As an entrepreneur, your time is your most valuable asset. In the past two decades, I’ve had countless individuals reach out for “coffee” to “pick my brain.” While I deeply appreciate the ambition, my time, like yours, is finite. What many don’t realize is that much of the information they seek is readily available through resources like Google and AI.
Instead of seeking free consultations, consider a different approach: How can you add value to my business? When you bring tangible benefits to a business owner, you’ll find them eager to buy you coffee, lunch, and listen intently to your ideas. This proactive, value-driven strategy is far more effective than unsolicited texts and calls.
I’ve observed a concerning trend among some aspiring entrepreneurs. They portray an image of success, driving rental cars and living rent-free, while their financial reality is far from it. Many in their 50s, with no formal education beyond the “school of hard knocks,” project a millionaire persona despite never earning over $100K annually or owning real estate.
These individuals often fall into the trap of becoming “webinar, Zoom, and event junkies.” They believe they are “busy working” or “learning,” when in reality, these endless calls and events aren’t generating income. They are often being sold a “pipe dream” – get-rich-quick schemes where only those at the top of the pyramid truly profit. These individuals, despite appearing constantly “busy,” often achieve little.
Here’s the undeniable truth: We all have the same 86,400 seconds in a day. No one gets a second more or less. Yet, many entrepreneurs squander this precious resource, believing they are being productive when they are merely busy doing nothing.
My own approach to online engagement is focused: I use YouTube or Zoom calls only to acquire specific skills, such as mastering Google Analytics or improving my blogging and writing.
This leads to a crucial question: Are you truly mindful of every second you spend? Or are you so caught up in the whirlwind of activity that you fail to recognize how much time you waste – from excessive sleep to endless social media scrolling until 3 AM, only to wake up at 9 AM feeling drained?
Many need less social media scrolling and more genuine time management. I share these insights through my blog so that instead of dedicating free coaching to one person, I can empower hundreds at once. While I offer paid one-on-one coaching and mentoring, my blog is a free resource for everyone.
I invite you to share your practical, effective time management tips that have worked for you. Let’s learn from each other and collectively master the art of effective time management.
