July 4th, 2008 | 
Author: Mom Entrepreneurs: 7 Ways to Find More Time
You have the best job in the world, the most difficult,
demanding, stressful, rewarding job in the world; you are a
mom. Of all the jobs you could ever have, it’s
important for you to recognize that this is the most
important. Lucky for you, since you are a business owner
as well, most women are natural-born multi-taskers. Being
a mom and a business owner is unquestionably a huge
challenge. Finding a way to balance everything while still
having time for you can seem virtually impossible. Between
meetings, maintaining your home, fixing the xbox 360, changing
diapers and so much more, how can you possibly find the
time you need to get it all done? The following are some
tips that may help you to find the extra time that you need
to create that healthy balance between business and family
that all busy moms want to maintain:
1. Keep an agenda. Schedule your work time and your family
time in advance. At the beginning of each week, schedule
some family outings or activities. Don’t wait until
the end of your work day when you are too tired to schedule
these activities or else you may find yourself penciling in
TV time instead. Don’t let your work time intrude on
your family time. Your schedule should be based on your
priorities.
2. Make a to-do list. This is a simple step that can help
you get big results. You will be surprised at how much more
productive you will be by taking this small action. Make a
list of the things you would like to accomplish each day at
work and at home. A list will help to keep you on track
and focused. Being focused will allow you to get things
done faster, and as a result, you will simply accomplish
more.
3. Look for ways to cut down on everyday tasks. For
example, when making supper, make enough so that you have
leftovers. This will allow you to either freeze them for
another supper, or have them at lunch the next day. Try to
find a grocery store in your area that provides a delivery
service. These changes alone will save you a substantial
amount of time that could be spent with your family.
4. Delegate. If you have employees, take some of the less
important tasks off your plate and delegate. If you don’t
have employees, you can outsource to gain extra time.
Today there are very few tasks that can’t be
outsourced. Virtual Assistants can handle administrative
functions, Accountants and Bookkeepers can manage your
finances and there are even companies to which you can
outsource your sales or customer service duties.
5. Delegate some more. Get your entire family involved in
household maintenance. Giving your children a few small
chores to do might upset them, but the extra time that you
are able to spend with them will make it worth the fuss.
Remember, the less you have to do yourself, the more time
you will be able to spend with your family.
6. Avoid distractions while working. If you are a
work-from-home mom, the distractions you face on a daily
basis can seem never-ending. Establish some simple rules
for your friends, family and for yourself. Set work hours
and stick to them. Inform your family and friends of these
hours so that they know not to drop by for an unexpected
visit or call to chat. If possible, don’t answer
personal calls during work hours. If you have very young
children, consider hiring a babysitter for a few hours a
day to allow you some uninterrupted work time.
7. If possible, only check your email 3-4 times a day at
set times. Although email was created to be a time-saver,
in some cases it has the opposite effect and can actually
be counter productive.
It may seem impossible at times, but there are ways to
increase the amount of quality time you have for your
family and yourself each day. These are simple steps that
make only small changes in your day, but may allow you to
gain some extra hours with your family. It is possible to
have it all and to have it balanced as well.
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Kelly Sims is a Virtual Assistant and President of
Virtually There VA Services. To find out more about
virtual assistance and how using a Virtual Assistant can
simplify your life and increase your profitability, visit
her website at => http://www.virtuallythereva.com . While
you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for her
free monthly newsletter providing useful information that
enhances and simplifies the lives of busy entrepreneurs.
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