DUSSELDORF, GERMANY: I’m back here in Germany to oversee our launch plans, and have to say the team really don’t need me as they have everything well in order, ahead of time. Yippee! Love the fact that this gives me time to concentrate on other plans for our business and also gives me some more R&R time, too.
I can honestly say, though, that even through the ups and downs of everyday trials and tribulations, I still love my job as chief executive of VIE at home.
In our business, where most of the sales happen at home-based parties in the evening, this means that I am often contacted by text and email well into the night – especially when it’s month end.
Just like retail stores, people tend to want to book parties and shop near month end, plus our consultants will do calls with their customers to get repeat sales – cosmetics is such a repeat purchase product – to help them achieve their monthly bonuses or incentives. The end of September will be even busier as it’s the last month of an incentive trip to Cape Town – a fully expensed luxury trip for around 80 of our top sales and recruiters, where they will be wined and dined in style – great team building and great memories!
I do have one work-life balance rule, though. I always turn my phone off at 10pm, otherwise I would be divorced!
This is done safe in the knowledge that my IT team will be checking our ordering system and the consultant online message board to ensure all is running smoothly.
Being a lark, I do check my phone first thing in the morning (no, I do not have this by my bed!). I get up at 6am, so I need to be in bed by 10pm, as I don’t function well without sleep (thankfully I have VIE products that aid sleep).
I love that early time of the day before everyone else is at work – it’s my most creative time of the day, for sure. I might write copy, work up new product ideas or plan new promotions. Often by the time my team come in they have meeting requests with me to discuss these ideas, or even a full brief.
I really try not to work at the weekend, but I am on call, and do check my emails (and sales) regularly. I have always prepped for the week ahead on a Sunday night – must be from leaving my school homework until this time. I have never counted the hours I do in a week – maybe 55-60. I don’t like to think about this as I might be surprised. Thankfully, I have a lovely commute of 30 mins across the beautiful South Downs.
I am fortunate that, while my job is 24-7, I am able to switch off. I love my garden and my home, and often recharge my batteries with a bit of fresh air. This weekend, for example, was a lovely mix of family, friends, gym, bike rides, country pubs and a lot of laughter. And good weather. What a difference that made!
Despite the heavy workload involved with being a CEO, I will be making sure I squeeze in a little R&R this week. Hope you do, too.
<Source: www.grant-thornton.co.uk>
