I don't usually whine, but I think I do need to purge, share, list (rant) and maybe in doing so I'll see where I need to make changes. Or at least get an Amen, Sister! I can't be the only one with this time and priority setting dilemma!
I use my calendar and schedule my time. I do have my methods for keeping up, I keep a spreadsheet and production notes. I have ADHD so I use every coping mechanism I possibly can to streamline, organize and keep up with it all. But obviously even these tools are not enough .
Don't get me wrong. I love having my own business and I would not trade a single day of it for any other way of making a living. (No WAY!)
I love my memberships and I know I could not even think of doing this without some of them. Like MakeMinePink.com. I'm very active there. It is absolutely necessary to my business and my personal happiness. But there are the challenges therein of staying up to date with all the awesome things going on there and participating in the marketing boon afforded my business through the weekly events like Show and Tell Monday, Tuesday night marketing chats, and Pink Fridays. Linking, creating, sharing, learning - lots going on on that side of my life!
I also try to follow my favorite blogs and enjoy finding new ones and exchanging emails, making new friends and contacts. But I always end up after getting lost in blogland for hours (totally out of my control!) sitting here scratching my head wondering how on God's green earth these other women maintain topical, smart, funny blogs with professional looking new photos all the time showing off their hundreth new creation of the week all the while chatting about the adventures of their children who are also always photographed looking spotless and in the cutest clothes?. (I'm lucky if my son puts on pants and I'm pretty sure he does not own a shirt that is not camoflaged but still has visible stains!)
But the bulk of my time needs to be spent creating product. Product involves designing, cutting, sewing, ironing, finishing, photographing, creating webpages and posting, creating ads and meeting deadlines, creating newsletters and sending, selling, communicating with customers, tagging, wrapping, and shipping and following up.
Mine is a one person operation (Yes, I can see that part of my answer is I need a helper!!) so besides all this fun stuff, I have the not as fun stuff... the inventory control (yeah right! LOL!) paying the bills, ordering supplies, trying not to be buried in avalanches of fabric, filing receipts so next years taxes don't take 168 hours to complete, keeping spreadsheets, production schedules, and um, I lost track again, but there are definitely a bunch more not so fun things involved!
I try. I really do try. But I have trouble knowing where to draw the lines so that I can budget my time efficiently. And that's just my work related time. I also have a family to tend to ... an 11 yr old son, a 14 yr old daughter, a (very patient and understanding) husband, 3 dogs, 2 geckos, and a house in various states of repair (disrepair), painting and decorating.
I need a television show that will come to my rescue! A combo show that brings in all the best help in a blended What Not To Wear (only with someone like Lena West coming in and clearing out my office and telling me What Not to Do), The Nanny, Extreme Makeover, Clean House, and at the end I'll write a book telling others how to do it and go on Oprah and tell my story, then retire to rake in the residuals while I blog about all the creative things I did this week!
There. I feel much better now. Back to work!
(P.S. I do hope everyone realizes this is (mostly) a tongue-in-cheek look at the stuff on my plate, because we all have heaped up plates these days after all! Like I said, I wouldn't rather be doing anything else!) :)
18 comments:
I think you may have answered your own question Dianne!
That was one busy post.
Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com
Well, you tired me out just reading it...LOL...I feel like I have it easy...just 3 Comp classes to teach...one husband...no kids...18 rescued cats...one shop...hmmm...not so bad...
Susan *dutchrose*
Susan, that sounds pretty darn busy to me. I cannot imagine 18 cats. And my hubby is a teacher, that is job enough in itself for one person.
Oh well ... I do it all 'cuz I love it, I'd just like some practical advice that I can actually do to do it all better and with more energy!
Sometimes we just can't do it all. Sad but true. It's time for tough decisions,
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com
Hi Dianne,,, Man now I am tired. lol I had all of those things as well. For me, the one thing, and really important thing was what was getting shorted on time was producing product. I can hear Dr Phil saying "hows that working out for you?" It wasnt, and alot of the networking I was doing was not paying off, so I very rarely do facebook, twitter, myspace and etsy these days. Its like the line in the movie, "he's just not that into you" I felt like I was being rejected by 7 different technologies! lol I love my blog, for me, its my thing. I love my website and of course Make Mine Pink, so thats whats working for me these days. I just had to prioritize and figure out what I luv the most. I sure hope you find your balance.. You want to make sure to get your products designed and made because you are sooo talented and your work needs to be made and seen! Hang in there girl!!! Happy creating.. gail
That is true Pat, I can't stretch myself so thin and still give the quality I want to give to the most important things. So.. I guess it's time to find an assistant!!
GAIL!!! Now that is a wonderful response! Thank you so much! Sometimes it takes just the right thing to be said to help you gain perspective and you hit the nail on the head with "How's that working out for ya!" I really appreciate the constructive, thoughtful reply with practical advice. You are very wise! I really have to get back to my "Core Work" as Jack Canfield calls it. I really do feel better now! XOXO
Amen to that Dianne! That is why I am beading purses...it is my therapy!! LOL
Dianne,
You are one busy Pinkie! Try not to work too hard, and have a nice week.
Shannon
www.shabbyshanscottage.com
Well crap!! I'm right there with ya! We can't do it all and do it well. Some things have to go bye bye and the most important stay. Twitter??? Not sure how that is useful at all. MMP is the best. The rest are just fill ins. Stay focused and let some things go. We really can't do it all. No one can, no matter how great the calender system is. Life just happens.
bunny kisses,
shell
Well said Dianne!
Hi Dianne,
Were you able to attend any of Lena's webinars? Gail put it quite well, and I tired out before the end of the post. You are just such a creative seamstress, with adoring and innovatine product. Set yourself so when the brass ring comes your way you will be able and ready to run with it.
Huggs, Nancy
Dianne,
The humor in which the post is written is great but I know that it is all true. It is almost impossible to balance all that needs to be done. I feel the same way and sometimes I just shut down and get nothing done! You do have more on your computer plate than I do. I really don't know how you do it all and then find time to help we helpless computer illiterates! Let me know what I can do to help you! Sounds like you need to hire help. Easier said than done though. I really enjoyed reading your post.
Jennifer
Hi Nancy,
Yes, I was able to attend a couple of the webinars and hope to attend the future ones consistently. Lena is very motivating and dynamic and I know we have all learned a lot from her. I think my main problem is the SuperWoman/SuperMom syndrome where there are times when either I believe I can do everything and do it well, or feel I should be able to and am somehow lacking. I am not always this overwhelmed though, and I do try to keep my humor regardless!
Maybe I should not wear my weaknesses out on my sleeve (blog) but hey, we all have moments, right? I am glad though for sharing - because it has motivated me to truly prioritize and like you said... get set up and ready for my brass ring!! Thanks for that encouragement, it means a lot to me!
Thanks Jennifer, I'm glad you get my humor (I think sometimes it doesn't translate well to writing)!
It's always give me pleasure to help you or anyone of my Pink friends. I think the things I need to budget my time about are those things that Gail pointed out that are not bringing me pleasure or any other kind of return on investment of my time and energy. So until I'm well centered and have my business better positioned for what I really want it to become, I'll focus on the core work and marketing that works (MMP and direct ads). It's all good, I'll always be learning new and better ways to grow my business and myself. XOXO Thanks for the support!
Thank you Dianne,, I am glad I said something that helped. That happens so rarely. LOL No body listens to me. Just ask my kids. :) Seriously, what your great at is sewing. You are sooo talented. Work on your passion first and market where it has paid off. Being prejudiced here I believe that is MMP and your own ads, as you also said. Happy creating sweetie,,, hugs, gail
AMEN SISTER! Yes Dianne I can see why you are so tired! OMGoodness! Cute post. Thanks for sharing. Now I don't feel so bad! *smiles* Will a Hug Help! (( ))
Susan
www.myvintagecharm.com
www.myvintagecharm.typepad.com
I read it really really fast to keep up with you, you are a hoot! Glad to have found you, have been to your other site, uh, the dot com one you sell on, and love it! Look forward to discussing designs.
Cindy Sue
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