As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to find yourself working around the clock. Early mornings and late nights roll into one another with time seeming like a minor detail in comparison to the success of your business While all those hours that are being put in will undoubtedly lead to the business becoming successful, it is important to take a step back, especially around the holiday season.
Christmas can be one of the most busy periods for entrepreneurs depending on the product/service you are providing. Orders must be fulfilled, clients must be met, markets are to be attended and overall entrepreneurs are looking to have a boost in financial returns to end the year on a high. While this can all be very exciting, it can also be quite draining and lead to entrepreneurs becoming run down and losing sight of not only their business objectives but also the true meaning of the season that they find themselves in.
The Christmas period can present as an opportunity to take a step back from the reality of the bustle of the business world. It can be used as an opportunity to rest up for the year ahead. During this period you can take time to reflect on the year you just had and ask yourself questions such as, ‘What did the business do this year that was successful?’, ‘What could we change about our tactics for next year?’ and ‘Where would I like to see the business this time next year?’. There are of course numerous questions that can be reflected on following any business year. However, these questions offer the opportunity to weigh up your performance throughout the year in a way that does not require endless spreadsheets and financial statements. By taking a step back to just simply think about how far your business has come, you will not only be able to visualise your progress but you can indulge in your success without the additional pressure that being within the office environment brings.
Take this time to indulge in a period of reflection and relaxation to help create personal and professional goals for the following year. If you feel you are spending too much time with your business add a goal that will look to you spending more time on things you enjoy doing such as leisure activities or even just catching up with a friend over coffee. By making time for ‘me’ you won’t lose sight of you as an individual as opposed to only viewing yourself as your business. Being an entrepreneur was never going to be easy but by allowing time for ‘you’ ensures that the right balance between personal and professional life can be achieved.
As an entrepreneur you may find yourself in charge of all aspects of your business. If you manage your businesses social media accounts pre plan for the season by having your posts written and scheduled to be posted the Christmas period. By having posts scheduled to be uploaded you are decreasing your time spent creating content which gives you more time to be present with those around you. The reality is that most people will be taking a step back from social media over Christmas. If you have content that you need to share over Christmas make sure that it is relevant to your own business and industry. It is also important that when you are scheduling your posts you aim to have them going live at times when users are more likely to be active across social media sites during the festive period.
Even though Christmas has become commercialised over the years the underlying message is one that cannot be neglected.This time of year presents a unique opportunity to spend time with the ones you love. Remember that you can afford to put your phone on silent and your emails can be muted. Do not neglect those around you by putting your business needs first,at the end of the day it’s only one out of the year. Moments like that are not ones that can be recreated. We’re sure your business will forgive you!
