How to Set Boundaries

As entrepreneurs, creatives, and influencers, we love what we do. We spend countless hours working on our craft. We are the marketers, bookkeepers, and administrative assistants, the driving force behind our business. Sometimes in all of this, we lack balance in our lives. Customers call and text early morning and late evening, often even encroaching on the weekends. That's okay if your business is available on the weekends; however, those business models that work 9 to 5 five days a week can create problems in your personal life and burn you out business-wise. Here are my ideas to better manage your business time. 

Number 1: Set A Schedule:

I instituted business hours. We are open Monday through Thursday, 9 - 5 pm. Friday's 9-1 pm. Monday is media day at Jeff Carnie Photography. I spend the day writing blogs, planning the week, editing, and bookkeeping. Tuesday through Thursday, I'm in the field on-location shoots. Friday is used to finishing the week's work. Weekends are reserved for weddings and portraits if necessary. 

Number 2: Automate:

Instead of posting on social media daily, set your postings at the top of the week to auto-post to the different platforms. It will save you lots of time.

Number 3: Turn Off Alerts

I must admit that this one is hard for me. I recently turned off all my alerts on my phone, so I don't hear it ping every time I hear my email or text messages. I am still a work in progress on this one. 

Number 4: Outsource

Outsourcing will save you lots of time whenever you can outsource your work. 

Number 5: Take Breaks

Everyone needs time to refresh. Taking a break or a vacation will give you time to rejuvenate and relax. 

Number 6:  Spend Time With Family and Friends

I was amazed at the personal benefit of sharing uninterrupted time with loved ones. It allowed me to decompress and enjoy life.