Boundaries and Business can Co-Exist
Author: Maria Elena Duron
As businesses, we live by values and reputation. We want to be known as a brand who delivers. In a fast-paced market, we want to address everyone as much as we can. We say yes to every opportunity that comes our way and we gain a reputation as a brand that works hard and provides good customer service. Every business wants to be able to serve everyone, but when demands rise, we have to make sure that quality is not compromised. We also have to consider the fact that there are other things that we need to accomplish outside our business. If we are too accessible to our customers or those we work with, we won't have time to accomplish those needs.
Boundaries may seem like a bad thing when it comes to business because we want to be accessible to everyone, and at the same time, give them what they need at the shortest possible time. However, when we are always accessible, we might not have enough time to accomplish quality work. We end up with so many things in our hands that need to be accomplished in a rush.
This is why we have to set up boundaries. Sooner or later, people will notice the decline in the quality of how we do business. To avoid this, we need to change our working habits. We need to adopt a more effective technique in dealing with high work demands.
Here are some tips on how you can meet your demands without compromising your personal time:
Let others know when you can accomplish a task - when people or customers approach you for a task, give them a deadline. Ask the latest time you can give them the task or let them know when you can finish the task. In doing so, your customers know when to expect the task instead of leaving them hanging. This will also prevent your customers from constantly following up on the task. When you give them a deadline, you are able to schedule your work. And because you have enough time to do it, you can make sure that the task you are going to deliver is of the highest quality.
Ask others when they can accomplish a task - this is the reverse of the first item. When you are working with others and you give them a task, ask when they can accomplish the task. This will give them some time to schedule their work and have time to accomplish the task that you need from them. This ensures that you receive good quality work and you won't get disappointed when you receive their work. Also, get into the habit of giving someone a task ahead of time instead of giving someone a task and expecting immediate results. You don't want to rush someone and receive a poorly accomplished task.
Schedule your tasks - if you can think of all the tasks that you need to do, schedule them. Schedule everything from the high priorities tasks to the least important ones. Once you have your schedule, make sure to commit to it. Increase your productivity by making sure you start and finish the tasks that you have on time. Following a schedule will help you concentrate and accomplish the work that you need to do. You are able to finish them in your own comfort. Even the small ones matter. Instead of constantly checking your inbox, voicemail, or text messages, dedicate a particular time during the day. Constantly checking mail or messages will only distract you from what you need to accomplish during that time.
When demands rise, we have to make sure that we stay on top of things that we need to do. We want to make sure that we are there for our customers but we can only do that when we are sure we can give them what they need. We have to make sure that we have enough time to accomplish the tasks they need from us. Creating a schedule and committing to it will let us see how we can address customer needs without compromising brand quality.
These simple tips will help you stay productive even when you constantly receive tasks. Once people see your working habits, they will respect your deadlines and your brand. When you put everything in a schedule, you are likely to get things done and you avoid getting interrupted by others. Accomplish your tasks and you will have enough time to do the things you need for personal matters.
About the Author
"Maria Elena Duron, CEO (chief engagement officer), buzz2bucks | a word of mouth marketing firm, is skilled at making networks "work" and harnessing powerful online and offline buzz, she facilitates online visibility services and word of mouth coaching and workshops - taking companies and professionals from buzz-worthy to bucks-worthy, http://buzz2bucks.com."