On Dirty Secrets of Small Business ™, Adam Sonnhalter and Jack Mencini, coaches with Maximum Value Partners discuss the myth that as a small business owner you can set your own schedule.
As the owner, the common philosophy is that if I’m in charge, I can do what I want…when I want. That is a good goal to have, and yes, over time, there is flexibility. You can work 12 hours a day, either 7-7 or you can pick any 12 hours you want.
Jack and Adam debunk the myth of setting your own schedule because there is always something that gets in the way; be it employees, crises, family and even government regulations. All things that you as the boss have to deal with and put your own schedule on the side.
The reality is that there are things that need to get done, but with scheduling things you need to take a step away from the perfectly planned schedule and deal with it. When you have a sick employee, you as the small business owner need to step in to get things done. You can’t ignore it or put your head in the sand.
Start with a plan or schedule everyday. Have an idea of what the day starts like and you will be way more way productive if you are disciplined. If something does happen, it is easier to get back on track if you started with a calculated plan for the day.
Adjust your well established plans even if you have problems with vendors with wrong parts or something is missing. These things will happen and you have to deal with it. You can’t keep to your well planned schedule with a situation arises.
Have a plan, but recognize there are going to a lot of things that come in to disrupt those plans and be able to plan on other things entering in. Be flexible and mindful that being a small business owner, handling everything comes with the territory.