Breaking the cycle of doing it all
With the summer months approaching, and the need we all have from time to time to take a little time off, I started to think about what holds some entrepreneurs back from taking a vacation (an actual vacation, not a “work a little in the morning” vacation). I really feel that this comes from the trap of feeling like we need to do it all. So how do we break the cycle?
A big part of this is client dependence (or at least the perceived notion of client dependence), and I believe this is such a significant aspect that it’s getting its own blog next week.
It’s so tough to help an entrepreneur, specifically a solopreneur, through the thought processes of letting things go. I understand, your business is a part of you; maybe it was a dream you had for a long time that finally came together; your business needs you; it is you. But it can’t consume you.
How do we re-frame this conversation?
Let’s start by identifying some of the roles that a solopreneur needs to achieve in a week (feel free to add others that come to mind):
- Customer Service
- Bookkeeping – Accounts Payable and Receivable
- Sales and Marketing
- Business Development
- IT/Website development or maintenance
Each of these roles requires a different set of skills, and it’s tough to jump from one to the other.
Now, I want you to create a role description for these roles; let’s look at Customer Service as an example:
- Prompt response to client concerns either by email or telephone
- Excellent communication skills
- Process requests promptly – resend quotes and proposals
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to multi-task
- Manage client expectations and team schedules
- Superior organizational skills to deal with various customer needs and follow-ups
- Handle client complaints by providing solutions
- Provide feedback to other departments regarding process improvements
Now here’s the big question… if you were applying for the job, would you hire you?
At first glance, you may say, “Yes, absolutely!” but let’s dig further…
How many hours would you like this person to be available per day (both number of hours and time of date), and what is your expectation on turnaround between a client need and an appropriate response?
Given this and the other roles you presently hold, would you hire you?
Take yourself through the exercise of creating a job description for all of the roles you see in your business and ask yourself, are you the ideal candidate? Especially as the roles build on each other.
It’s a lot to consider.
If you’re struggling to move forward and break free from doing it all, reach out to us anytime. We’re happy to help you explore your options that may even give you a few extra days out of the office this summer!