Viewpoint: You Can Have it All

By Todd D. Bramson, President (BBA '83)
Bramson & Associates, LLC
302 Jenna Drive , Verona , WI 53593
1-608-219-6077
tbramson@aol.com
www.toddbramson.com

We live in complicated and busy times, no doubt. There are more demands and pressures than ever before. Is there a way to manage the workload, take some time off to spend with loved ones, and/or have more fun? Yes, if you make it your goal!

“You can have it all” is my personal mantra. This involves three objectives that most people would think are mutually exclusive. In fact, for me to consider my year a success, all three of the following objectives have to be met:

1. Grow my business
2. Work less
3. Have more fun

I'm pleased to report that for the past ten years, since I established this plan, I've managed to accomplish that threefold objective in every year.

Common questions are; how can you grow a business and work less? Or, if you are working less, won't the business shrink? How can it be more fun, if you are worried about the future.

The only way to have it all as defined by the three objectives noted above is to carefully and strategically implement the following:

• Utilize target marketing to increase your business and profitability. Become “the expert” in your field and network with the leaders in that target market.
• Utilize the media to your advantage. Getting published, writing an article and/or assisting a reporter and/or editor with an article shows that you are a resource, have credibility and can be trusted.
• Delegate everything. The best of the best worked hard and often did some very menial tasks as they started their careers, but as they became more successful, they learned to delegate all but the most important tasks. Remember, Tiger Woods doesn't pick up range balls or mow greens!
• Use and embrace technology! While it is stressful learning new programs, and how to use the latest device, if it will help you to become more efficient, then the time you spend learning is an investment, not an expense.
• Spend more time with people you enjoy. I use the following proverb as a method of deciding who I can learn from, or Follow (mentors, coaches, etc.) and who I can Awaken and Teach (my best clients) and who I should Avoid . Minimize the time you spend with people who are dangerous, because not only is it frustrating….you are cheating your family, yourself, and your best clients because you can't spend more time with them.

Ancient Proverb (Author Unknown)

He (or She!) who knows and knows he knows, is wise: Follow Him (Her)
He who knows, but knows not that he knows, is simple: Awaken Him
He who does not know, but knows he does not know, is asleep: Teach Him
He who does not know, but does not know he does not know, is dangerous: Avoid Him

I encourage all of you to examine your current sales/business model and identify new ways of looking at your current list of activities. With some changes as noted above, you really can have it all!

If you would like to submit a short article for the "Viewpoint" section of Wisconsin Business Alumni's electronic newsletter, please contact WBA at 608/265-0575 or alumni@bus.wisc.edu. The information appearing in this column is the opinion of the author, and is not endorsed by Wisconsin Business Alumni or the School of Business.