Ironically, I was never interested in reading the 4-hour workweek book because I am in the service industry. Ironically, Tim Ferriss even referenced reasons service jobs and businesses are not ideal. However, I noticed most of the influencers I followed recommended this book. So, I was surprised to find four ways to use “The 4 Hour Workweek” book in my business.
Before reading the book, I became overwhelmed with work and home balance. My previous time management strategies were no longer working. The actual concept of “4 Hour Workweek” stayed in my head. The thought of having more time to spend with my family and do the things I love was mesmerizing.
In my opinion, the essential book summary encompasses freeing up your time and enjoy your life “the new rich” way. Now, let me get to the point.
How do I Use This Book in our Lawn Care Business
Upon first reading the 4 Hour Workweek, I didn’t see how any of his principles could help my business. Then, when I heard him mention some of my daily activities, I decided to take heed. To name a few:
- Daily visits to the post office
- Spending 2 hours checking emails
- Answering the phone every time it rings
- Micromanaging every aspect of the company.
As a result of developing a daily routine, I created some unnecessary habits. For instance, every morning, I’m at the post office checking our P.O. box for mail. The post office is 15 minutes from my house and 15 minutes to the office, so I lose 30 minutes in travel time every day. The decision to stop daily mail checks was a simple start.
In addition to losing time in travel, I spent 2 hours checking our emails. I did not decide to notify everyone of the times I would be checking my mail. I just decided to make the change.
In addition to the madness, the phone rang continuously. I quickly went on Fiverr.com and hired someone to create a new voice message recording. The message would instruct the caller of the times I would respond to calls and how to contact us in case of an emergency. This technique was a suggestion given by Tim Ferris in the book.
Lastly, I decided to create an Operations Manual. I went online and found a template on the SCORE website. Now, this was not in the 4 Hour Workweek, but automation was. So, the best way to automate a service-based business is to set up systems. Once the systems are in place, outsourcing is a breeze. Thus, I can put an end to micromanaging once and for all.
Information is useless if not applied to something important. Or if you will forget it before you have the change to apply it
By Timothy Ferris
Can you benefit from a 4 Hour Workweek?
It is straightforward if you run a service-based business, some of these strategies may not work for you. However, you have to be open to trying new ways to work more efficiently. Time is your most valuable asset, and once it’s lost, you can never get it back. The 4 Hour Workweek starts the conversation which, leads to a plan to create wealth.
Wealth, as Tim Ferris explains, is different for us all. Maybe, your idea of being rich is living debt-free and working within your passion.
Most certainly, a life with multiple mini-vacations or getaways is the way to live.
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