Is it possible to run a home inspection business and have a healthy personal life away from work? Absolutely says Richard Branson. The founder of Virgin Group, Branson is known for his antics outside the boardroom just as much as his action in. Here are three ways Branson builds business and budgets in play.
Schedule Your Fun
One way Branson keeps his cool is by using technology to keep track of play in the same way that he does work.
“…I use phone calendars, email reminders and mobile reminders to maneuver my way to each meeting, event and party,” Branson wrote in an Entrepreneur.com article. “You can also use these things to make sure you have time to eat regularly and that you can get a good sleep.”
While simple calendar and alarm functions already built into your phone can help, apps like CrunchTime can track where your time is going.
Keep Control
Using technology is one thing. Letting it rule your life is another Branson warns.
“You must manage your Blackberry; do not let it manage you,” he says. Many executives check their smartphones throughout meetings and during off-hours. This is not good for concentration, and has a negative impact on decision making. Use it only in bursts: check emails for an hour or so and then put it away so you can focus on the task at hand.”
Focusing on one thing at a time means more accomplishments which means more time for play.
Look Ahead
“Finding time for aspirational thought is vital. When I am on Necker Island, I spend time every day in a hammock with my notebooks and iPad, thinking over new dreams and ideas,” he writes. “At the beginning of your career, you may only be able to schedule 10 minutes during business travel, or between meetings, but even if that is all you can do, you should make the most of it.