A Day In The Life Of A Small Business Owner
Howard's day, as a business owner, is highly variable but incorporates self-improvement through "readings off Google Scholar" and writing online to "sharpen skills," alongside client work in flexible hour-long blocks. This approach allows for integration of personal well-being with professional tasks, demonstrating a holistic approach to the work-life balance.
Communication, Self-Motivation, Work-Life Integration, Continuous Learning, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Howard Zuo
Business Owner
Small Business Owner
Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011
N/A
Engineering - Chemical
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Coaching, Speaking & Writing
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Owning a business allows for flexible work hours and the ability to integrate personal activities such as exercise and meditation into the workday.
2. The owner emphasizes continuous learning and professional development by reading research papers and listening to podcasts.
3. Building an online presence through writing is used not only for client outreach but also as a tool for self-reflection and skill improvement. This demonstrates a commitment to ongoing growth and learning.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a business owner look like?
My days look different. Broadly speaking, I wake up and make breakfast and tea. I enjoy slower mornings because I'm my best and worst employee.
I use that time to catch up on current events and research. I spend a lot of time reading Google Scholar in fields I'm interested in, like internal family systems. I also listen to podcasts on coaching and the struggles of the Asian American experience.
This helps me get into the zone for how I want to spend my day. I do prep work for clients, which varies depending on who I'm seeing and what they want to work on.
I also do a bit of writing. This is an important part of my day, not for outreach, but for sharpening my skills. When I post things online to be reviewed, I get a good sense of where I am. Looking back over the last couple of years, I see my growth and evolution, so it's like a living diary.
Then, I work directly with clients, usually in blocks of an hour to an hour and a half. Since I work from home, I also do a lot of work around the house. I have the flexibility to cook lunch, take breaks, go swimming, exercise, do yoga, or meditate.
I don't necessarily work a standard nine-to-five. I may work more hours, but it doesn't always feel as hard because my heart is very much in it.
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