At a Saturday brunch in New York City a few weeks ago, I joined Barbara Hemphill, Julie Morganstern, and Jane Pollak -- a dynamic trio of entrepreneurial thought leaders. The table was buzzing about the frenetic, always-connected environment of the 21st century workplace. I mentioned the recent Working Solo Minute issue on distraction, and everyone chimed in with stories of how challenging it is to find concentrated segments of time. Someone mentioned that a participant in her recent workshop was even puzzled about what to DO with an hour of focused time, since the notion was so foreign.

This got me to thinking -- how would soloists best spend an hour for their business? I asked my Twitter followers (join me @TerriLonier), and here are some of the replies:

1. Unravel the customer connection puzzle.
Jean Spark (@jeanspark on Twitter), from Creative Spark Communications in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Britain, said she spends her time best by "thinking, not doing." That includes "figuring out who her customers are, what they want next, and why they buy from her." Good advice, and a great use of an hour.

2. Build bridges.
Pat Thompson in Kansas City, Missouri (@patinkc on Twitter) believes in the power of sustaining connections and creating metaphorical "dance floors" on which people can build their dreams. She'll often spend an hour sending out greeting cards to individuals, letting them know of her ongoing interest and support.

3. Work on the inside.
For leadership consultant Seth Kahan (@SethKahan on Twitter), a focused hour is best used as a time of reflection. "It may lead to writing or creating intellectual property, or developing new skills," he says. Or sometimes the best use is to have some fun, he adds. Longtime soloists agree -- don't overlook the importance of replenishing your creative spirit.

4. Chart the best way to spend the other hours.
Deborah Robson (@effortlesszone on Twitter), a writer, editor, textile maven, and independent publisher of "books for intrepid knitters" in Colorado, admits that the best way to spend an hour for her business is in "thinking" and "getting the long view." Like many soloists, Deb admits that she doesn't find that time often enough. When you do, however, the rest of the hours of your weeks, months, and year are much more focused and productive.

The next time you're facing a scattered week, pulled in multiple directions and unable to gain any traction on important matters, step back and spend a focused hour on one thing. (My top vote would be planning as the best ROI.) In our hectic age, an hour of concentrated time is a rare commodity. It's up to you to claim it -- and put it to best use.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com