Focus on Managing
When one runs their own business, learning how to manage is not usually a priority–as opposed to when one is managing other employees. But managing is every bit as important as the art of selling and marketing. And with that, I am going to start with a quote by Peter Drucker:
“Our labor is not about doing things–but rather, doing the right things.
If we are doing the right things, it makes logical sense that our businesses should do well. But how to know when we are doing the right things.
I took notes from the chapter The Effective Executive in the book “The 100 Best Business Books of All Time”. Yes, I really do takes notes, especially when I think the information is worth remembering.
First, the book summary looked at Flaws–there are 3 majors ones–
“1–Doing things that do not need to be done.
2–Doing things that could be better done by others.
3–Doing things that require others to do unnecessary things.”
Even though we may be a business of one, there are ways to better manage and better utilize our time.
Another quote: ”Do first things first and do one thing at a time.” How many of us, including myself, say I am good at multi-tasking.
“Focus on Now, and what works now. Leaving the past is central to progress.”
“Decision making is the final practice of effectiveness. Problems are best solved with rules that are simple to follow .” There is enough complexity in our lives already.
I applied the first part about flaws to myself and my running of a bead group of over 1000 people day after day after day–with no serious delegating of duties. I have to confess to some inward cringing!
Keep it simple is something I have as a value, both in business and personal life. Life is complex enough without any other additions.
I will close this now. If this not seem to apply to you, give it 24 hours. When I first read it–I immediately dismissed the entire thing as not being applicable as I do not have a store with employees. When I went back and re-read it, I could see many areas in which it applied directly to me.
Kate Thorn
http://beadzonline.etsy.com
“There’s no such thing as an ugly bead,
just a lack of imagination.”– kate thorn
