As I’m nearing the end of another busy week online, I feel very excited over new prospects, new partnerships and new projects that I’m proud to be starting, but also at the same time I’m feeling remorse, regretful and confused over the pathways I should take next. I feel like this because as well as beginning new roots on the internet, I have also turned some opportunities down, opportunities that may have worked out in the end, but also some that may have decreased the quality of my holiday life this August.
Where do you draw the line? Do you allow yourself to be smothered in work and jobs until it becomes to unbearable to sustain? Or do you take a step back, examine your life and decide appropriately on which action to take? I chose the latter and decided that I’d rather not be on the go 24/7.
Firstly blogging here on Blogtrepreneur.com takes up time, then does my activity writing in forums, browsing other blogs and commenting and networking here and there. But I love doing this which is why I try and write for you consistently, and make my presence felt on the internet. However when other projects start to compromise the fun that Im having, and rather turn it into a chore, then I’d rather reconsider my position and make necessary cuts if need be.
Along with this, as a young entrepreneur you must make your boundaries be heard. Other people appreciate it when you tell them how it is, and when you be upfront and straight to the point with them, I’ve even been told that when I’ve voiced my opinions. Instead of hiding your feelings and your motives for not doing something, get them out in the open so tha you can deal with them publicly, and so that others can know what you’re thinking and how to respond. Doing this can save time and can save relationships.
I’ve made my decision. Even if I go back on these due to unforeseen circumstances, I’ll have felt proud that I’ve aired my opinions, and that I’ll have had a reason for turning down the opportunities that I have kindly been faced with. Does this mean I’ll continue to stay stagnant? Of course not! I’m constantly looking for ways to expand my internet presence, and no doubt you - as my readers and followers - will be hearing about my ventures and choices in the days, weeks and hopefully years to come. I’m not finished yet!
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5 responses so far ↓
1 Anthony // Aug 4, 2006 at 11:18 pm
This is a good question and as an owner of a web design/development business myself, it’s one I’ve been struggling to answer over the last year or two. At this point, with a business that has been in a heavy growth stage for the last year, I feel pretty confident giving you a few pointers:
1. Turn down the wrong business.
2. Never turn down the right business.
How do you know the difference?
Look at the crucial clients your business has right now that you wouldn’t give up for the world. Why are they crucial? Maybe it’s because they rarely complain, always give you steady work on projects you enjoy, and never complain about price. Whatever your reason is - figure it out. Then, find more clients like them. If a potential client comes to you and doesn’t meet enough of the criteria, turn them down - they will aggravate you, waste your time, and be bad for your entire business.
If you can learn to turn down the “wrong” work, then you will immediately notice your load going down, yet you will continue to grow because you can concentrate on the “right” work. There will come a time when you’re in over your head with the “right” work. Then, and only then, should you begin to hire employees. And once that time comes, forget skills - hire on values. If you need somebody who is good with PHP, but all you know is one person who is good with Perl, enjoys learning new things and has a positive attitude, then that’s fine. They will learn PHP in 1 month and be the best employee you’ve ever had. But if you hire somebody who has a piss-poor attitude and knows PHP off the bat, it won’t matter much. He/she won’t care about the projects you throw at them and they will bring down your entire business exactly like the “wrong” client can.
So, to sum all of this up -
1. Turn down the wrong business.
2. Never turn down the right business.
3. Once you are overloaded with the right business, begin hiring employees and prioritize their values over skillset.
P.S. - A lot of these ideas are admittedly ripped straight out of a book called The Must-Have Customer, by Robert Gordman. I read this book about a year ago right when my business began to grow out of control, and the concepts in it are dead on. Any young entrepreneur with a budding business needs to give it a serious read.
2 Chris // Aug 7, 2006 at 12:38 am
I can totally empathize with you. Sometimes I feel there are so many oppurtunities, I go in circles. Great Post.
3 adnan // Aug 7, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Hey Anthony and Chris, sorry I didn’t reply to your comments earlier - I had a really hectic weekend (you’ll be hearing more about that in my next post!).
Anthony - great reply thanks! The Must-Have Customer sounds like a great read from what you’ve been saying. You’re definitely right though. There’s no point in doing the “wrong type of work”.
Creating a good system using people who will perform for you is another thing I’ve been thinking about lately with the release of Rich Schrefen’s free ebooks. By concentrating on the “right” work like you say, I’ll be more likely to grow and not limit myself.
Good luck with your web design/development. I’d definitely be interested to know more about what you do. With the release of GolfChum.com I really need a neat looking site that looks professional - and that has the backend system. So please get in touch!
Chris - thanks
4 Andrew // Aug 9, 2006 at 12:01 am
Hello. This is my first time visiting your site and I was interested in this post because of the importance of balance. Knowing what your priorities are and keeping those priorities in line is critical to having more balance and not going a little loopy. I find working online is a wonderful living but also seemingly an endless job. There is always something else to be done. But I have found balancing my life between work, fun and relaxation is critical. Success is defined by each individual but for me achieving a semblance of balance in my life gives me a feeling of success.
I look forward to reading your posts now that I have discovered your site.
5 adnan // Aug 9, 2006 at 1:28 pm
Thanks Andrew, and I look forward to having you as a loyal reader. Check out the forums for more conversations!
I try not to let working online become my whole life. As well as being on the internet, I practice sports, meet up with my mates, and when Im not on the computer I don’t think about my online presence.
Relaxation is critical. Ensuring a balance is not only advised in working life, but in what we eat, drink and everything basically in our lives. Thanks for your commment.
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