Lightroom

Being an entrepreneur is a lonely place to be.  It’s so lonely that you don’t realize it’s even lonely.  That’s just the way it is. You’re just alone. And you’re not sad to be alone.  That’s just your business structure. And you did that on purpose. And maybe one day you’ll have a team, but for now, it’s just you.  And that’s great! You’re living the dream. But you’re very much alone.

I left that networking event feeling more hopeful and more connected than I’ve felt in a long time.  I didn’t snag a new client, but I made some connections, shared favorite business podcasts, and found out about more networking opportunities.  And most importantly, I realized that even though I spend my days alone (also, yes, often in my pajamas and very often in my house), I’m not the only one doing this.

They say that employees who feel appreciated perform better than those that don't.

But maybe the reason they are appreciated is that they are performing better.

Which came first, the appreciation or the performance?

As an employer, can we still appreciate the efforts of our employees, even if they aren't performing to our expectations?  

That's a trick question.  And a rhetorical one.

If your employee isn't performing to your expectations, don't get mad.  First, consider your role in the breakdown.

Were your expectations clear?  

No, really.  Were they crystal clear?  

Now that you've written your annual plan, you're probably wondering how you're supposed to accomplish it all.  Sure, you've broken everything down into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, but your days are BUSY.  You're creating products (or need/want to be), managing people, making sales (hopefully), filling orders, and generally just putting out metaphorical fires all. day. long.  

But fear not!  Thanks to modern technology, time-saving tools are literally at your fingertips.  Here is the list of my top three ways to help you be more efficient, every day.

The only way to improve your performance is to be aware of your weaknesses.  I know that my sense of direction is poor, so I try to put systems in place to help myself out.  When I'm in a new city (also my hometown), I use Google Maps to take me where I need to go.  I don't blindly start driving and assume that I'll land at my destination.  I've proven to everyone that I can't even go to the bathroom alone without getting lost.  

So why do we do that with business?  Why do we start with an idea and an Etsy shop (or FB page, or whatever) and expect that in a year or so we'll suddenly end up with a successful career without committing to a plan on how to get there?  Without even making a plan on how to get there?