5 Ways to Achieve a Good Work-Life Balance as a Business Owner

A dealership business never sleeps, so creating a work-life balance for owners is not easy. While others are attending their kids’ soccer games, a dealership owner is at work. According to recent research, when retailers are asked what they wish was easier in their business, 63% say “balancing work and home life.”

But – entrepreneurs, including those in OPE, Agriculture, and Powersports, have their family and their employees relying on them. You don’t have the luxury of a set work schedule, including paid holidays like your friends and neighbors. Let’s take a look at some realistic work-life balance tips that a dealership owner can pursue.

1. Keep a Reasonable Calendar

Having a consolidated calendar that includes both your work plans and your home life will help you stay organized in both areas without getting over-committed. If you have a “convention season” where you will be at a lot of trade shows, for example, you may get out of balance for a while. But take a look at the big picture and try not to let that be a habit after the season is over. Even taking an afternoon off in the quieter months to spend time with your kids during the winter break can make a big difference. Put it on your calendar to make it happen!

And – is always working harder week after week the answer? Studies show that working more, in the long term actually decreases productivity and produces poor work.

“Sometimes you have to crunch and work overtime,” says Lifehacker. “While that can give you a productivity boost and help you get needed things done, in the long term – past four weeks – long work weeks actually make us accomplish less.”

2. Fuel Yourself

To keep your OPE, Powersports, or Agricultural equipment going, you need good fuel and regular maintenance. Your body needs that too. Healthy food and regular exercise can help give you that energy boost and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress – not to mention the added confidence when you look in the mirror.

Doing a social but healthy activity with your team can be great as well. Something as simple as having a lunchtime walking club once a week can be an inexpensive way to boost morale and health.

3. Recognize the Value of Pursuing Your Passion

Bill Hermant of Reno Cycles and Gear knows that being enthusiastic about the Powersports equipment is what customers love. This is a chance for work and life to be connected!

Everyone at our dealership is an enthusiast,” he said. “For instance, I’m in my 60s, and I still race desert cars and ride motorcycles. Everyone that works here is involved in some way in the motorsports business, so we definitely care about what we do.

Sharing a passion creates a vibrant atmosphere that may go viral with your customers while creating a nice balance in your life. This is not reserved for Powersports – you can find passion in just about every industry.

4. Delegate

In a survey of business owners by the Alternative Board, 70% of respondents indicated that they could stand to benefit from spreading the workload around. These were their top reasons for not choosing to delegate tasks:

• They feel they’re “the most capable option” (30%)
• Their employees “do not have the right skills” (20%)
• They’re “in a hurry to get it done” (20%)
• They “like doing the tasks” (19%)

Think of your own reasons for not delegating in the cold light of day – are they really valid? Also, when you have a right-hand person who’s fully trained in every aspect of your dealership, taking some time off is easier and less stressful.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

According to Megan Irwin of Award-Winning Dunlap Power Equipment in Dubois Pennsylvania, uncovering her top customers, and offering the right discounts helped her work smart.

Because of Ideal and some other changes, we were able to grow our business by six times,” she said. “Ideal has made it so that I know who my top 10 customers are. I know who’s spending money in my store; I know who I can give discounts to, based on how much profit they made for us. Before, I had to do those calculations by hand.

Automating your business via mobile technology, for example, can help you check things “on the go,” If you own an OPE dealership, for instance, you can access wholegood inventory and pricing on the go.

The Last Word

Once you have improved your work-life balance, you can work towards succeeding further – and we have more tips to help you get there.

Download Dealer Guide to Success.