Vacuum Tracks and Short Cuts

Earlier this week, I had a client coming over to review a project. Our house is always presentable, but I have what's called the 5 minute rule - this is my rule, not one my family follows.  I like to have my house in order so that if someone calls and says, "Hey, we are 5 minutes away, can we stop by?" I feel comfortable saying - sure come on over.  Over the past couple of weeks, I have not been able to spend enough time with my house and it was definitely not living up to my 5 minute rule! 

That morning, I had another client project that needed more attention than I had allocated.  As I worked on it, I kept wondering if there was a short cut I could take in the design process that would help me finish the project and have the time to clean the house before my client showed up.  I knew that it was not the right thing to do, every client deserves 100% of our efforts, all of the time. I finished my project and had about 30 minutes to clean.

I stood and looked at my house and once again thought, what shortcuts can I take so that the house looks clean enough for now.  I dusted, cleaned the guest bath and then got the vacuum out.  As I was vacuuming, I watched the tracks that were being made by the vacuum.  It made me start thinking.  It is very easy when running a vacuum to see the tracks and know where you missed.  It isn't easy to take a short cut with a vacuum because it leaves tracks in the carpet.  Then it hit me.  I couldn't hide the vacuum marks from my client because it left tracks. And I can't hide anything from Jesus because he sees everything I do, I leave tracks.

I thought back to my morning and the idea of wanting to find a short cut on my client project.  I realized I didn't take a short cut because it wouldn't be right.  The work I am given is definitely a blessing, I am being given an opportunity to serve another person and their business through the talents I have been given. Not only do my clients see the work, but I know that God is watching the efforts I put in to creating the projects my clients need.  They are my vacuum tracks and no short cuts will do.

I have had a verse shown to me over and over this past few months. I'd like to share it with you and hope that you consider the vacuum tracks you make each day. Don't take short cuts, give 100% to the clients you serve, because it's not just the client you are serving. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

Many blessings to your work week and your time with your family. Keep Christ first in your life and you won't have to worry about who comes in second place.

Tips to help build your business...and more!

Twitter postings, blogs away, have you used LinkedIn today? SEO, PHP, LOL, MOTD, how many acronyms do we need? Facebook friends are on the go, read their posts and you'll soon know. MySpace, Ning, MeetUp and Tagged, post post post or you'll be nagged.  Clients, meetings, be in the know...sorry something has to go!

If something has to go in order to fit in everything on your to do list, please cut some of the time you use posting messages on social media.  I give myself a "Mental Pause" throughout my work day.  That is when I will sign on to one of my social media sites and catch up with a few posts and add a comment. No more than 5 minutes and I'm focused and back to work on my business at hand.

Here are six tips to help you build your business.

1. Be passionate and purposeful. Start out each day with a prayer, purpose and a plan. Give yourself little reminders on why you started your business and bring back the passion. 
2. Be mindful of time stealers.  Sure the lawn needs to be watered, the dog needs play time and ugh, did you see the dust on the living room furniture? If you worked outside of the house, these things would be scheduled for evening or weekends.  These are good "mental pause" items, take five minute breaks and dust the furniture, throw a load of laundry in, put something in the crock pot for dinner and then back to work!
3. Sell, promote and sell some more. We meet so many people who have a passion for what they want to do but really hate selling.  Part of owning and operating any business is making sure you get in front of your target market to sell your product or service.  "Build it and they will come," just doesn't work. Schedule in time each day to make calls, write letters and email prospective clients.  
4. Have a customer service policy. Whatever your business is, you have a customer and you need to be ready in case that customer is not happy.  Really, customer service is not a problem with a satisfied customer.  If you aren't sure what to do, look up a few customer service policies by using Google. Do not simply copy someone's customer service policy, write one that works for your business ethics.
5. Whatever you do, work at it as though you are working for the Lord, not mankind. Col. 3:23. When I discovered this verse, it changed my way of thinking.  I pray before I begin a client project and ask for guidance. If I have a challenge, I take it to prayer. If I work as though I work for the Lord, everything else falls into place.
6. Schedule family time. One of the problems with working from home is having your work in front of you 24/7.  Take time to enjoy your family and friends. Take the breaks you need to stay healthy and enjoy your life.  Your business will benefit from a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Blessings!