by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko
Im sitting on the couch watching yet another episode of FRIENDS, which I have seen before and I’m laughing like it’s the first time. I have 2 deadlines for today, 1 for tomorrow, 1 for Wednesday and 3 more for Saturday. But I am sitting on this couch for this 30 minutes, for me. I have just finished forcing myself to finish a whole sandwich and a cup of coffee; energy is necessary. My lovely phone is buzzing and beeping away right next to me and I am ignoring it, totally. Just for 30 minutes.
I have business hours on most of the social media platforms, and no we don’t adhere to them really. The question of time in entrepreneurship is just like the question of money. You have to work with what you have at that time to ensure deadlines are met. You are one person running a set up that needs at least 5 people to run. So, you find yourself working at odd hours, and days when many are sleeping, on holidays, on Sundays and sleeping when the world is working.
I have mentioned many times to my clients, please do not call me, rather message or email. There is a long list of reasons as to why. But…there is always that one person or organization that really does not understand. So when my phone rings at 7am, and I decide on that day to answer, the first question is, “Are you sleeping?”…well yes, yes I am. With no shame. And I shall do so until my body and my brain are done. There is simply no business without a refreshed body or brain. You shall be a zombie attempting to do work you could do better refreshed.
Sometimes, people will ask, “why do you sound like you are sleeping?”. I am. But the why here is, ‘why are you still in bed at 7am?”. Well, because at 10 pm when most of the world is sleeping, I am probably just finishing a dress. NO, not because I have a lot of work and struggling…because honestly I work better at night. Am I the only person who finds that during the day there are just way too many distractions? Phone calls, emails, drop ins, lunch, deliveries, etc. You just don’t seem to catch a break and work in perfect silence. After 3pm, the world seems to calm down and I make my most amazing work at these hours.
When I started this business I tried to adhere to the rules of 9 to 5. It’s a lie. A whole scam. Your business hours are the ones that work in your business for you and your clients. My clients are mostly able to see me after work (after 5pm) and on Saturday. Monday is by far one of the most quiet days of my week, I can afford to take it off. Business protocol says Monday is the most important day of the week, our most important day is Friday. Last day to collect for the weekend, and if it’s the end of the month even more busy. It has taken years for me to realize this schedule.
So, sit down and think about it carefully. Your business works on its own clock. As long as you reach your deadlines and pay your bills ‘sort of on time’. Let go of all the rules OTHER people have and want to keep. Also, you are the main ingredient of that business, what is your body clock? What is your favourite day of the week, because I can promise you, you work more efficiently on the days you are most happy and relaxed. Or if you are like me, night time is your time and music blaring while you are working is the best motivation ever.
Brigette Mashile is the founder and creative force behind Roka Roko, a custom fashion design business based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company passionately delivers quality tailored and trendy fashion to make their customers happy, and specializes in styling women by creating unusual combinations with fabric, culture and style. Brigette has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a Fashion Diploma from Studio5 School of Fashion. She’s a former fashion buyer for a major retailer in South Africa, and an international direct selling company. She’s been passionate about fashion since the age of 10 and gained invaluable experience in the fashion world running informal fashion creation businesses until the day her own Roka Roko brand was born. Find out more by visiting the Roka Roko website www.rokaroko.co.za
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