More than half of small business owners think that their enterprises are harder to run than three years ago, according to a survey commisioned by T-Mobile.

A third believed customers, suppliers, and even co-workers now demand faster response times. This has increased the pressure on smaller businesses, which often have fewer resources than larger outfits.

Dead time, defined as time wasted by travel and meetings, cost small concerns around $120,000 (£60,000) a year.

Head of T-Mobile’s business marketing said, “The rise of the internet has given rise to a ‘want it now’ culture — customers expect an immediate response to every inquiry. This is forcing smaller firms to operate in a different way and use all the tools at their disposal to be more productive and efficient”.

Small Business Booster suggests a careful reading of : Take a Nap! Change Your Life by Dr Sara Mednick, previously reviewed.