As a growing business owner, the one thing that we always seem short on is TIME. There is always that one more thing to be done. Ever close down your computer late at night, only to pry it and your eyes back open to send one more email? I know I have been there, plenty of nights. There is the constant feeling of going from a client...to a meeting..to networking...to fulfillment...to what time is it and I have to be up in three more hours!
Now don't get me wrong. Being able to help and meet others, while being in business for yourself is great. It can just seem all business with no time to breathe, think about sleeping or even spending honest quality time with family and/or friends. You know the type of time where you aren't out to eat, sending emails and telling everyone to hold on, while they try and pretend that you are actually present. I have missed out on new clients, lost potential clients and can never get back precious time away from those I love. All because I was so busy that I needed more time. The loss was much more than just the lack of additional revenue for my business, additional memories with family and having dreams still being deferred. (Sounds familiar...)
The truth is everyone has the same 24 hours. The magic is not only how you choose to use them but the tools and resources you add. Often times we know we need additional help and our first thought is that hiring is the answer. What/Whom are you hiring exactly. Some hybrid of admin, that could also maintain follow up and take on parts of contract fulfillment. Yeah, you know what I am talking about. A magic someone that can just come in and do everything. (Whatever that included) The truth is before you think about hiring you should first automate.
Automating functions of the business allow you to focus attention on the pertinent functions that require only you while having other functions being handled in the background. For instance, clients are receiving needed information, potential clients are scheduling appointments and your new contacts are being greeted; all while you are taking a meeting, enjoying your kid's game or just simply sleeping.
Automating your life is truly the way to make you feel like you gained more time. Not only does it save you time but it is much more cost-effective and allows you to continue growing before dealing with the hassles of a new hire. Now, don't get me wrong. At some point, you will need a new hire, but because of automation there is a good sense of what is actually needed from the person(s) and we don't end up torturing an unsuspecting soul.
Want to learn more about how to Automate rather than Hire send me a quick message or schedule some time to talk! https://calendly.com/cherelle-james/lets_talk