Protecting Your Investment

Last week, in the middle of launching my women entrepreneur's group coaching service, WE WIN!, I stepped out of my business for 2.5 days. Crazy, right! I'd spent weeks implementing a social media plan to build awareness and connect with my audience. The timing couldn't be worse. So, want to know why? It's simple. I chose to focus on the important over the urgent. 

This year my father turns 80. He grew up on a farm, retired at 62, and is most happy when working. Despite two bouts with cancer after retiring, he remains healthy and active beyond his peers thanks to his gym membership and handyman projects. So when he called me with five days' notice that he was coming with his buddy to help me finish the basement remodel we started before COVID-19 put everything on hold, the only answer was YES. 

My Dad with my sister and me

Real estate agents and students of home sales know that general maintenance on your home is not enough to command top dollar when you are ready to sell. Over time trends change, and most buyers prefer updated homes in move-in ready condition. Part of protecting your investment is spending money on things that increase value. 

Additionally, I have the joy and pride of working side-by-side with my dad. Often my role is little more than "girl Friday." But whether I'm running to Lowes, sweeping the work area, carrying messages between the guys, or organizing materials, we share each other's purpose and company for 10 hours a day. The memories I have every time I walk through a room we've remodeled are PRICELESS. 

​So, yes, I stepped out of my business to be 100% present with my father while he gifted his time and talent to me. 

This week I challenge you to think about your business like a house.

• Is it looking a little tired and outdated?
  
• Is it time to update and upgrade parts of your business to protect and grow its value?
  
• What would be the worst thing that happened if you stepped away from the urgent day-to-day demands to work on the changes that are vital for the future?
  
• Where do you need to remodel?
  
• What is your new vision you need to bring into being?

As a busy entrepreneur or business owner, waiting for the perfect time is waiting for a time that may never come. Protecting and increasing the value of the business you've worked so hard to build is part of the stewardship every owner accepts. The time and money you spend on "renovating" your business to keep it in top shape will pay off handsomely down the road.