There are significant advantages of basing your company in a massive, thriving city, but we can’t deny that there are downsides too. One such downside is that it’s a…massive, thriving city, which means it can be difficult to drown out the noise and concentrate on your business. However, if you manage it properly, then you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds. Below, we take a look nine ways you make your business succeed even when there are millions of people living around you.
Find Your Zone
“Entering the zone” is difficult at the best of times; it can be outright impossible when you have loud noise, flashing lights, and crowds of people all around you. As such, it’s important that you find the working environment that works for you. It might be that you’re actively inspired by the thrum of your megapolis, and as such, you’ll be well served by making your base in one of its busiest quarters. Or you might prefer to be slightly removed from the crowds, in which case you can find a quieter part of the city. In short: whatever works for you!
Turn Down Opportunities
If you’ve read advice on how to get your business ahead before, you’ll likely have been advised to make the most of any opportunities that come your way. In cities like London or New York, this is not the case. Because of the abundance of possibilities that are on offer in these cities, it’s better to be more selective with the meetings you take. If you go to every meeting, you’ll always be zipping around the city and won’t have time to grow your business. In most places, the focus should be on quality over quantity, but this is particularly the case in the world’s biggest cities.
Get an Assistant
Regular workers find city living to be hectic; if you’re residing in a city and trying to get your business up and running, you’ll be running at full speed, with little time for yourself! While you may be capable of doing this, you’ll be more likely to make a mistake. Instead of being in charge of everything yourself, why not hire an assistant to make sure that you don’t miss any tasks and are always exactly where you need to be? You’ll be digging into your business budget slightly, but it’ll all be worth it if it means you don’t forget to turn up to meetings that might take your company to the next level.
Manage Your Staff Efficiently
You’ll be “out and about” town during the course of running your business, and this time away from the office can mean your employees are often left to their own devices. While this isn’t an issue in itself – or at least it isn’t if you’ve hired correctly – it can mean that it’s difficult to stay on top of who’s working what shift, accessing employee records, and so on. With hr employee software, you’ll be able to manage your staff even when you’re not in the office. And when you know that things are running smoothly on base, you can keep your mind on taking care of your essential duties, wherever you are.
Use the City as Inspiration
There are two approaches to working in a busy city. You can try to fight against it, to pretend that you live and work somewhere else; or you can embrace. While city living does have its drawbacks, there’s also plenty of good things going on in them that can inspire you to make your business the best it can be. For starters, you can take a look at what other entrepreneurs in your city are doing. If you don’t know where to look, use sites like Meetup.com to connect with other young business people. Also remember that you have access to some of the world’s best art, music, and so on, right on your doorstep! If these things don’t inspire, then nothing will.
Ignore the Afterwork Drinks
To be the best entrepreneur you can be, you need to be well rested; there are no two ways about it. Of course, a big part of city living are those after work drinks in a swanky cocktail bar. Remember: you can’t be at your best if you’re rising early and staying out late! Try to limit your socialising just only the weekend. Research has shown that people who rise early are the most successful; you should be trying to make yourself a good example of this!
Don’t be Tied to the Office
There’ll be times when you do nothing but spend weeks on end in the office, trying to take care of all the details that’ll make your business a success. However, you’ll quickly drain your energy – whether you realise it or not – if you’re going from your home to the office, and then straight back home. Instead, try to get yourself out of the office and work elsewhere; there are many, many options in the major cities, from co-working spaces to picturesque old libraries, to cultural centres. If you’re in London, take a look at best public spaces to work; it’ll make work much more fun!
Get Out
We’ve just promoted getting out of the office, and now we’re going to suggest getting out of the city altogether. As good as the major cities can be, they can wear you down if you spend all your time in them. At least once a month, make sure you’re getting yourself out of the city and into nature for the day. The simple act of going for a hike will give your brain a refresh and get your creative juices flowing.
Know Thy People
You’re unlikely to reinvent the wheel if this is your first company. You’ll exist as part of a bigger movement. However, in big cities there isn’t one identity; there are hundreds. By being plugged into the scene you’re trying to contribute to, you’ll be able to retain a sense of direction and identity.