How Can a Business Owner or Entrepreneur Maintain Balance?
December 12, 2005
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Anyone who has been in business for awhile knows that the line between passion and obsession is a fine line. For entrepreneurs balance equals managing obsessions and compulsions. Building a business can be intoxicating, compelling and consuming. Successful business owners are often consumed by a set of values that drive them — which become consuming compulsions and obsessive behavior.
Balance = managing your obsessions and compulsions.
To have any hope of a normal life requires managing your drive and being realistic in your expectations of yourself and others.
The dictionary says that the definition of manage is to control, conduct, handle and it direct a business.
Creating balance for an entrepreneur is more like conducting a symphony.
A symphony conductor is an expert in the field and knows both the music and instruments inside and out. Usually an outstanding musical technician.
However, the conductor does not run from instrument to instrument playing one note and a time–rather he or she finds people who are excellent musical technicians to play each instrument. Then the conductor brings everyone together to play a beautiful melody.
It is the same in business–find technicians or specialists to help you. People who are better than you are — then resist the impulse to play the instrument for them.
Entrepreneurs are the most compulsive, passionate people I have ever met. They love what they do and because of this love — it is very easy for them to become consumed with every little niggly detail.
NOTE: Do not misunderstand me — this love for detail and the drive to get the product or service just right is important and will lead to success. The key is to know when you have reached your limit and allow others to help you improve.
To create balance will require:
- Get help from a specialist: bookkeeper, assistant or others who can and will do a better job than you can with a specific task.
- Resist the urge to do everything: while my analogy of a symphony conductor trying to play every instrument, note by note is ridiculous — I have seen other runners - including myself - attempt to do this very thing. It is like trying to keep all the plates spinning — at some point have to make a judgment call — enough is enough.
- Get people to help you: the first step is to ask for help. Often entrepreneurs are reluctant or hesitant to seek help. They feel it is a sign of weakness. No one said you had to do everything. The best people to rely on for this type of support is to ask friends, family or even customers for feedback on how they dealt with similar situations. They may know someone who can help you or someone they used in the past who may be able to assist you to achieve your objectives.
- Calculate the cost: just make sure that the price you pay for your success — is a price you can afford and are willing to pay.
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