This time of year, most of us spend some quality time with our families and friends. In fact I’m writing this on my laptop on my way to Ft. Lauderdale to get on a luxurious 7-day cruise with my husband Tim, his parents and my parents. It’s a holiday tradition that we’ve done for the last 6 or 7 years.
Anyways, back to the balance thing.
Do you have the ability to separate your work from your play? Sometimes it’s not easy, in fact, I’ve brought some work with me on the cruise (not necessarily saying that I’ll GET to it, but it’s there!).
Many people that are self employed or small business owners sometimes forget that there’s times to draw the lines. For example, in real estate, you should ALWAYS be prospecting for clients, whether you’re at a party, a ball game, or the beauty shop. But are you willing to tell people that you are available 24/7 by cell phone tied to your ear? I’m not. In fact, I VERY RARELY give my cell phone out. Once you’ve given it out, you can’t take it back, so be very choosy about who you give it to. It is NOT printed on my business cards, and when I DO give it to someone, I make a big deal out of hand-writing it on my card and telling them to make sure they don’t share it with anyone. This makes them realize that they are getting something special that not everyone is entitled to, and I’ve found that they tend to respect it more that way. By the way, I do NOT give it out to everyone…I often say ‘Oh it’s hard to reach me on the cell, it’s best to just try the office.”
I also turn off my cell during meetings, dinners with friends, parties, and any other time I don’t want to be interrupted. As professionals, we need to make a decision: “do I control my business, or does my business control me?” Ask yourself that same question next time a family gathering is interrupted by the cell phone.
Ok, not that you’ve finished reading this and know another one of my secrets, close your email, pick up the phone, and invite a friend out for something fun…and turn your cell phone off!
0 comments