LONG HOURS FOR GROWTH
By John Ingrisano on Apr 1, 2007 in Hot Biz Tips
Are you working at least 60 hours a week? If not, you’re a part-timer, just looking to get along. That’s not why you went into business for yourself.
If you’re watching the clock, then you may need to rethink how much you love what you do. Remember, if you’re passionate about your business, the hours will slip away and you’ll be surprised each day when it’s time to punch out (and even then, your mind will have a tough time calling it a day). If you don’t love what you do, the hours will drag. If so, it’s time to retool and recommit…or do something different.
Work hard. Make money. And have fun. — JRIngrisano (The Freestyle Entrepreneur)
"Nearly a third of the fast-growth company heads work more than 60 hours a week."
– Steven S. Little (The 7 Irrefutable Rules of Small Business Growth)
Note: For those of you in Wisconsin, Steve Little will address the NEW End 2007 A Taste of Entrepreneurship in Appleton on June 5th. Check out the details on http://www.thenewend.com. Also, check out Steve’s unbelievable website at www.stevenslittle.com. It’s the most interesting site I’ve ever seen!
– John R. Ingrisano
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Andy | Apr 2, 2007 | Reply
How do you balance family and friends alongside 60 hours a week?
John R. Ingrisano | Apr 2, 2007 | Reply
A lot of it has to do with time management. I plan each day the evening before. (And, yes, I fully recognize that some days get torpedoed before the sun even rises. But I try.)
I start each day at 6:30. That’s when I am in full work mode. If I skip lunch, that means I am done by 4:30 each day, 6 days a week. Realistically, I’m done by 5:30. This leaves the evenings free, and all day Sunday. Also, I schedule vacation days one at a time, sprinkled throughout each month.
As for family and friends, I make every minute count. No just sitting around watching tv, unless it’s family night with popcorn, etc.
The bottom line: It’s not easy to put in long hours, and there is always the risk of hurting family time. And if that happens, rethink and retool. Remember: Your family (and, of course, your own ego) is why you work like a dog. Don’t win the game and lose everything in the process. Shoot for balance. There will be times when biz comes first. But when it’s time for family, put away the cell phone, turn off the computer, and enjoy them. — JRIngrisano
John R. Ingrisano | Apr 3, 2007 | Reply
If you love your work, it’s not work. Yes, there are days when I need a break from my business. However, when I’m feeling passionate about a project or taking it to the next level, I’m always “on.”
I have also learned the art (albeit imperfectly) of pondering a problem or issue before going to sleep, and then forgetting about it. About half the time, I will awake in the morning not only refreshed…and with the answer.
At the same time, when I’m out with friends and family, and they ask, “How’s business?” I give them a 30-second summary and then change the subject.
The bottom line, which should not be ignored, is that putting in long hours is necessary if you are going to succeed. And to do that, you must love and be committed to what you do. There is no substitute for that passion. — JRIngrisano