Protect Your Free Hours

Protect Your Free Hours
In addition to protecting your business hours, you will also have to decide what days and hours you
wish to be closed and promise yourself that you will use them for non-business pursuits. In fact,
guard that free time with your life.
Be sure to inform your customers in regard to your working hours. If they want to come during
your off hours, tell them nicely but firmly that you are closed. Most will respect you and return
during your regular business hours.
At the end of your working day, turn on your answering machine and shut the door to your
business. Plan for activities with your family or friends and try not to overwhelm them with your
business problems. The idea is to have fun and give yourself a break. You will soon feel
overwhelmed and tired of your business if you never have the opportunity to get away from it.
It would be naive to pretend that a business owner will never have to work extra hours to make the
business prosper. Do what you need to do run your business, but don't let it run you—and don't let it
cause you to burn out your enthusiasm and create problems with the people you care about.
Remember, owning your own business is supposed to be a plus in your life!