Perspectives

Today on the IVAA forum, there was discussion about how to handle sick leave and vacations with your clients. It was a great discussion and part of it, I thought, would make a good blog for discussion. We got onto the topic of work/life balance, and how to find and keep it. I believe this is good advice for anyone who owns a small business and I hope it helps you in your business.

One way of having a work/life balance, as a virtual assistant, is to have a business model that incorporates the use of subcontractors. Having subs or a team can be a great way to have more clients at one time, bring in more money, and have coverage for those times you are not available. But if you don’t want subs or a team model, there are other ways to keep that work/life balance.

There have been many times I’ve mentored a VA and she tells me her clients have stepped all over her boundaries. It becomes a habitual thing and before you know it, you’re working 24/7, seven days a week and wondering why you ever decided to own your own business.

But I want to tell you a little secret. We are the ones who let that happen.

We are adults, and as such, it is up to us to set and stick to boundaries. And yet it’s one area we seem to have such trouble with. When did we decide that being a business owner is equivalent to being “Superman?” When did we decide that we must be all things to all people at all times – or else! Do you truly believe the client wants that of you?

If you are working constantly, and not taking any time for YOU, chances are you are not giving your best. And in most cases, that’s what the client wants, just your best. They chose to work with you because of YOU, who you are, what you can bring to the table, and how you conduct your life. What they don’t want is someone who has no balance – in their life, in their home, in their work. And trust me, sooner or later, it will show!

So begin thinking about the policies and procedures you have in place regarding your boundaries. If you don’t have any, get them in place. And then stick to them. Obviously, things are going to happen and emergencies come up. The majority of us are more than willing to be available and accommodating during those times. But the client must understand that those times should not be the norm.

Having boundaries and sticking to them has many benefits, both to the client and to you:

• you have a work/life balance which makes you a happier, healthier person,
• your clients understand you are a professional business owner who is running your business the way you design,
• your clients have a respect for you because you not only have policies, but you stick to them, and
• you may rub off on your client.

My clients for the most part are workaholics. They enjoy being around me so I can help remind them (and vice-versa) – “Hey, this is vacation time. Get off  the Blackberry!” You can develop a good rapport with your clients so that if you, or they, are tilting away from that balance, you can help each other back to the center. Those are the kinds of clients I have and I love them holding me accountable for the boundaries in my life.

So let’s hear from you. What do you do to achieve a work/life balance? Are you surrounding yourself with those who can help you in your balance? What other benefits comes from balance? Tell me if this has helped spark some thoughts in your business.

Vickie