There’s an old saying, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.” – Unknown
For the month of April 2010, I became that “busy” person! In late March I agreed to be one of three regional keynote speakers for the inaugural Chamber Southwest Louisiana Women’s Business Network luncheon. The afternoon before the event, I received a phone call. The two other speakers could not attend due to work/life emergencies! I remained the local speaker who would address the crowd first. Sonia Perez, the newly appointed President of AT&T Louisiana, would follow. What an honor to represent Southwest Louisiana women in business. I hope you enjoy my speech.
Everything is instantaneous. We are all connected. Everyone expects information right away! How many of you want to UNPLUG from the chaos from time to time and actually get the work done or just relax? That’s where my company E2E Technology comes into play. We receive your phone calls when the Internet is down or when your voice mail is not saving your messages. You think you’re going crazy keeping up with all the technology? Businesses turn to my company to make their day-to-day communications run smoothly. I have to be on my toes at all times.
How do I cope? Basically, there are three KNOWS. Not “NO” as in N-O. But, K-N-O-W - to grasp in the mind with clarity or certainty.
Once you tackle a few KNOWS, you can say YES to a balanced YOU!
The first KNOW is KNOW your strengths.
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Really sit down and write (or type) what you do best.
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Are you a multitasker? Great, then you can tackle a few projects at a time with ease. I’m not a multitasker. I KNOW I have to focus and conquer one project at a time.
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Do you work better by yourself or with a team?
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How many of you can get by on less then seven hours of sleep? (Raise your hands.) Lucky you.
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When do you perform best? (Me, after 10:00 am and after the 2nd cup of coffee!) Learn what works for you and your productivity and stick to that schedule. Actually place blocks of time on your calendar to tackle projects.
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Once you learn your strengths, you can begin balancing your work and life.
The second KNOW is KNOW your support system or team.
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These are your trusted advisors. Chances are what you’re feeling, you are not alone.
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My friend opened up to me at coffee the other morning. She wanted to throw in the towel. Find a job completely out of her industry. One that did NOT fit her personality. She is a successful sales manager working in real estate.
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It’s really hard at times to admit we need help.
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When you feel like you’re a lone island, stop and call your cheering squad. Vent, get it out, or share your victories over a cup of coffee. SCHEDULE TIME IN YOUR MONTH to meet with those who support and encourage you.
The third KNOW is KNOW when to relax.
This can be difficult to do when email needs answering, mobile phone ringing, instant messages pouring in.. We haven’t even started talking about the duties we women tackle AFTER the workday.
My husband, who’s part of my support team, said it the best. You cannot perform if you’re lacking in sleep, not rejuvenated, or mind clouded. Sometimes you just have to UNPLUG and relax. Make it a priority to schedule some one-on-one time with YOU! Pick up an old hobby or start a new one. Treat yourself to coffee or window-shopping. Do whatever it takes to let your mind and body relax. And yes, that means possibly turning off the technology! Don’t worry! My team has you covered if any problems should arise when you turn the technology back on.
Your path to success should incorporate a few of the KNOWS – know your strengths, know your support system, and lastly, know when to relax. If you make a few changes or super charge what’s working for you, I KNOW you’re on your way to a balanced work and life!
(Please contact Andrea Bacarisse first before copying and/or distributing this speech.)
When you have a moment, check out E2E’s website www.goe2e.com or visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2etechnology or send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech If you have questions about your business’ communications, feel free to contact us for a one-on-one consultation.
