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Managing Yourself
Subtitle: Managing a Virtual Business by Managing You
Issue: 18.2 (March/April 2020)
Author: Susan Fennema
Author Bio: Susan is the Chaos Eradicating Officer (CEO) of Beyond the Chaos (www.beyondthechaos.biz), a consultancy helping small business owners gain control of their lives through better processes, organization, and structure of their projects and business operations. As a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BA in journalism from Texas A&M University, she has over 30 years' experience in the software development, creative, marketing, and advertising industries. In 2016 and 2018, she spoke at XDC and enjoys being part of the Xojo community.
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Starting Page Number: 88
Article Number: 18210
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Excerpt of article text...
Managing a virtual business has some added challenges over managing a traditional one. There are wonderful pros, but there are a few cons. But, the first and foremost challenge is managing you.
While some personalities find a virtual business or work-from-home environment more difficult to manage, you can create a structure so that it is a little easier. It might take more willpower for some than for others. If you get distracted or can't maintain focus easily (Or even if you don't!), developing a structure and schedule for managing a virtual business is very necessary.
Structure
Get a good digital calendar that can sync to your smartphone. I am a huge fan of Google Calendar because of the power and ubiquity of it. The first thing you want to do on your calendar is to block out your personal obligations. Your God, your family, and your health should be your priorities. If you are not taking care of yourself first, you will not have anything to give to your clients and your team. Take Sundays off. Make sure that gym visit is booked and that you are taking breaks for lunch. Go to your daughter's soccer game. And don't forget to walk the dog.
For me, managing a virtual business "starts" at 5:15am. I calendar my morning routine. It is usually the same—morning readings, a few light chores, walk the dog (That's exercise, too!), breakfast, yoga, and shower. I usually move into work mode around 8:30am and have a half hour blocked for lunch. I "sign off" at 6pm, because that's when I cook dinner, spend time with my husband and our creatures, and do personal tasks like meal planning, etc. Of course, if an emergency arises or I get behind, I can tap into that time. But, if I have to do that, I do it intentionally and don't make it a habit.
Schedule
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