The Top 5 Ways To Balance Your Commitments

Are you at the point of overwhelm in your business? Do you have so many clients or commitments that you’re not sure how you’re going to meet everyone’s demands? With too many commitments the quality of your work can suffer along with your good reputation and sanity. Does this overwhelm spill over into your personal life? If you work from a home office, others may not respect the fact that you have valid work to do and may put unreasonable demands on your time. Are you saying ‘yes’ to these requests too often?

If you’re at this point of frustration, it’s not too late to restructure a few things to achieve work, life and family balance. After all, as a business owner you have a highly sought after benefit that employees in the corporate world value highly – a flexible schedule. It’s time to get things back into perspective and enjoy this perk.

How? Here are the top 5 ways to balance your commitments:

1. First, start by setting boundaries: Solopreneurs working from home must have clear cut business vs. personal time. Set your business hours and stick with them. Ensure personal time is spent away from work-related activities. Don’t run errands during working hours or answer your business line when you’re about to sit down to dinner.

2. Next, start a waiting list: Too many clients may seem like a good problem to have when in reality it’s better to have fewer clients that get your full attention than more than you can handle. Never promise what you can’t deliver. There will always be an ebb and flow in your business which means that you can offer to put potential clients on a waiting list and contact them when you are available to fully accommodate their needs.

3. Or refer the work to others: Chances are that you have business relationships with others in your industry. Some potential clients may not be the right fit and you can choose to work only with those who are a good fit. Be honest and let the client know that a fellow business owner may be more suitable. Make the introduction.

4. Or build a team by subcontracting and/or outsourcing: Do you have a close knit group of colleagues that share your skill set, work ethics and standards that you would feel comfortable working with? Put together a team that you can subcontract out the overflow work to. And/or outsource to a Virtual Assistant rather than spending your own time on administrative and technical tasks. When you stop trying to do it all yourself, you’ll have the potential to offer more services, increase revenue and grow your business. Not to mention you’re helping others by employing them.

5. And last, but not least, make commitments to yourself equally as often as you do to others: What really matters to you? Make a commitment to yourself today about what you want to achieve. In my yoga classes we have been practicing making our ’sankalpa’ (a Sanskrit word meaning to set an intention using a short phrase or sentence). When you incorporate your intention into your daily routine, in time you can bring about positive change.

As a small business owner you already have many responsibilities. Setting boundaries, getting help and honouring commitments to yourself will satisfy the need for balance and boost your success.

How To Beat The February Blues

If you live in a climate with long, cold winters, then you know all about the February Blues or ‘Blahs’. It’s the time of year when we’ve had enough of hibernating inside away from the cold and often dreary outdoors, short days and lack of sunshine. As solopreneurs we spend a lot of time on our own as it is and we still have a ways to go before spring arrives.

Here are some things you can do to combat the blues:

• If a tropical trip away this season isn’t in the budget, how about a weekend retreat at a local B & B? Or book your summer holidays now. Grab your calendar and block off a week long getaway. It’s not too early to book. In fact now is a good time to get your preferred week booked before others grab your spot. It helps to have something to look forward to. And as a small business owner, it’s a good idea to plan vacation time well in advance and arrange for backup if needed.
• Sign up for a fitness class. The new schedules are all out for the upcoming programs. Whether you practice yoga or prefer a cardio workout, physical activity is a proven way to lift your mood. If it’s good for your mind, it’s good for your business. I’m a big fan of yoga. It’s all about slowing down, calming the mind and body, and restoring balance. With a clear mind you’re more focused to carry out your plans.
• Rather than hibernating this winter, experience some of what the season has to offer. February is the month of winter festivals and every weekend seems to be full of activities.
• Start your office spring cleaning early. Take a few minutes at the start of every day to go thru one drawer, one shelf or several file folders. If you’re consistent, you’ll have a fresh desk just in time for spring. Potted tulips and hyacinth are starting to appear in the stores. A pot on your organized desk is sure to inspire some creativity.
• Learn something new. The spring course books are teeming with special interest and business courses. If you have always wanted to try out a new hobby or learn a new skill to expand your business offerings, now is a good time before the good weather arrives. Classes get you out amongst others with similar interests and as a side benefit, offers up new networking opportunities.

Make the most of the tail end of winter. It is a prime time to take the initiative and do things you otherwise don’t get an opportunity to do! When spring has sprung you’ll be ready to enjoy it.