Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the various ways I spend my time. Or to be more precise, I’m wondering what has happened to make the last two weeks fly by in a blur! With numerous ways to grow a business, and tons of options to pursue, the choices seem limitless. And yet with every choice I make, my finite allotment of time is affected.
The adjective structure good, pleasing, and perfect has been rattling around in my head, demanding attention. There are good things that I can choose to become involved with, but they also may consume bits of my time that should be reserved for different opportunities. I may want to take on a project that looks like fun (pleasing), but if it has little long-term value, I again may be allocating my time towards a venture that is stealing resources away from my long-term goals. And it has occurred to me (more than once!) that if my time is consumed with good and pleasing activities, I may not recognize nor have time for the perfect opportunities that do come along!
I also think that sometimes we’re presented with opportunities that can have attributes of all three of these categories at the same time! Hang with me for a minute while I explain. I have spent an inordinate amount of time over the past few weeks dealing with one high-maintenance client. While I’ve been frustrated by my client’s “speaking to think” methodology to put simple projects together, I have realized that I have allowed him to think that wasting my time is acceptable. Working with him is a good opportunity, and when I can nail down specifics, it is fun for me to create the products he’s ordering. However, this account has the potential to reach the perfect category—and yet it hasn’t! As I have pondered this scenario, it has become apparent to me that I have a few things that I need to take responsibility for. I’ve realized that I need to set some clear boundaries with this customer, and when simple advice crosses over into the land of consulting, I need to be clear about that and start billing him accordingly. I have a few policies and procedures to think through and then communicate to my clients, so that all of us have a better idea about what to expect from each other.
Good, pleasing and perfect are categories that are helping me balance my time in Everyday Economy. How about you?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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