My friend Mike, who has defined himself in many ways throughout his entrepreneurial life, is on the road a lot dealing with clients. When someone asked him recently where his office was he replied, “In my pocket.”
Like so many of us, the BlackBerry or however you name what tethers you to your business, he is on call all the time. I haven’t taken that leap…yet. My best number to be reached at is still my home office. I check that one from the road before I check the voicemail on my Treo. I am not available 24/7 to anyone. I don’t work that way–literally or figuratively.
As society is speeding up, especially with social media–I mean, would I have known that Brittany Murphy died within an hour of its occurrence even 3 years ago?–I find myself recoiling. I know that our world is gravitating in this direction. But the contrarian in me still wants to see a human face, to hold a hand-addressed and hand-signed card in my fingers, and to be in community with groups of people, not voices in a chat room.
Forgive me my curmudgeonly ways. My office is located in my home, and when I leave it for non-business related activities, it is with consciousness and a desire to strike a balance. I will return calls and emails in a responsible amount of time and I am worth the wait.
I love the last line. I am going to memorize it!
@Sharon
Yes, you are!
Jane we are kindred spirits on this one. I choose when to be connected. I refuse to put internet access on my cell phone and actually turn it off often even when I am out and about. I like to be responsive to my clients and others, and there are limits. Here’s to finding them. Over and over again! 🙂
@Pearl
I think we’re kindred spirits on a LOT! Reading your newsletters always gives me a boost and an ‘atta girl’ that someone I admire and respect so much has eloquently expressed something I, too, support.
Jane
I’m with you… we are nourished by times when we are not “on” nor available, when we can hear the natural sounds around us and present with the person beside us. It is no surprise that the books, Less, and The Power of Slow are proving popular
savor these precious holidays. Your daily blog post is always a treat for me to read. Bet it would be much different if you did not adhere to your philosophy, expressed so well here
I agree…somewhat 🙂
For some people it works to be “always on”. It gives them a sense of well-being – even if temporarily (and even if adrenaline-based). And, that works for them. What I have learned is that the same thing that would drive me crazy, is helping to save someone’s life somewhere. “Always on” may be the only source of consistency for many people.
Always on, does not work for me, but there is a place for virtual connections. Nothing takes the place of in-person connections, but I wouldn’t be able to work with one of the best developers in the world, were it not for Skype and the Internet. When our star developer left for Argentina to get married and live there, we would have had to find a “replacement”. Thanks to technology we can all stay connected, he gets to make “US money” while living in South America and we keep a first-class developer.
I believe the key is to strike the right middle ground between being open to try something new and grasping so tightly onto the past that one’s hands are not open to receive new blessings and gifts.
@Kare
Thanks so much for the book recommendations. Funny that we need titles to slow us down. I love the Slow Food movement. Maybe we need a Slow Business one as well.
@Lena
Thanks for your thoughts on this. You’ve described how to really harness technology effectively. It sounds to me like you are consciously choosing how to stay connected and when, not randomly allowing 24/7 access. How great that you made this relationship which provides income work so well.
Jane – How poignant to receive your newsletter with this topic today. Yesterday, Google announced its latest and greatest phone. I’m in the market for an upgrade, as – like you – I don’t carry my office with me. I was dreaming about phones last night! I like the idea of being able to be in the know and the ability to take advantage of new productivity and convenience applications. It’s a big jump, but I think it’s time – for me! 🙂
@Miriam
I’m in your boat. My Treo is dying and I have to make the leap. I understand that I have to get a package that allows email, which I’ve resisted up until now. Decisions, decisions. I’m heading to Radio Shack later this week. I hear they’re good at helping sort out the options. Good luck, and keep me posted.
Yes, yes and yes. Great post Jane. Balance takes conscious effort. It doesn’t just happen. It takes dedication to keep our priorities in order. I”ve also realized, it takes some acceptance and respect of what is important and what is possible and most important to us.
@Laura
I recently read about a guy who has his to-do list and his ‘not’ to-do list. That’s something we can all incorporate as we look at what’s important and possible, and what’s not. Thanks for your comment.