by Jennifer Studer Daley | Featured Contributor
So now you’re your own boss. But are you being your own best boss?
1. Be on your “A” game
You are your brand, you are a walking advertisement and the main spokesperson for your company. How you dress, how you speak and how you make people feel all affect how others view your company and whether they want to “buy in.” Whether you’re just starting out or established make sure you’re putting your best foot forward – yep, that means on social media too. Nothing represents your brand more than you. Hold yourself to higher standards; you’ll be happy you did.
2. Trust yourself and your instincts
Be confident in your decisions. If you don’t trust yourself, others will see that and begin to second-guess you. If you have the time and really need to think through a dilemma or new business partnership, deliberate in private. You had the confidence to become an entrepreneur, put your shoulders back and show that self-assurance to the world.
3. Be the boss you wish you had before you became an entrepreneur
What traits does your ideal boss exhibit? What did your former colleagues say about their model boss? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Take some time to reflect on these questions and then personify the characteristics you deem most important.
4. Don’t get run down
My grandfather and fellow entrepreneur once told me, “You mustn’t burn out quickly my dear; life is a marathon not a sprint.” Be realistic with the expectations you have for yourself and your business. It is also critical to make time to refuel and unplug. When in doubt, schedule that vacation or weekend getaway.
5. Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you evaluate progress every year
It is one thing to have a quarterly review with your team, but to really take a step back sometimes we need to use a fresh pair of eyes. Get someone not directly involved in your business to offer their perspective. Even better, utilize multiple people in your inner circle to review financials, new business opportunities and the structure of your operations.
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Jennifer Studer Daley is an internationally published writer, whose mission is to empower and serve others through storytelling. She built a prestigious career in television production and sports communications, working for CBS Sports, the NFL and the NFL Network, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers before leaving her comfort zone to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.
Jennifer, now a freelance writer and communications consultant, founded timeformetobe.com to encourage others to awaken their soul, build their mind and follow their heart.
Passionate about inspiring others to live their best life, Jennifer uses her extraordinary storytelling skillset to help brands, small businesses and non-profit organizations establish meaningful, lasting relationships with their customers and communities.
