Blog Number 11

This week I learned a lot from the discussion board post about the mini case studies we read. Regarding the first case study about the upset customer, my initial thoughts on the matter were that nothing comes before family. Growing up my dad didn’t really spend much time with the family. He was doing the best he could to support us, but I always wished that he would have been around more. When he did come home he was frustrated with work, and I never got to spend quality time with him. I made a promise to myself that I would never choose work over family. So, when I read the case study, my immediate reaction was to say that I would turn down the client. After reading the discussion board I realized that my reaction may have been a little bit extreme. My family is the most important thing in this world to me, but my job is what allows my family the freedom to do things like go to a dance recital. The study material this week touched on the subject of balance, and how difficult it is to maintain a balance as an entrepreneur. I don’t think I realized how difficult it actually is to maintain a balance until I spent some time reading the case study. It is difficult, but it isn’t impossible. I will need to work diligently with my wife to come up with a plan that will help us have balance between work and family. We will probably need to sit down and discuss what we will do when difficult situations come up like a disgruntled client. What do we do if the client constantly requires our attention? Do we give them as much attention as they need? Is there a point where we decide to cut ties with a customer? I don’t think there is a set list of rules to achieve balance. I think it is unique to each family, but I know that it’s something my wife and I want.