You Can Get a Lot Done in 60 Seconds

You Can Get a Lot Done in 60 Seconds

Ever found yourself with just a minute to spare and thought, What could I possibly achieve in this tiny bit of time? Well, recently, I put this to the test, and I was genuinely surprised. While waiting the last two minutes for my sourdough bread to finish baking, I spotted the finished dishwasher. So, I set myself a quick goal … get it emptied before the timer went off. Not only did I manage it, but I had time to spare. This challenge sparked a bit of an experiment for the day: what could I achieve if I focused on 60-second tasks?

It turns out, quite a lot! By the end of the day, I’d managed to clear a surprising number of to-dos, and it got me thinking, how much more could business owners achieve if they embraced a similar approach, especially for business development?

When it comes to growing a business, we tend to think in grand, time-consuming tasks, yet there are so many quick wins that can be done in a minute or less. Here are some business development activities you can try knocking out in just 60 seconds:

1. Send a Quick Thank-You Message to a Client or Partner
A simple “Thank you for your business” or “I appreciate your support” can go a long way. This tiny gesture keeps relationships warm and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Set Up a Reminder to Follow Up on a Recent Lead
Have a lead that you spoke with recently? Take 60 seconds to set a follow-up reminder, so you don’t miss the window to re-engage.

3. Check In with a Strategic Referral Partner
Send a quick message to one of your referral partners. A simple “Hope all’s well—let’s catch up soon!” can keep the connection fresh and often prompts them to think of business for you.

4. Share a Client Success Story on Social Media
Snap a quick picture, write a one-liner about a client success, and post it on social media. It’s a fast way to demonstrate value to potential clients scrolling by.

5. Send a 1-Minute Voice Note to a Prospect
Voice notes are personal, quick, and easy to do. Reach out to a prospect or recent connection, check in, or share a quick insight—it shows thoughtfulness with minimal effort.

6. Update One Line in Your Networking CRM
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed with notes; take 60 seconds to log one key piece of information about a client, referral partner, or recent lead. It’ll save you time down the track.

7. Confirm Attendance for an Upcoming Networking Event
Networking events are powerful, but we often forget to secure our spot. Take 60 seconds to confirm your attendance and even invite a colleague along.

8. Follow Up on a Business Connection on LinkedIn
Scroll through your notifications, pick a new connection or recent message, and send a quick follow-up. A simple check-in can open doors you didn’t realise were there.

9. Write Down a Quick Idea for a Future Content Piece
Content is a powerful tool for lead generation, but it’s easy to lose great ideas. When inspiration hits, jot it down in 60 seconds—future-you will thank you!

10. Schedule a Coffee Catch-Up with a Strategic Referral Partner
Take a minute to send a calendar invite or shoot a message. Catch-ups don’t need to be a hassle to organize, and these connections are gold for your business.

With these quick 60-second actions, you can add a solid layer of relationship-building and business development activities into your day without overhauling your schedule. These actions also spark momentum, which you’ll find translates into even more productivity. It’s amazing how much we can get done when we break tasks down, set a time goal, and just go for it. Next time you’ve got a minute to spare, give it a shot…you might surprise yourself.