As a freelancer in the world of events, I am frequently asked, ‘How do you do it; how do you find time to work successfully in the world of events, and have a life and family?’
If there were a simple answer, I would be a millionaire by now!
For me, it is all about time management and being present in the moment. To work successfully in the world of events, you need to work hard and play hard. By that, I mean you need to give your ALL (time, energy, enthusiasm, professionalism) to your events, and then switch off and focus on the other stuff (family, friends, hobbies, etc.).
I am very much a time planner.
I am strict with myself and set a timer when I am working. I can so easily get lost looking on LinkedIn or spend too long on the easy tasks and leave myself short for the big things. For example, if I am working on multiple events, I will break my day down accordingly:
When do I have meetings?
Can I do my work for that client beforehand or afterwards?
What deadlines do I have?
What time zones am I working in (and when is everyone awake)?
What information am I waiting for?
When I start a new project, as much as is possible, I will book out time in clients’/suppliers’ diaries from the start. I will also add in any key deadlines. A big hint here is, if you are working across multiple events and multiple email addresses, always make sure you are updating all your calendars with all your events. Yes, this is going to be time-consuming, but it will ensure that when a client asks you for a meeting, you know 100% that you are available.
The one downside to working in isolation as a freelancer is that you very often don’t have anyone to put on your out-of-office. Another hint here is… find a trusted tribe member and ask them if they wouldn’t mind being a point of contact whilst you are away, or look at a VA service. We all need a break, but if you are anything like me… your brain doesn’t stop, even when you are on the beach!
Also, and something that I don’t do very often (but maybe should), is… say NO!
It is OK to say to a client that you are not available, either because you are already working, have too much on, or simply want a break. Sometimes your own mental health and sanity need to come first. Watch this space for me actually saying NO!
Another top tip for balance is, after every event, have a debrief, either with the client or with yourself. Take the time to have a chat or make some notes about what worked, what needs to be improved, suppliers, feedback. These notes will be useful should you work with the client again. And, make sure you send your invoice promptly (and as the client wants). This way, you can draw a line under the event and move on.
Time away from work and with family, friends, hobbies, etc. is vital. We all need time away to recharge and regroup. Embrace and enjoy these moments:
"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o'clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you've never been.” – Anthony Bourdain
And remember, it is always good to talk. Work can be tough, life can be tough, finding a balance can be tough, being the person you want to be (or people want you to be) can be tough. Find your tribe.
Dedicated to my husband, Andy Edwards (well, because he has to put up with me wittering on all the time), Matt Glover (who is the most incredible photographer and now published author), Jennifer Vance (so glad we have we are connected, love our monthly chats) and the Laura Bradley (a ray of Disney sunshine in my life).
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