Small Business Dimensions
FALL 2015
The Tipping Point
Work-life balance starts with levelheaded choices
Remember the day you brought your baby into the world? Since that day you’ve nurtured it and watched it take its first wobbly steps. It’s your business. But for many entrepreneurs, that sweet cuddly dream of business ownership has become “l’enfant terrible,” somehow demanding every waking moment.
If your business consumes your life, here are some ways to carve out additional time in your day. And while some may seem obvious, if you aren’t putting them into practice, you may continue to find yourself an overworked statistic.
Make and stick to the schedule
Whether it’s time in the office or time with loved ones, put it all down on your schedule. Make your family as important as clients and don’t cancel because you think family or friends will understand. Let them know they’re a priority, too.
Focus on one thing at a time
Be fully present in a task, a person, or a moment in which to catch your breath. Multitasking is an open door to mediocrity and wasting time – whether in personal or business relationships. Practice concentrating on accomplishing one thing at a time. By learning this skill, you’ll be able to get more out of each moment and excel at the task at hand.
In this issue:
Learn to say no
No other two letters can provide so much empowerment. “No†will help protect your time and energy, and set clear boundaries when it comes to your availability.
Delegate
This begins with hiring the right people and training them well. Chances are they may bring a fresh perspective and new, inventive ideas. While you’re enjoying some relaxing time away, they can be busy adding new efficiencies and injecting innovative energy.
Last but certainly not least, remember that time is always more valuable and incredibly more rare than money. If you spend money, you can work and make more. But once you spend time, it’s gone forever.
Material prepared by Raymond James for use by its financial advisors.