Balancing Acts: Work, Family, and the Entreprenuer Mom
Do you remember the time before the internet and computers? I barely do…and I can’t imagine how anyone doing business could stay in business. The information highway has been expanded into a super highway of information spanding the globe and traveling with super sonic speed.There was a time when ‘selectric’ typewriters were the cutting edge of electronics and any office secretary (oops!), administrative assistant couldn’t wait to get to work so she could type a letter, any letter. What about the time before copiers really began to emerge, the old stenographic copy machine with the horrible blue ink that was on your favorite blouse before day’s end. Worse still was the infamous ‘carbon paper’ for duplicate copies. I can imagine that there were many frustrated women who type thousands of pages because she couldn’t seem to get it perfect. Thank goodness for the inventor of White-out!Business life today is filled with PDA’s, cell phones with all the bells and whistles, laptops thinner than a pencil, and scanners built into cartridges the size of a palm. Doing business has never been easier and yet it is still difficult to stick to the principles of the golden days. Simple direct communication has become almost extinct and the constant important of the business of the day seems to overflow into what use to be termed as “family time”.The importance of balancing life/work has never before been so on the forefront of corporate agendas. Entreprenuers who consider a small staff are also taking into consideration the options that they can provide their employees. Telecommuting, work from home programs, and other options for balancing life/work are becoming more acceptable practices and the results are impacting the bottom line in a positive way.As an entrepreneur, I realize that it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to get through my work day. Phone calls, emails, web development and management, and keeping to my schedule. But, with the tools that the internet and all the technology provides I am able to secure the life that I only once dreamed of at a job. Being home with my family when I need to be is so rewarding. Work at home moms have a great talent for balancing their day to ensure that everyone and everything gets the required attention. This brings greater value to her life and the lives of those with whom she does business with because it is understood that schedules must be adhered to and boundaries must be respected.I never thought that being a stay at home mom and working my business would balance so perfectly. I can put in overtime if I choose, and I can take any day of the week off, too. I’ve decided to adopt the lifestyle of those abroad and work less and enjoy life more. Believe it or not, this has a much more beneficial impact on my business and the bottom line.There is a balance between life/work and finding that balance means acknowledging the areas of weakness and hiring someone adept in that area to compensate for you. It works for me!
About the Author
Ms. Harris is founder of The Haven Women’s Outreach, a nonprofit organization, and recipient of the SBA Women in Business Champion of the Year Award. She has authored two books called “Funding Your Vision: Writing Winning Proposals” and “a few choice words…”. Ms. Harris enjoys helping other women become successful entrepreneurs. You may visit her at www.makingmoney.7figure.net or email her at mega@7figure.net Visit their website at: http://www.makingmoney.7figure.net
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