setting priorities in uncertain times.
by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator
with the coronavirus crisis coming on top of tax season, the next few weeks may be the most challenging we’ve ever faced.
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under these conditions, it’s hard for many to figure out what to work on next because there is so much work to be done. it’s easy to lose focus and end up working on unprofitable, yet urgent tasks. that’s not to say we put profit before people. but without profit, we can’t take care of our people.
the case of the car wash task
last year, my husband and i relocated from texas to california for his new job. one of my moving tasks was to get my car to the new state, and i decided to drive because i have a really fun sports car, an audi tts. when i got to california, the car was filthy on the outside and really needed a wash.
four months later, it still does. i still haven’t bothered to find a new local car wash business and get the task done.
and it’s ok because there’s absolutely no profit for me in taking the time to wash my car. because my business is fully virtual, i never use my car to meet a client. it’s all done online and on the phone.
feeling guilty vs. feeling profitable
it can feel frustrating when you don’t accomplish a goal. but it will feel a lot worse if you don’t have your priorities straight when you are working on your business. i had enough downtime last year because of the move; i don’t need to add to it with a silly task like washing the car. it can wait (even though it’s going to drive me a little crazy waiting).
your most profitable tasks
take a look at your to-do list right now.
– which task is most profitable for your business?
– could you stop and do that one right now, instead of one that brings you no profit?
consider doing this profitability check on your to-do list every morning, and i promise you it will make a difference in the bottom line of your business this busy season, and for that matter, all year.