One of the common mistakes I see people make in business is not setting “non-negotiables” to refer back to when business planning and assessing opportunities. This is one of the first things I recommend you do BEFORE you start your business – but it’s never too late to start!
To understand what non-negotiables are and why they are so important, check out this video below. It takes less than 3 minutes and can save you days of agonising over decisions in the future. I’d love to hear what YOUR non-negotiables are. Have you found yourself in situations you thought were going to be great, only to find you were trapped, simply because you didn’t take these into consideration? Take the time to share by leaving a comment below.
Cheers
Janet
Hi Janet
As usual you have touched a subject very close to my “heart speak” also.
When I decided to become a natural therapist it was so that I could work if not from my home then very close to home so that I was available for my family. My family is an extended one where I also am the full time carer for both of my aging parents. They are 85 and 82 and often require my assistance for doctors visits etc. My young adult children also factor into my business as well and so does my shift working husband.
One of non negotiable’s is to be flexible with the time slots of my clients.
I will also (at this stage) not travel too far to attend training sessions. So again it has to be close to where I live for me to sign up to go.
Another important one the training or workshop has to align with my personal family ethics or no matter how great…sorry not interested.
I am very fortunate that I am able to include my family as a very big part of my business and always include this in my daily business planning.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell you my thoughts.
Cheers
A great video post, Janet. And yes, some of my non-negotiables are the same. The very reason I went into business for myself (after 20 years working for someone else!) was so that I could set my hours around my family.
Marney you sound like you are very clear on your non negotiables and they are ones that other people just wouldn’t have. Nikki, family is an incredible incentive to do well in business isn’t it?
Other examples of non-negotiables I know of for other people:
Some people get their energy from presenting to groups so for them, opportunities that allow them to present to audiences or run workshops are high priority. Others really like working one-on-one with people, so for them it is important to create opportunities that allow intimate mentoring. Some people, glamour and partying are important so if it’s not fun with an opportunity to dress up, they won’t play.
Actually that brings to me to one of my absolute non-negotiables. If it’s not fun I don’t want to play. If it looks like an opportunity will be boring, conservative or serious – I won’t touch it! Life’s too short.
Thanks so much Janet, A great video and a great reminder for healthy decision making to use the non negotiables checklist. I have taken your advice and have them on my office wall, also have put them in my new iPhone:) when not at home
Hi Janet
Love the video and Leo the Dog is beautiful!
My non negotiables are not to accept a project at an hourly rate which is less than the one I charge and to only accept projects that “feel right” for me.
Love the newsletters. Thanks for your energy and tips too!
Hi Janet,thanks for all the wonderful videos on business lessons. I had not even given any thought to non negotiables! But I certainly will now…and I will write them on post its. Thanks again, and “Hey Ya’ll” from Texas .
Talk about timely! This ties in perfectly with an article that I am writing at the moment about decision making and be decisive to avoid overwhelm. Knowing your non-negotiables makes the decision making process much easier.
Thanks for the video Janet. Leo is adorable
Mel
PS Some of my non-negotiables are still being decided as I am just starting my business – but I will be sitting down and working on them today after watching this video! Thanks again for sharing.
Hi Janet
I never think about the non-negotiables. My husband is a business owner and he is commited 7/24. I love what you say about have limits and be strong in the decision of take only the projects that fits with your lifestyle & Family
Thanks & big hug from Puerto Rico
awww to Leo
adorable
and my non-negotiables are pretty much the same as yours!
To happiness & success
Tara Burner´s last [type] ..Today’s a new day!
Hi janet
Awesome to remind us all of the non-negotiables…my reasons are to be here for my family and to be able to ride my horse during the week. Working for someone else I was travelling 3 times a month, working long hours and often didn’t see daylight at home until the weekend. Thanks for sharing.
Merinda Smith´s last [type] ..CLUSTERING UNITS OF COMPETENCE
Fantastic post Janet!
This is a great reminder to everyone.
I LOVE that your using VIDEO too!
You speak with such ease … I guess that comes easy when you speak from the heart.
Thanks again,
Vicki
Excellent article. I’m dealing with a few of these issues as well..