Are You Getting the
Most from
Your Time Investment?
by Gerry Rose, Integrity Networking Solutions, Business Consultant

 

I was listening to one of the political pundits during the recent two party convention season.  I was taken aback when the news anchor commented with approval on the person’s work ethic.  The comment had to do with time spent in late night meetings.  Some of those late night meetings would become early morning meetings into the next day.  However, it is our society that is to blame.  We reward those who spend all their waking hours on the job.  Is that the reason you are on this earth?  Are you here only to build your business and acquire financial wealth?

This is especially troubling during what many see as an economic down turn.  It troubles me enough that I have spent an inordinate amount of time considering this.  To that end I came up with a simple analogy to explain my concern and discover an answer for how I spend my time in business and how I think you might want to spend your time in business.  Please read below for the answer.

I love Jack-in-the-Box.  I really enjoy their Seasoned Curly Fries.  When I want Seasoned Curly Fries I go to Jack-in-the-Box. When I want Seasoned Curly Fries I avoid going to Denny’s, Macdonald’s, or Burger King.  I drive right to Jack-in-the-Box.  Why is it then that when we want Seasoned Curly Fries for our business we look for them at places other than Jack-in-the-Box?  Why do we continue to look for business in areas that continue to deliver little or no success?

We continue to go to business events hoping to meet the perfect client.   Many of these events have delivered to us zero clients over extended periods.  We belong to organizations designed to deliver new clients.  We tell ourselves that we are there for the exposure.  We go for the exposure which delivers limited, if any, new clients.   Yet we continue to work late into the evening, on Saturdays and Sundays with limited or no success.

The other scenario is we try different things to see which one will work. It was explained very clearly in a real estate seminar I attended.  The realtor specializes in real estate for six months, changes companies because the commissions are low.  Going to an office where commissions are higher, it is discovered that now there are desk fees.  Rather than changing companies, this agent now decides to do mortgages on the side to get greater compensation.  After working for 40 hours per week the agent decides to work Saturdays and Sundays part time at a local fast food chain to make ends meet.  Eventually frustrated, the agent leaves real estate for a different industry that is again commission sales.

We change brands, companies, products, or location thinking that this time we will make things work.  We want to produce so we make a quick change to see if we can create income.  Now that INTEGRITY has been in business in this area for more than ten years people are really starting to notice our resolve to succeed.  You will gain credibility as you invest your time, energy, and creativity doing the things necessary to be successful.

Therefore, it is how you invest your time in quality activities that deliver measurable results.  You must evaluate your systems daily with targeted, specific, desired results.  Currently, we are working with a team of professionals to develop a strategic partnership.  With a panel of experts we gathered to develop a specific communication to locate the perfect business professional to help us create a business entity, we developed a precise communication targeted to particular businesses for specific results.  Of the 20 requests sent we received ten positive responses.  The responses have been so good that some responders are delivering two or three referrals.  In one case, the referral was so good that they referred four more people.

Therefore, it is the quality of the time you spend.  The key is to be clear on what it is you want.  As someone who is self-employed, you have the choice.  The politician who spends day and night in their office explains a lot about our government.  That is why a candidate in the United States can run a campaign on one word with hopes of getting elected.  Avoid the trap of just moving forward for the sake of change.  Describe the things you want.  Write them clearly.  Use your team to be specific.  Go out and get what you want.  You deserve it.

Gerry was a guest and Special Co-Host on The Success Express on December 5, 2008. To listen to the entire, unedited show, please click here. To listen to Gerry's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.