Debbie Mayo-Smith: Working when you don't have to

One of the traits that many successful entrepreneurs share is they work when they don't have to. Photo / iStock

My beautiful daughter Samantha (one of the twins) graduated university in December. Like most parents that run their own business, I wanted her to join me. We compromised on her continuing her working career as a marketing contractor, so she could take on a cornucopia of jobs for experience and flexibility.

I put a notice out to the Auckland base of my newsletter subscribers and she had 22 job offers. The net result is I only get four hours of her time each week. Three days a week she has an 8:30-4:30 marketing assistant role; Another day she drives out West for another client.

Here's the kicker. I would like more time with her.

Saturday and Sunday mornings: "Samantha, let's go do a gym class". The answer is 95% always "no". Samantha, wake up early and help me with some work. Again, mostly "no". See my column on early morning routines.

Sam's responses: "I want to sleep in on the days I don't go to work". "It's Saturday, I don't want to get up early". "I don't want to work like I see you do - on weekends, in the night, all the time".

It hit me with this last comment, that my Sammy doesn't have the entrepreneurial blood flowing through her veins. Her sister Elizabeth (one of the triplets) is driven. She has goals and wants to achieve them. Many 6am starts at Farros. Then on to her job at the cinema.

Babysitting, wine packing. Liz has the drive and the fever shall we call it.

One of the traits that many successful entrepreneurs share is they work when they don't have to. Such as first thing in the morning. The evenings and weekends are all times that most people are not working. However, you could be wasting your productivity.

Many successful entrepreneurs work whenever inspiration strikes. They cut down on 'down' time.

You don't have to be an entrepreneur to work like one. If you have a great idea for work, strike while the iron is hot and get working - even if you're not in work.

Debbie Mayo-Smith aka Ms Effective, gives speeches, seminars and trains on sales and personal productivity. Debbie helps you get more done in less time and increase profitability. Sign up for her monthly quick tip newsletter here. To have Debbie speak at your next event or train your team call 64 27 575 5359 or visit her website www.debbiespeaks.co.nz.