Entrepreneurship comes with its perks, especially when you are in the communications field like me. It means you get invited to numerous seminars, the launch of new products and networking events where you meet like-minded individuals.
It also means meeting new acquaintances over coffee to get to know them better, making time for your best friend who now complains she never sees enough of you, and most importantly making time to unwind.
As you expand your business you will have so many options on how to spend your time. Personally, this year has been a roller coaster for me. My business is expanding and I rarely spend time at home. If you are at a similar stage in the development of your business, you may have turned down some invitations to make room for others which are more relevant, or simply to relax. You realise that as clichéd as it may sound, time is the most valuable asset and you now know you need to be extra cautious about how to utilise it.
An acquaintance I recently met at a networking event asked me how I manage to do it all. This is becoming a standard question as I grow the business. The answer is that it’s not easy. And while time management and careful organisation of your schedule are key to having enough time for your clients, family and a social life, these tips might help if you feel overwhelmed:
Think long term
While you may feel stressed from attending too many seminars and business events, remember that attending these will help you and your business in the long run, especially if you are attending the right kind of events and meeting like-minded individuals you could work with. A good friend of mine always reminds me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new areas. And I am glad she does because whenever I do so, it helps me progress.
Get your priorities right
If you make room for everything and anything that comes your way, you will end up drained with little energy to focus on the most important thing: your business, and helping it grow. Time is your most valuable asset, and thus you should invest it on what will benefit you and yield the highest return in terms of development, your business and your personal growth. Keep your business goals in mind. You have a finite amount of energy to give, so say yes to invitations you feel strongly about and can see yourself benefiting from.
Scream for help when you need it
At the start-up stage where you are filled with energy, you may feel you do not need extra help, that you can do it all and manage your expenses. But being the chief executive, the secretary and the accountant might take up time that could be utilised in areas of development and networking instead. If this is the case, consider hiring some help. It could serve as a good investment that would free up time for you and your business to yield higher returns. Another idea is to have a like-minded individual – perhaps a fellow entrepreneur – who could serve as a sounding board to discuss challenges with, how to overcome obstacles and to exchange advice.
Know when to rest
While I sometimes wish I could cancel sleep altogether and stay awake all day, sleeping for the proper number of hours relaxes your brain, reenergises you and helps you come up with new ideas. Being disciplined about sleep is hard, but it is crucial to our success. Start by not answering emails or checking how your business is doing after a certain point in the evening.
Dedicate your weekends to complete relaxation, allowing yourself to unwind and to do something you enjoy. When you have a healthy social life and devote time to things you love, you will be happier at work.
Entrepreneurship comes with many fun perks, but it can also be overwhelming. Learning when to say no and applying the tips above could relieve that pressure.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications consultant based in Abu Dhabi. Twitter: @manar_alhinai.
business@thenational.ae
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