As a business owner or entrepreneur, you are undoubtedly used to juggling many balls. You have to wear many hats, often simultaneously, and keep a lot of plates spinning if you want your business to be successful. But what happens when you also have family responsibilities? How do you juggle everything without dropping the ball?
Of course, you want to be a good role model for your children and be there for them when they need you. But you also have to make sure that your business is running smoothly. So how do you do it all? Here are some best practices for juggling your responsibilities as a business owner or entrepreneur with your responsibilities to your family.
1. Get organized.
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating, nonetheless. To juggle your responsibilities successfully, you need to be organized. This means having a plan and schedule for everything—your business, family, and personal life. By being organized, you can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, and everyone gets the attention they need.
For example, you might want to create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for work, family, and personal activities. Or you might want to designate specific days of the week for different activities. Whatever system you choose, ensure it works for you and helps you stay on top of everything.
2. Set priorities.
Once you’re organized, it’s time to start setting priorities. What is most important to you? What can wait? When you’re clear about your priorities, it becomes easier to delegate and prioritize your time accordingly. Especially for working parents, it’s essential to set priorities regarding your children.
If your young child is sick, that takes precedence over work. You want to be able to bring your shield to the best pediatric care clinic, so make sure you’re clear about your priorities and that your family comes first. But if your child is healthy and needs quality time with you, that can wait until after work hours. You want to be present and available for your children when they need you, but you also don’t want to sacrifice your business.
3. Delegate and outsource.
You can’t do everything yourself, so learn to delegate and outsource tasks that someone else can handle just as well (if not better) as you can. This frees up time for you to focus on the things you can only do—like running your business and spending time with your family. Many business owners make the mistake of thinking they have to do everything themselves, but that’s not the case.
There are several ways to delegate and outsource tasks. You can hire employees, contractors, or virtual assistants to help with the day-to-day running of your business. Or you can outsource specific tasks, like bookkeeping or marketing, to companies that specialize in those areas. Avoid feeling like you have to do everything by yourself—asking for help is okay.
4. Make time for yourself.
Don’t forget to make time for yourself! Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business and family. Be sure to schedule some “me time” every week so that you can recharge and come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Many business owners and entrepreneurs find it helpful to exercise, meditate, or spend time with friends and loved one’s outside of work. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that relaxes and refreshes you so you can be at your best for your business and family. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so ensure you’re taking care of yourself.
5. Communicate with your family.
Communication is key in any relationship, including the relationship between you and your family. When you’re running a business, it’s essential to keep your family in the loop about what’s going on, so they can understand and support you.
Sit down with your spouse or partner and explain your business goals and the time commitment required to achieve them. Keep your family updated on your progress and let them know when you need their help or understanding. If you have children, involve them in your business as much as possible, so they can see what you’re working on and why it’s important to you.
Juggling all of your responsibilities as a business owner or entrepreneur can seem daunting, but it is possible—and these best practices will help you do it like a boss! Just remember to get organized, set priorities, delegate and outsource, and make time for yourself, and you’ll be well on your way to juggling everything like a pro.
