Are you too available?
by Michele DeKinder-Smith ~ September 10th, 2008. Filed under: A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur.
Modern technology means we can now pick up email and voicemail just about anywhere. But, compulsively checking your Blackberry every few minutes you’re not at your desk is not generally conducive to mental health or relaxation. Maintaining contact at all times can easily become a vicious cycle because it teaches your clients, partners, and/or employees that they can expect you to be available around the clock, making it increasingly difficult to take time away from the business or to focus on enjoying relaxed weekends or vacations.
This problem may be particularly an issue for two types of female entrepreneurs, Tenacity Jane and Go Jane Go who may feel the need to be immediately responsive more strongly than other groups. Tenacity Jane may worry that something is going wrong in the business or she will miss an important business opportunity if she is not in constant contact, while Go Jane Go may believe that her immediate availability is one way she shows her clients and employees that she cares about them (Don’t know your type? Take our free assessment.)
Personally, I love my Blackberry because it gives me a quick, simple way to make sure that everything’s going OK when I’m traveling on business. I’ll quickly scan to make sure nothing’s brewing but leave most emails to respond to later when I have focused time at my desk. When I’m home, unless I’ve told someone I’ll be available, it’s off by 6:30 p.m. (no emails or calls) until the next morning.
What are your strategies for managing the 24/7 phone and email flow?