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3 Signs Your Business is Running You by Liz Uram
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3 Signs Your Business is Running You |
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Small Business,Free Web Resources,Home Business
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When you started your business you probably dreamed of working when you wanted to, having lots of extra time off, and spending your time doing what you wanted to do. Somehow, your dream has become a nightmare. You feel trapped by your business. It used to be fun and now it sometimes feel like an obligation. If this is where you’re at, I have good news! You can get back to having fun and doing the things you love. There is something wrong with your business plan, if: 1) You can’t take a day off work. 2) You have no set hours of operation. 3) You are working more than 8 hours a day. You’re business should be set up to run without you for a short period time if you are new or longer if you are established. Obviously a lot goes in to getting a business up and running but over time you should be able to take a day off without it impacting your business. You didn’t go into business to be trapped by it. Guess what? It’s your business. You get to set your hours. A big mistake a lot of new business owners make is not having set business hours. If you call the dentist, do you expect them to rearrange their schedule for you and be available day or night? Of course not. So why do you feel like you have to be? Most clients expect, and respect, that you have hours of operation. Being available 24/7 is a sign of desperation. Are there exceptions? Of course. When you are new in business and eager to get to work it is natural to want to accommodate. An occasional accommodation is fine, just don’t make a habit of it. You can work a normal day by using your time effectively and knowing when and how to delegate. Many times we don’t want to delegate because it means spending money. As a new business owner you have to take on all of the various jobs needed to run your business. The key is planning ahead so you know when you are at capacity and you can start outsourcing. How to get out from under if you are already buried… 1) If you aren’t able to take a day off it’s time to stop what you’re doing and evaluate how you’re spending your time. It may seem counter-intuitive but stopping is usually the fastest way to move forward. A time management plan will help you map out the most effective use of your time so you can still get everything done. If you own a retail store you’ll want to find reliable help so you can get relief. 2) This is your business, you are in control and you get to choose when you want to work. Decide what hours your business is going to operate and then stick to those hours. If you are in a service industry, decide what days and hours you are going to see clients. Write a policy for exceptions. When will you make exceptions and for who? Make sure an exception is just that. 3) Make a plan so you know when it’s time to outsource some responsibilities. This starts with putting on paper all of the jobs that need to be done and then knowing when it’s time to pass them off to someone else. These are few things you can do to start taking control of your business. My encouragement for you this week is that you will spend some time assessing how much time you’re spending in your business and start planning for how you can get back to the dream you had when you first started. Liz is a certified professional coach, has a B.S. in Organizational Leadership, is the author of ‘How to Organize & Manage Your Time – A One Year Planning and Action Guide’, and is an award-winning speaker. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and solo professionals attract more qualified leads, get more clients, and make more money! Request your free eBook 5 Steps to Boost Your Business Now
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time management, entrepreneurs, small business owner, marketing, planning, strategy,
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