It sometimes feels like today's world moves at the speed of lightning. When you're trying to balance building and maintaining a business while growing a family, it seems to move twice as fast. Technology has made it possible for business owners to work more remotely, which has its benefits when it comes to work/life balance. It also comes with its own set of challenges in terms of being able to "turn off work" since it’s always right at our fingertips.

Today let's take a step back from our usual mortgage talk and navigate the role of a business owner in today's remote environment. It's also sometimes important to look at slower seasons of business as a blessing in disguise. This summer has been unforgettable. Instead of spending long hours in the office, I've spent long hours at water parks, reading books and making memories with my kids. It has been some of the most memorable summers of my life and I've learned a few lessons along the way!

Remote Work Culture is Good for Everyone.

Remote work is often seen as beneficial for the employee, but it can also have many benefits for the employer and business owner. Some of these benefits include higher retention levels, increased brand awareness, better communication, improved employee morale, and higher productivity. Successful and productive companies often embrace remote work for all employees who can reasonably do it.

Every company or organization that wants to accomplish its mission, attract high levels of talent, retain key performers, and find a competitive customer advantage will consider and establish remote work opportunities. Remote work increases the company morale and the staff feels more valued and respected, leading to better work performance. Many remote workers and business owners report higher levels of productivity. Without the distractions of a physical office, employees can create an environment that maximizes their focus and efficiency. Remote work also helps save the business money which can convert to higher profits in the long run. Operating remotely often reduces overhead costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. You can save on expenses like rent, utilities, office supplies, and commuting.

From a personal standpoint, remote work gives both the business owner and employees an opportunity to "reset their register." Being away from the office and being able to create their own work environment and build their own version of work-life balance can help realign priorities and employees and business owners alike can feel more in touch with their "WHY". Ask yourself: "What is really important at the end of the day? Is it really that serious?" The most serious part is providing for and being able to spend time with the family. I personally have loved having the opportunity to focus on my kids and making memories they will never forget.

Work-Life Benefits of Being a Remote Business Owner

Being a remote business owner comes with several benefits that can contribute to your personal success and work-life balance. Remote business owners often have greater control over their work-life balance, allowing them to spend more time with family and engage in personal activities. Working from home forces you to ground yourself, realign your priorities, and truly rediscover your WHY. It forces you to need to disconnect and be more present with your family. As a remote business owner, you have the flexibility to set your own schedules and work from any location. This allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to adapt to personal or family needs.

Some other advantages include reduced commute stress, better innovation and creativity, a more personalized workspace, and leaving behind a better environmental impact. The absence of a daily commute can lead to reduced stress and improves mental well-being while results in a better version of you around your family. This can result in better overall health and job satisfaction. Remote work environments also often encourage innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. Having the freedom to design your own workspace to suit your preferences and needs, can contribute to improved comfort and satisfaction. Without the constraints of a traditional office, employees and business owners can explore new approaches. As a remote business owner, you are accustomed to working in a dynamic and changing environment, which can foster adaptability and resilience, both in your professional and personal life. From an environmental standpoint, remote businesses contribute to reducing carbon emissions by eliminating the need for daily commuting and by using fewer resources associated with physical office spaces.

Remote work culture has allowed me to take time to realize what's truly important in life and it's forced me to establish real boundaries with my work so I can also prioritize time with my family. One of the biggest challenges of work from home culture is not being able to "turn off work," this is a skill that needs to be practiced. If I wanted to I could be working for hours on end closing as many deals as possible, but this time is something I will never get back. I can't get back weekday family dinners, I can't get back reading my kids a book before bed or taking them to school every morning. Building boundaries around your work when the lines between work and family start to blur helps you be more present and intentional with your time.

Navigating Slower Seasons of Business

The ebbs and flows and highs and lows of being a business owner means that there will be slower seasons. Navigating slower seasons of business can be challenging, but with careful planning and strategic actions, you can minimize the impact and even use the downtime to your advantage. You can use this as a time for realignment, redirection, and reconnection! Slower seasons give you the opportunity to look inward in both your business and in your personal life. How can you be a better business partner/business owner? How can you be a better employer? How can you be a better husband/wife or father/mother? Look at the world through the eyes of a child and it'll help you take things less seriously and simply move forward.

Dedicate time to enhancing your skills and knowledge. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops that can help you develop new strategies or improve your business. You can also use this time to focus on relationships. Connect with other business owners, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. Networking can lead to new opportunities and partnerships that can help sustain your business during slower periods. After a slower season, take the time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Use this information to refine your strategies and build a stronger business.

It's important to plan ahead. Anticipate slower seasons and plan accordingly. Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes strategies for both peak and off-peak periods. This might involve adjusting your marketing efforts, managing expenses, and creating a contingency fund. Staying positive and resilient during slower times is key for character development and mental health. Keep your long-term goals in mind and use this period as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Remember that slower seasons are a natural part of many businesses and can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth. By adopting a proactive and strategic approach, you can navigate through these periods, actually ENJOY the rest, and emerge stronger on the other side.