03.21.07
Home and Family
It is almost a proverb that many small business owners spend so much time working that they neglect their families. While the business should be a priority, so should the owner’s family members. Your spouse or children should never have to ask you, “Is XYZ Corp more important to you than I am?”
Take time to attend some of your children’s events. But do not let it stop there: be available for them regularly. Your spouse most likely has somewhat different tastes in entertainment than you do—indulge his or her desires occasionally. Yes, guys, I am telling you to go see “chick flicks” with your wife. Yes, women, I am telling you to go see the latest macho shoot-em-up action flick with your husband.
One way to imagine this—but I do not recommend it—is like putting time in the bank. When tax time comes, and you need to spend extra time at work, you are withdrawing from what you stored up already. Plan ahead for the busy times in your industry, spend extra time with your family before and after that season, since you will not be as available during that time.
Why do I not recommend it? Because your family members are not some unfeeling bank. They will not appreciate you thinking about time with them in such a way.
Still, be sure to set aside time for your family members. Many business owners have found themselves without their families—divorced or separated—simply because they would not do this one thing.
Finally, realize that sometimes more time at work will not solve whatever you are facing there. In that case, it is better to give your full attention and effort for ten hours and then go home and take a break from whatever is happening at work. If your business is open longer than that, hire an assistant manager to run things in your absense, giving that person the authority they need to do their job without calling your mobile phone every ten minutes.
