As the holiday season approaches, entrepreneurs are increasingly faced with the challenge of managing their business responsibilities alongside the need for personal downtime. This annual balancing act is especially pertinent for Barnaby Lashbrooke, the CEO and founder of Time Etc, a virtual assistant platform based in London. In an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur UK, Lashbrooke elucidates his approach to this busy period, providing insight into his personal traditions, the significance of reflection, and the commercial strategies employed by his company.
Lashbrooke regards Christmas not just as a time of celebration but as an invaluable opportunity for introspection. "Christmas is a time to pause and reflect. It gives us headspace like no other holiday in the calendar," he stated in the interview. He emphasizes that many business leaders often become so caught up in maintaining productivity that they overlook the powerful benefits of stepping back to consider broader objectives. To facilitate this, he has committed to blocking out three distraction-free days each quarter, allowing him to think deeply and realign his strategic vision. This practice has significantly contributed to his business's growth and clarity of purpose.
The balance between optimising business operations and fostering community is particularly crucial during the festive season. Lashbrooke's business model centres on understanding this duality. He articulated that the holiday season is a peak period for virtual assistants, who take on essential tasks for clients overwhelmed by their workloads. "Christmas is a busy time of year for our virtual assistants who step up for their clients who are struggling with their admin load," he explained. By alleviating these burdens, Time Etc facilitates a balance between commercial efficiency and personal well-being, allowing clients to dedicate quality time to loved ones.
As economic pressures loom over businesses in 2024, adaptation and resilience become paramount. Lashbrooke observes that the current economic environment, marked by rising operational costs, necessitates continual innovation. He noted, "When faced with external economic pressures, you get to witness the incredible resilience of the people and business you've built." His response has involved embracing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to sustain high service levels while navigating a restricted workforce. He has made it clear that leveraging technology is essential, stating, "If we have to be sparing with headcount, then we'll channel our efforts into making big gains with automation and testing AI tools."
Despite the potential stresses associated with the holiday season, Lashbrooke sees it as a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs. He distinguishes between two camps of business owners: those who push through the quieter period to get ahead, and those who recognise the value of resting while the world slows down. He advocates strongly for the latter group. "I'd urge you to put yourself in the second camp," he advised, warning of the high risk of burnout that entrepreneurs face. He stresses that focusing on rest and recovery is critical for maintaining both physical and mental health, ensuring that leaders can tackle the unfolding year with renewed energy.
Lashbrooke's reflections on the juncture of rest and reflection hold particular resonance as the year draws to a close. He underscores that the holiday season should not merely be a time for relentless pursuit but instead an opportunity to recharge and reassess. Through deliberate time off, a focus on community engagement, and adaptable strategies in response to external challenges, entrepreneurs can place themselves in a position of strength heading into the next year.
As businesses navigate the complexities of the holiday season, the insights of Barnaby Lashbrooke serve to highlight the importance of balance between work and personal well-being, adaptation to economic demands, and the value of reflection as crucial components for sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
Source: Noah Wire Services