When helping a client to resolve their time management issues, one of the first things I do is look at their calendar. The time when there are no meetings scheduled is called “white space”. Should you have a lot or a little?
Too much white space signifies to me you aren’t using your calendar properly as a tool. Not only should there be meetings with others on your calendar, but also meetings with yourself. Let your calendar help you stay focused on what YOU really want to get done today. Go ahead…add those appointments to exercise or to work on a project. You’re more apt to get them done.
Not enough white space indicates you probably aren’t being too realistic, especially if you have a team. Work needs to be reviewed and people need to be encouraged. Interruptions, whether planned or not, will happen. Packing your day so tight you can hardly breathe is sure to make you stressful.
So, how much white space is appropriate? It depends on your style. If you need to be driven and kept on task, then just a little. If you need to be available, then more. Either way, white space should be intentional on your calendar. White space is the gift we give to ourselves each day to take a breathe between tasks.
How much white space have you intentionally put on your calendar and why?
I’m in the middle of my own branding makeover. Due to a season of life change (we are empty nesters now and are not tied to our home), I wanted flexibility in how I delivered my productivity improvement services. My model has been primarily 1-1 onsite consulting so due to time alone, I max out on the number of folks I can work with and therefore also the amount of money I can earn. I want to reach more small business owners – AND be able to work while we travel. I want to have my cake and eat it too! (Don’t we all really want that?)
So…I rushed to consider options like:
- Adding staff in the field to “duplicate” me.
- Dropping some services all together.
- Helping my clients virtually – using techology tools so I could work with people from anywhere I had internet or phone access.
- Providing how-to information online so clients don’t have to wait for me.
I’ve opted to incorporate some of all these options. This process is forcing me to determine a strategy. I came across this article from Entreprenuer magazine. In it, it gives three different case studies of large companies and their re-branding strategies.
It got me to thinking, I’d really like to hear about strategies from small businesses that are more like me. Those that fit the small office/home office (SOHO) size. If you have something to share, please do so! Yes, we can learn from the big guys but it is also important to learn from folks just like you.
Have you reinvented yourself? What lessons can you share or what resource can you point a small business to?
