“I just don’t have the time” is one sentence that really grinds my gears! Depending on who I am talking to, I feel I simply must remind them that Richard Branson, Beyoncé and the Queen of England all have the same amount of hours and minutes in their days.
So how on earth do they find the time to do what they need to do successfully?
Ultimately, the answer is simple: Careful planning.
When you are a salon, spa or clinic owner, there are three elements of time that you must nail in order to grow your business and have the lifestyle you deserve. You must make a plan to work on your business, work in your business and of course have downtime.
Working on your business
The first thing to consider is that when you’re working on your business, this does not include admin. Yes, admin is important, but the thing that’s going to get you where you want to be in business is to work on growth.
The general rule of thumb is to work on the growth of your business for a minimum or four hours a week. Some examples of working to grow your business are:
- Planning and reviewing your marketing
- Planning and holding team and one on one meetings.
- Reviewing and implementing policies, procedures and structures
- Technical and service training
You need to ask yourself: “Is what I am working on today going to inch me closer to my goals or not?” Admin doesn’t get you closer to your goals!
Next, you need to appreciate that your appointment columns are often beautifully thought out and very time efficient. Why do you not do the same when working on your business? If you apply the same level of discipline and structure to working on your business, imagine the growth that you could have?
Working in your business
You need to think of yourself as the surgeon in your business. In a hospital, the surgeon really only performs the very highest value actions. You don’t see a surgeon sterilising their tools, scrubbing down the theatre or pushing patients into recovery!
With your level of skill and experience in the industry, you need to outsource the lower value, simpler tasks and actions to your team, allowing them to gain experience in these areas. You don’t need extra practice applying a tint or turning around a treatment room!
Downtime
Downtime is always taken for granted! Like they say on an aircraft just before you take off; in case of an emergency, apply your own oxygen mask first before you assist others.
In our businesses, we are often all things to all people. We are the boss, the cleaner, the marketing expert, the mum or dad, the shoulder to cry on and even the client psychologist! You have multiple jobs, and because of this, it’s crucial to look after yourself and make sure that your cup is filled up. You cannot run at 100%, 24/7, it’s simply not sustainable.
I want you to take a moment to write a list of all the things, both big and small, that allow you to feed your soul and relax your brain. Maybe it is walking your dog, turning your phone off, or even yoga and meditation. What are your emotional resources that you can call upon to make sure that you’re looking after yourself? It’s up to you to make sure that you have that balance you need so you can bring your A game to everything that you do. Fill your cup up first!
Make sure you cut yourself some slack, as far as I’m aware, they don’t teach time management at school! So get these three elements in order and you’ll soon be successfully managing your time and your business.
What a handsome guy!!
We agree!