BALANCING ACT
Many of us are working harder than ever to keep business moving forward while the meetings industry remains under scrutiny. This means longer hours, higher stress levels and a lot more headaches. Relax, take a breather and read on to see how a few local event pros keep their reality in check and their life in balance.
• Step away from the Blackberry
Just because your clients and co-workers know you have a BlackBerry, it doesn’t mean you have to answer immediately. Technology is meant to make your life easier, not theirs.
I have one rule: leave your work at work. Don’t take your problems home with you, or worse, your client’s problems. Admittedly, I’m only able to achieve my goal about 25 percent of the time and I am constantly thinking about my work, my office and my staff (which is good and requires a focus and constant attention for sure).
• Plan it Out
Color coordinates you calendar so that each type of activity has a certain color assigned to it: purple for friends, green for money-generating activities, orange for networking, etc. If you do this, you can clearly see where you are spending the bulk of your time and can readjust where you see fit. Today’s Outlook calendars provide amazing efficiencies.
• Stay Healthy
Planning ahead is essential. Some vendors find it hard to fit exercise into their schedule with routine, especially during the busy season. First you need to establish a routine and don’t quit because you mentally feel like your body is tired. If your body isn’t healthy then your mind wont’ be healthy and that’s a disservice to our clients, our team and our family. Also as we get into our busy season don’t forget to also get some sleep.
