What some people do not realize is that being busy isn’t good unless it is part of their plan. Several that I know brag about being unusually active, but their results are at a minimum. Busyness implies that one is hustling in a dozen different directions all at the same time. If all the activities were complementary for a broader output, that makes sense. But random modes of doing things do not bode well for business. More often, being in a state of busyness detracts from what needs to get done.
A far better approach is to swap the word, busy, for focus.
When we focus on building the essential elements for business, we are more inclined to set meaningful achievement goals. And as we retain the focus on what we ultimately want to accomplish, we eventually achieve more than we previously imagined.
The issue is that most become impatient and then quit. It takes strict dedication and motivation to contend with the outside noise to focus on what needs to get done. We need to come to terms with the fact, being busy isn’t good.
My Story
Almost everyone has a lengthy agenda for what they should do, but not everything gets done. For business, items include keeping the database up to date, checking in with clientele, finalizing projects for clients, creating new products and services, and delivering goods and value as we promise. Of course, issues sometimes arise, and they can eat up much of our time.
I did my best to adhere to a tight schedule throughout the day in the sales environment. The morning routine included reaching out to new people, following up with calls, emails, and meetings. In the afternoon, I would update the CRM system, write thank you notes for our meetings, and follow-up on schedule with requests. Frequently, novel ideas would come to me. I would pick up the phone to inquire if the novel thought may be of interest.
The entrepreneurial lifestyle is more challenging than a single path sales career. Entrepreneurs also do the prospecting, speak with clients, and later follow up.
Adding to the time dilemma, we are also responsible for developing and providing services. At times, the process can be overwhelming. Being busy isn’t good unless we add direction to the pursuit.
My best example for maintaining focus, no matter what, is when I attended a new networking event years ago. No one wanted to have anything to do with me after announcing I was a sales trainer. Someone kindly suggested to establish credibility; I am to write a book. I was taken by surprise as the thought never entered my mind. At the time, I was the opposite of busy, so I took the advice.
Nine months later, I attended the same networking event. My focus and purpose had me commit to far more than one book. Committing to the long haul, I created an entire product line besides the book. Upon entering the social scene, people remembered my previous entrance. They looked at me almost in disbelief that I had the nerve to show up again. But that all changed when they heard what I completed in the timeframe. One by one, they each asked how I was advancing business at lightning speed.
The differentiator from being busy is to focus, set goals, commit to the timeline, and then set more far-reaching goals.
Professionals with whom I’ve recently become acquainted have several inspiring projects going all at the same time. They are busy, but their differentiators include eliminating complaints, and they do not use being busy as an excuse. Instead, they explain where their focus is of the moment and into the future. They are purpose-driven and are holding to it in everything they do. I particularly admire those striving to help the communities around them, working for the greater good.
