How To Protect Your Precious Time So That You Can Have More Fun In Your Business

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Have you been approached by a colleague/fellow business owner who wants to "connect" and perhaps "collaborate?" This can be as a result of social media connections, meeting during a networking event, or a casual conversation during your daily routine.

I love connecting with people. Networking is fun for me, and traveling to events to meet even more people is part of the "blood" of my business. Often, people will ask to connect following some initial meeting and I'm usually open to it. Though I've recently pulled back because of projects I want to focus on. (This is a key success lesson…your business comes first!)

Take it from me, some of these meetings will prove fruitful for prospecting, partnering and collaborations. However, sorry to say, a higher percentage will be filled with self-promotion and opportunity seekers. I am not saying that you shouldn't market yourself, that's the lifeblood of any business, but what I am saying is to be respectful of people's valuable time.

Yes, this is fresh and bubbling just beneath the surface for me and I need to get it out…in service to you!

Let me share two examples from recent events, which point out how YOU have to protect or "guard" your time because others won't always do the same.

I met a young lady at a networking event. She asked if we could have lunch and talk. I said I'd rather grab a drink after work, which she agreed to. She then introduced me to her friend at the end of the meeting. Somehow the "meeting" grew to include this friend, which was fine, but now the schedules were dependent on 3 people not two. Without much more detail, they rescheduled twice and we still haven't connected. I think you know what I'm going to do, right?

Next, a very nice lady from a social media connection wanted to "talk" vs. use FB, which is a welcomed idea! You know how you chitchat with folks online and never hear their voice or get a real sense of who they are! Well, we too went back and forth and then finally connected. One of the first things she said was, "I'm available to be interviewed by you."

I looked up at the clock on my wall and immediately decided this conversation was similar to a Domino's pizza®…over in 30 minutes or less! Isn't it funny how people just don't know how they come across? So I let the dance continue and at the end, I said well you really don't know about my business, or me but it was great to learn more about you. A flash of realization hit her and before she could ask, I pointed out that we were out of time. You see, I guard my time to have more fun - and this…wasn't.

So how can you ensure that you protect your time to have more fun in your business?

First, by recognizing that your time is IMMENSELY valuable. Even if you're not focused on business, you should find ways to experience more fun in your life. (Another key lesson to success!)

Engage in conversations where "it's all about them" with prospects and clients...and maybe some friends. Otherwise invest your time where you get a return of enjoyment.

Next, do the math and find out what your time is really worth. I mentioned this, years ago, in a newsletter article and I want to revive it because I think you'll find it amazing.

Take the total of what you want to make this year. Just for giggles, let's use $100,000.00

Divide that by 12, the number of months in a year: $8,333.33

Divide that by 4 weeks (I'm giving you a week off once in a while…smile): $2,083.33

Divide that by 5 days in a week: $416.66

Divide that by 8 hours a day (though I don't want you to work that hard!): $52.08

If someone asks you to spend time with him or her, hooray! Are they returning $52 in fun or business to you? Then go for it!

Or are they wasting $52 of your time that could have been fun or business? Cut them off!

You won't get the time or energy back…ever.

And I'm all about having fun and doing business…and you CAN have them together…when you "guard your time."

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