Who’s riding your ass?
When you’re self employed indie professional, working alone on your laptop in your home office, you need to ride your own ass to get things done because no one else is going to do it. Dan and I have each other but as business partners who are also marriage partners, that can be a dangerous thing. “Did you call that client back yet? What about doing some laundry this week? Where’s the outline for Biz Pods? And don’t forget your mom wants some dates of when we can do dinner,” can all come tumbling out in the same breath.
One way I take the burden off my marriage is to use my accountability partner, fellow Biznik Sara Eizen. We meet once a week for coffee, share what we want to get accomplished before our next meeting, and commit to three things on a task list. I’m busier than ever now - I don’t always finish the stuff I said I’d get done and I don’t always feel like I can afford a coffee break, so I was very reluctant to commit to the accountability partnership. Some weeks I’ve been so close to canceling our meeting, I can almost taste the sweetness of relief. But I don’t let myself and it’s been awesome.
Sara rides my ass. We problem solve and commiserate. We lay ideas on the table and produce action items for each other. The brainstorming is some of the most productive I’ve ever had. She’s not my boss or my client and I’m the one responsible for making use of my time wisely and growing my business, but I swear just the thought that I’m going to have to report to someone (and not my husband!) on something I said I’d do gets my butt in gear. Often times I’m finishing a project the night before our next morning meeting but, “if it weren’t for the last minute nothing would ever get done” - right?
So who’s riding your ass? If you’re the only one holding yourself accountable consider getting yourself an accountability partner. It doesn’t have to be anything formal. Why not ask a new friend in Biznik to give it a try. I would say that you should each commit to one month of weekly meetings. Don’t make them too long or too involved, just follow through with sitting down face to face for an hour a week and tell each other what you plan to do before your next meeting, then let the conversation flow naturally. Sara and I’ve gotten into the rhythm of bouncing new ideas of each other and it’s been an awesome to have a fresh perspective.
Has a partnership like this worked for you in the past? Share your stories here!
August 11th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
This article is awesome! That’s exactly how I’ve always felt. I just need that extra push to know that someone is gonna “check my work”.
August 12th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
I so agree Lara, I have another real estate agent who I get together with and we go through what we are going to do that week. Very strict deliverables and we write everything down to review the next week.
One thing to make sure of is that come thick or thin you keep the meetings going every week. We have gotten in the bad habit of postponing a meeting if we get busy but that is the most important time to have a meeting because it keeps you focused even through the busy times.
Find someone reliable and make a commitment. Start out for one month or a little longer so it doesn’t feel like you’ve committed your life away. Before you know it you will come to love the sessions and find it energizes your week and work.
August 13th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
Man, how dare you have more innapropriate subject lines than me? I’m just going to title my next post “HOT BUSINESS SEXXXXXX”
August 14th, 2006 at 9:28 am
Great article, Lara! My sweetheart joined my real estate business a few months ago and- although we are partners- because he was new to the business I was falling into the habit of saying “do this and this and this!”- but quickly we realized that since I had my own accountability partner riding my ass (have been doing that for a year and a half with fantastic results) that he would probably benefit from someone outside of our biz riding his ass! It has worked out beautifully! We both can share what we get out of our accountability meetings as well and that doubles the effect, I think!
My accountability partnership has been amazing. It started out with a business colleague and it has deepened our relationship immeasurably. Being able to call someone out and to be called out is such a gift and we both truly care about how the other thrives.
Celebration has been something that we have had to learn in our meetings. We surprise each other occasionally with a small treat when we notice that the other has gotten a great goal accomplished…and once a year take a spa day together to celebrate our year. The celebration aspect adds some fun into the grind.
I have gotten so much more done, having an accountability partner, than I ever could have acheived on my own! Good stuff!
August 14th, 2006 at 11:41 am
Thanks for your comment, Samantha. Reading your post has reminded me that Sara and I could be even harder with each other.
August 14th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
I completely agree, Lara. Accountability groups are good, too. With a group, the arrangement can have more longevity and you don’t end up on vacation because your accountability partner is out of town for a week or two. However, I think it’s easier to get into the details of your goals if the group is small or if there are only two of you..
August 15th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
I had a group for several years called “Dreaming and Scheming.” There was a consistent group of 5 (then four when one left), and every three weeks we got together and each had our 20 minutes or so to tell what we’ve been up to. It was amazing to hear it all tumbling out of my mouth, and realize how much I actually had accomplished. Sometimes they even applauded! Most of the time I’m struggling against unending lists of things to do, so marking what I’ve done is really wonderful. I’ve often thought of trying to get another group together; anyone interested? One on one sounds good too though.
August 16th, 2006 at 8:00 am
I know exactly what you mean! Although I consider myself to be a very proactive person, I tend to need a little accountability, not only with business yet with so many other aspects in life (especially exercise!).
I have had an ongoing accountability partner with our fellow Biznik chica, Jan Weingarten – who by the way is a kick ass massage therapist! Her and I stay in touch throughout our workweek as we keep each other updated and encouraged about marketing strategies, networking opportunities and other stuff like that. She not only is an incredible accountability partner, but she is a great mentor as well. I consider her to all my colleagues as my “go-to-gal.� She has such an extensive and diverse background in so many areas of business and life; I love picking her brain about stuff! She has a fun and witty personality, yet also a unique professionalism. I guess I can’t say enough about her! She has been such a Godsend to my journey of entrepreneurship.
Anyhow, if you don’t have an accountability partner, find one! We are all created as relational beings and we need each other for ongoing motivation and inspiration, as well as a good kick in the butt every once in awhile. Thanks Lara for your thoughts!