Many entrepreneurs work long hours because they love what they do. They are willing to do what it takes to see the venture succeed, and if that means working a lot, so be it. But it also can be bad news when small business owners are like Sarah and are working so much, too much, because they feel they have no choice. No fun, that.
Look, if you are going to be the boss, then be a good boss. Especially to yourself.
This is a mistake I see far too many small business people make. People start their own businesses for many reasons, but a big one is that they didn’t like their old job and their old boss. So they strike out on their own, only to become a slave driver — to themselves.
Let me suggest that this means three things (at least) you can do if you want to be a better boss to yourself:
1. Get some help: The lesson that Sarah learns in The E-Myth is that she doesn’t have to do it all; that in fact she shouldn’t do it all. A real business is created when owner brings in the help he or she needs to do the job right. That is how you grow.
Maybe this means hiring your first employee, or getting some independent contractors or consultants to help you, or bringing in interns, or hiring a bookkeeper.
2. Take some time off. All work and no play not only makes Jack a dull boy, it makes him a grumpy, ineffective, resentful one too.
3. Give yourself a raise: Here are some other surprising statistics from the Small Business Owner Report:
■ 54% of respondents said that they have never given themselves a raise or haven’t done so in more than two years.
■ 62% of Baby Boomers have never given themselves a raise or haven’t done so in more than two years, compared to 38% of Millennials and 59% of Gen Xers.
Yes, you may be nervous that if you raise your prices you might lose some customers, but I bet not. People become your customers for all sorts of reasons and it is safe to assume that your fees and/or prices are only one of many reasons they like working or shopping with you.
So go ahead, consider making a few smart changes in your business. You will be a better boss to yourself and everyone around you if you work on your business and not just in it.
Source: USA Today
