By Ray Pearen, Fresh Finish Pools LLC/ray@freshfinishpools.com
There is so much work out there. The phones keep ringing and almost every caller wants ‘it’ done now. During the busiest times of the year with a shortage of workers, we are challenged to get everything completed, meet every demand and keep every customer happy. Add this to the ever-increasing demand for instant, and constant communication and you have a volatile mix for stress and burn out.
It is at breaking points, where I’m alone in my truck and taking it out on my steering wheel, that the words of one of my mentors come to mind, “Just tell them ‘No’, you have to know when to say No.”
He simply meant that by turning away business, in favor of work you already have, we are further ahead than feverishly accepting every opportunity for new business that comes our way. It is an easy statement to say, and is logical, but goes against every natural instinct of the entrepreneur. We want to grow our businesses and shutting down income opportunities seems contrary to that vision. But having a heart attack in your truck at the side of the road is also not part of that vision.
Organization and good scheduling are the easy answers but sticking with it when your phone keeps dinging with texts, emails and calls is difficult.
Sometimes we need to obey our inner stress meters, slow the train down, and get done what is in front of us. This equates to better work flow, happier customers and a staff that isn’t over taxed. It’s a constant battle to find a healthy work life / home life balance and being content at our jobs also makes us more present at home.
Although it can be tempting to always take that extra call, sometimes it’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture. I encourage you to take the steps to simplify your business, so you can feel an increased sense of success and fulfillment in both your work and personal lives.
