Being an entrepreneur is not just a 9-5 job. If you were in the corporate world, you probably put in more than 40 hours a week. You know what that is like! Now you are putting in 40 hours or double that, but this time it is for you - to meet your goals, live your vision.
There are different consequences now that you are working for yourself. You don't resent giving so much to be successful since it is for you and not the company or stockholders. You are the major "stockholder," but you and your family are the major "stakeholders."
Your first reaction is to work, work, work - and work some more! After all, success is all up to you! You are the business owner.
While this is true, you need to create regular business hours. Your hours will probably be longer than when you were working for another company.
1. Avoid the 24/7 trap! Your business does not need to be open all of the time. That doesn't mean it is not always on your mind. It means: Have a life, too!
Your spouse, significant other or children are not "married" to your business, even though you may feel you are. Remember: they are still an important part of your life and your time management must accommodate them.
You may think you are working so hard for them: to provide all of the "things" you think they want. What they really want from you is your time, attention, love and a feeling of security. Listen to their needs and stop telling yourself and them that you are "doing this for them."
2. Establish "regular" business hours - the times when clients can reach you and family and friends know that you are "at work." "At work" may mean you are in a specific room of the house or you may be physically in another location or office.
At any rate, especially if your "at work" space is in your home, maintain a business-like environment. Eliminate interruptions by non-business matters. It will be difficult for others to accept the fact that you are working if you have a home office. Start off on the right course by firmly establishing your business hours and your expectations of how others need to respect them.
3. In order to be productive during your established business hours, create a professional environment. This means having a functioning and organized workspace. It means paying attention to things like background noise and others using your business telephone line.
If you are working from a home office, use an answering service to screen your calls and take messages instead of an answering machine. Utilize a conference room or small office for meeting clients instead of having them come to your home.
To improve the bottom line of your business and your life, start off by establishing appropriate perimeters for your time management. Of course, there will be exceptions and special situations. Do not let the clients' deadlines run your entire life. It is up to you to train your clients and your family how to treat you as an entrepreneur. In return, you will give them 110% of your attention during the time dedicated to them.
