For those of you who know me well this next statement won't come as a surprise, I don't LOVE technology.
This might seem like a strange confession from someone who makes a good living off coaching other people on how to use digital tools to expand their business. So let me clarify...
The Things I Don't Love About Technology (Short List):
The anxiety that creeps up when I leave my phone home while I run to the store (what if someone important calls???).
Staying up way too late watching YouTube videos and not getting my beauty rest.
Neglecting my family at the dinner table because I'm caught up in counting the views on my latest Facebook video.
Feeling like I can't just "be there" and enjoy a beautiful life moment without blasting it out for the world to see.
Judging my success (or failure) as a business owner by how many people I'm artificially "connected with."
The point I'm trying to make is that it's OK, if you are a business owner who doesn't love technology. It's OK if you feel addicted, attached and in an abusive relationship with your iPhone. And yes, it's Ok, in fact I argue it's essential to put down your devices and allow yourself a bit of freedom from it all.
The place of technology in business is to be a tool to connect you, your big idea and your passions with the world. It's an opportunity to reach people in areas you'll never physically go, who are like minded and want what you've got. It's a communication vehicle to get your message out there. It's about building deeper relationships. It's a touchpoint.
But it's not your real life.
Yet somehow we've let technology creep in and take over. We're a culture who's literally obsessed with our online life and persona, which often times a very different (inflated version) of what our actual life looks like. This madness must stop because it not only affects us, it's irresponsible behavior that's shaping the next generation of technology consumers.
So how do we balance technology when we're running a business? We need to be out there reaching people, joining the conversation and today's consumer demands we respond in minutes... so how then, can we ever step away without fearing we'll miss a business opportunity or worse, damage our reputation?
1.) Set Boundaries.
Boundaries in any relationship are important and this extends to your business contacts. You need to mold your customers into the type of people you actually like and want to work with. No, this won't work with everyone, but typically these are the people that suck all of your energy dry and might need to be re-released into the marketplace, if you catch my drift ;).
The purpose of setting boundaries is you can actually train your database to understand that you're a human with a family, not a super robot who is available all the damn time (please stop saying that you are available 24/7). This is deceiving and sets unrealistic expectations for everyone!
Instead, clearly communicate the hours you're available and unavailable. I say have fun with it! Let them know.... "Hey, I'm at home enjoying some time with my family, but I appreciate the call and value your business. I will respond within the hours of 7 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday so if you are receiving this message I got your inquiry and will be in touch soon!"
You may think this will turn people off, but in my experience it actually attracts the right kind of people. They will respect the transparency and fact that your priorities are in check.
2.) Define & Communicate Your Culture.
I encourage my clients to go through a branding exercise with me where we map out their brand identity and vision for their business. We define what their mission is, niche is, core values, goals, and paint a vivid picture of the type of business they're building, including the clients and staff they wish to work with.
This exercise is vital because it really sets the tone for the type of people you will attract. I truly believe that your business and life are in a symbiotic relationship and you can't clearly separate the two. Your business is where you spend a lot of your time and should bring you joy and support your life goals.
By defining the type of business and communicating it with the world you will naturally pull in the right type of business relationships who are on board with your vision and respect your process... including how and when you communicate with them and when you're "offline."
3.) Schedule "Tech-Free" Time.
There are a bunch of scientific studies that support this concept, but the gist of it is that you need to schedule time, preferably 30 minutes before bed, where you put down all technology and enjoy unstimulated time. I like to read a book, but you could journal, do dishes, a load of laundry, stretch, whatever floats your boat but the key is no screen time (including T.V.). I admit I haven't mastered this yet. I love watching T.V. before bed, but definitely notice it does not support restful sleep.
Another great option is to declare the dinner table a "tech-free zone." This means you sit, as a family, around the dinner table and leave the cell phones behind. Enjoy a good meal and spend some quality time with your inner circle. I have also heard some entrepreneurs set a time each day (8pm has been thrown out there) at which point they power off all devices for the night.
The goal is to create a few rules for yourself that protect your family time and promote healthier relationships and living.
4.) Plan A Digital Detox.
My personal fav! I am a total free spirit and need time off the grid. I am blessed to live in the beautiful state of Utah, so my detox time usually involves spending a weekend day in a remote location where I don't have service, so I can't check my cell phone even if I want to (that's me below in the Uintas, Utah).
You might not need to do yoga over the Lysefjorden in Norway (see image above) or go off the grid to achieve the level of digital detox bliss I'm referencing, but plan at least one full day every month where you put down the phone and do something you enjoy.
It might be tough to leave your phone behind for a day but once you get into a groove with this you will love it. Not only does it feel so relaxing to be undisturbed for a day, it will allow your brain the clarity, focus, space and creativity to think through challenges you are facing in business and life. Some of my best ideas occur during my detox time. I think it's because I am actually paying attention and open to catching these ideas which normally get lost in the craziness of running a business.
For those of you with children, I know you can't just leave and turn off your phone for a day so I suggest a family outing or putting your phone on "do not disturb" mode and only accepting alerts from your husband or wife and children. Make sure to let them know what you are doing so they only contact you if it's an emergency... and be sure to define "emergency" (not knowing what to make for dinner doesn't count).
Hope these tips help you achieve more balance in your digital and real life and allow you to start creating healthier habits. After all, technology should be serving us... not the other way around!
xo
CopyKat