Like Rome, no successful business was built in a single day. Creating a thriving business takes an investment of time, energy and money, not necessarily in that order. How do you know, though, that you're getting the largest return on your investments? You've got to be able to track what you are putting into the business and what you are getting out of it. This includes not only your paycheck, but the return of your time. For as much time as you are giving your business, are you getting time for yourself?
A few days ago I posted a link to an article about a few of the rewards of operating your own business. Did any of those touch a nerve for you? Did anything jump off the screen at you, or make you sigh and say, "Someday, I'm going to do that, because I am working really hard here"? For me, it's the goal of a vacation.
Okay, technically my goal is several vacations. You see, I believe in setting small goals for myself and my business, and for allowing myself small treats or rewards when I accomplish those goals. This weekend I'll have some time to myself after the Kidling leaves. Should I get all my work done by Friday night, you can bet I'll be curled up Saturday with the W.E.B. Griffin book I bought myself last week! The next one down the line will be a "day of beauty" at my favorite spa. Long term goal, well, that's gonna take some saving, but as I mentioned the other day, maybe I'll see ya at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.
As small- and home-based business owners, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking the business can't survive without us pouring every ounce of our energy into it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lies, I tell you, pure lies! If you take the time to set up an efficient office or storefront, you'll save precious minutes each day or hours each week during the course of your operations. Organizing your paperwork, creating product displays that are not only attractive but easy to straighten or clean, and streamlining each process of tasks so there are few, if any, wasted steps for you or your employees are worth your while.
Since most of us are wading through the tax-related files for good old Uncle Sam, that could be the appropriate place to start if you need to get organized. Get your effects in order for the CPA to tackle your 2005 taxes and, while you're at it, set up an efficient filing system for 2006. (I recently posted some suggestions over at TheHomeCast on this very subject! That home organizing tip will work well for small offices as well.) Save yourself time, energy and money...then reward yourself for it!
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