mentoring – where younger, often more junior team members serve as mentors. Love it! As everyone has this unique personality and perspective on life, as they are more closely attuned to each specific sphere, emerging trends, and the latest technologies.
Thanks to Bogdan Pol, Lawrina!
#10- Professional development books
I’m quite big on personal and professional development books. I recently read Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, and I’ve been recommending it ever since. But, I also believe that relying only on books does not necessarily bring enough value on its own. Pairing books with a fair amount of real-life experience helps you work your way up much faster. If you dare to get out of your comfort zone, travel, and spend some time outside your country, you’re already on a winning streak.
Thanks to Nenad Milanovic, CAKE.com Inc!
#11- Sticking to a discipline
As the CEO of Retro Fitness, my journey in leadership has been shaped by fundamental principles that have brought me success. A key aspect of my approach is the power of routines. I've found that sticking to a disciplined schedule makes a significant difference. By prioritizing a good night's sleep and starting my day at 5:00 AM, along with incorporating daily physical activity within this routine, I'm able to maintain high levels of productivity and focus. It sets the tone for my day and helps me bring my best self to the table.
Thanks to Andrew Alfano, Retro Fitness!
#12- Operating a ROWE
As a CEO, my best “hack” is empathy — treating my employees like humans with the requisite level of trust and responsibility. The biggest impact this approach has had on my business is the decision to operate a ROWE (results-oriented work environment) across a fully remote team. I tell each of my employees that their primary responsibility is to get their work done to a high bar, and then I afford them the trust to do so in the manner that best fits their lives. As a ROWE, we don't have set working hours; we simply ask that team members be considerate of meetings and one another's time and that they communicate clearly their availability or absence. This begins with the day-to-day and extends to vacations, etc.
Thanks to Danny Nathan, Apollo 21!
#13- Exploring
The willingness to experiment and explore new avenues has been a habit that has allowed me business success in several ways. As trends come and go, the willingness to develop new services for clients, new products that complement existing ones, and strategies to make the best use of existing market needs while successfully pivoting for the future helps businesses thrive. Experimentation on a small scale has allowed us to user-test new offerings and gather real-world data about the business environment based on campaign feedback.
Thanks to Brian David Crane, Caller Smart Inc!
#14- Setting up email filters
Setting up email filters in my inbox is my favorite hack that saves me hours each week. I’ve set up folders for different types of emails, e.g. top clients, newsletters, etc., so I can read or action them in bulk at times that suit me. I also have another automation running that will forward emails to my team or into our accounts system, and some that instantly file or delete messages. Why pay an assistant to manage your inbox when Google/Outlook does it for free?!
Thanks to Sonia Gibson, Accounting Heart Chartered Accountants!
#15- Maintaining an online persona
Remember that your online persona matters and that it can contribute to your success as a CEO. So, for example, you can create and post valuable content on LinkedIn from your company's account, not just about your particular business but about your industry in general. This way, you can not only showcase what your business does but also establish your business as a thought leader within a particular field. Showcasing your knowledge and expertise will help you gain more authority.
Thanks to Miles Beckett, Flossy!
#16- The habit of careful observation
My habit of quiet, careful observation is a great CEO hack that contributes to my success. Even when you’re off the clock, watch the world around you to see if you spot any new ideas or insights for your business. At work, try to observe how your prospects and customers interact with your products, services, or staff. This can help you improve your products and streamline your sales process. You can also take opportunities to observe your competitors to see what they’re doing and what you can learn from them.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#17- Unwavering curiosity
One hack that makes me successful is my unwavering curiosity. The insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration fuels my drive to discover new horizons, embrace innovation, and continuously learn. Curiosity serves as a catalyst, propelling me to think outside the box, uncover hidden opportunities, and push the boundaries of what's possible. It ignites a passion that motivates me to stay ahead of the curve.
Thanks to Eran Mizrahi, Ingredient Brothers!
#18- Learning from those who came before
My best CEO hack is to learn from those that came before you and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. I’m obsessed with reading business and marketing books as well as listening to podcasts such as Founders, Acquired, and Diary of a CEO. A few other tips I learned so far are; to make clear and fast decisions, always listen to your gut, watch your costs like a hawk be obsessed with your customers and their experience. Lastly, Trust your team and let them do their job with little interference.
Thanks to Abby Cadman, Feste Group!
#19- Engaging with accomplished businessmen
A CEO hack that can greatly contribute to your success is to actively seek opportunities to engage with accomplished businessmen who are already running successful companies in a field similar to your aspirations. Although it may not be an effortless task, the invaluable experience gained from such interactions is unparalleled. Connecting with someone who has already treated the path you are about to embark on enables you to gain insights into potential pitfalls that may have eluded your considerations.
Thanks to Dmitrii Kustov, Regex SEO!
#20- Taking constant feedback
It is vitally important to always seek and receive constant feedback. Whether you are selling a product or building software, it helps you identify key strengths and weaknesses, helps you track your progress, and makes adjustments as needed. Feedback can also help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. It is always a good time to stop, and take stock, as it is better to course correct than turn around and realize it's too late.
Thanks to Tony Mann, Kulcha!
#21- Having time away from work
I have hobbies and time away from work that help me feel and perform my best. It could be reading a book that inspires me, practicing meditation, for example, helps me recharge and approach my work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. As the saying goes, “You can't pour from an empty cup.” By starting my day intentionally, I ensure that I have the mental and emotional capacity to tackle the challenges and opportunities that come my way.
Thanks to Loren Howard, Prime Plus Mortgages!
#22- Robust network of mentors
One resource that can greatly contribute to a CEO‘s success is a robust network of mentors and advisors. Building a diverse network of experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights is a valuable CEO hack. This will get different perspectives to the table, give emotional support and provide professional as well as personal guidance. Ultimately, having a strong network of mentors and advisors can provide CEOs with a valuable sounding board, a source of knowledge, and a supportive community
Thanks to Josh Petrawski, Sports and Fitness Exchange!
#23- Being adaptable
A CEO hack that is crucial in any business, but particularly in content creation, is adaptability. Google search is constantly evolving and updating its expectations. As a blogger, I have to adapt my strategies if I want to continue to outrank my competition. With AI exploding recently, that is just another example of a situation where I need to evolve with the changing times to stay relevant. At All Team Names, we are constantly trying to practice the above-mentioned hacks and it has worked for us so far.
Thanks to Alice Anderson, All Team Names!
#24- Morning exercise
My CEO hack/resource that makes you successful is morning exercise. When I first got into exercising, I occasionally skipped morning workouts. On days like this, it became clear that my productivity and mental clarity got extreme boosts thanks to morning workouts. Since these things are extra important for CEOs who have to keep the status of all the different departments in their mind at once, building a morning exercise habit is a great productivity and effectiveness hack.
Thanks to Mats Claes, Generator Decision!
#25- Journaling concerns
We underestimate the toll that worrying can have on our ability to focus and how it can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep at night. Worry time is a psychological strategy that helps you contain your worry to less than half an hour a day by setting aside a specific time to worry. When we try to stop thinking about something it doesn't work, but when we write down our worry and then set aside a specific time to address it later, then our minds find it much easier to let go.
Thanks to Lillian Nejad, Contain Your Brain!
#26- Becoming an early raiser
Get up early and get ahead of the day. I wake up at 4 am and get all my content and planning for the day done by 7 am so I am not interrupted by phone and emails. This has been a major key to my success with Sassy Organics as I have been able to accomplish so much without being distracted. I have always been a morning person, but the habit of waking up early made me realize how much time I waste by sleeping in.
Thanks to Aida Rejzovic, Sassy Organics!
#27-Books and apps
Here are some common resources successful CEOs and entrepreneurs have recommended to help increase productivity and success. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Getting Things Done by David Allen. Additionally, the Evernote app allows you to easily capture and organize notes, ideas, and information. The RescueTime app tracks your computer and mobile device usage to help you understand how you‘re spending your time and identify opportunities.
Thanks to Ilia Mundut, Hefty Berry!
#28- Leveraging artificial intelligence
Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly valuable CEO hack for entrepreneurs and business owners. AI-powered tools and applications can automate repetitive tasks, analyze large volumes of data, and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. By incorporating AI into your business processes, you can significantly improve efficiency, reduce human error, and free up time for you and your team to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
Thanks to Armand Aguillon, IJAM Enterprises!