INTERVIEW: Time Management : As Time Waits For No Man

We all know the importance of Time Management. Without it, not only will things fall out of place but it will be a burden on one's self let alone others. Although at times we find it difficult to juggle our own work with our own private time, it does not mean that it is completely impossible.

We took time out with Mr. Naseer Bhatti, former Managing Director of Nasim Carpets to now the Founder and CEO of Abee Rugs. From being employed to being self-employed, here is what he has to say when it comes to managing one's time.

Challenges of a New Business vs The Solution

Naseer mentioned that in his 13 years of working experience, experimentation has always gotten him through. He calls them Market Research, through experimenting different forms of medium like direct mailing, advertising, marketing etc. His vision was to one day have his very own brand to be well-known. Selling himself and establishing the brand was what he needed to do. As Abee Rugs started and is still a family business, thus it takes a longer time with the scope of keeping his circle smaller than most start ups. A lot of effort and time was definitely needed to start a new business from scratch but it all paid off when the brand was finally established back in 2012.

Location and brand reputation was also another obstacle. Thus doing a number of research to get the right time in landed the business being started in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur. Building the brand was no easy task thus through every available advertising platform, he ensured he tapped them somehow ie. SMS Blasting, Website, Social Media etc. Having a strong tagline was also needed to build a strong brand thus came the tagline House of Persian Carpets. This would lead to having a premium setting to the brand for customers' enticement. 

Budget was also an issue but Naseer kept hold to a string principle where to grow one's business, spending is inevitable. Thus parking a good investment is key and when it comes to stock and variety, it counts. No point in advertising if the stocks don't make up for it. Spend wisely to reap the outcome!

How Do You Run A Successful Business Including Getting The Right People?

It is always essential to have a plan. Naseer has posed the question to himself, 'How Does One Make One's Business Famous?' Through time management, you will also need to categorised your work. Depending on the business itself, one can not run a business simply by one's self but also through one's team. This would mean hiring the right staff.

Regardless if his staff are not experienced, as long as they have the heart, it is what that matters. He also mentions that keeping them well equipped is equally as vital. Through his morning briefs, he always ensures that at the end of the day there needs to be a 'personal touch' from him thus not only shows his employees that he cares but also his customers. It can be a simple proposal or report but he ensures he is aware of it and that he has a say in it.

Misguidance on Time Keeping

Having a plan and prioritising one's work is important. Many people are not aware that through the piling of their work they tend to forget which of it takes urgency and which are not. Self discipline is needed in this sense and in order to keep one's time, learning to prioritise one's work is important.

Ideal Measures of Work Prioritization

• Asking for deadline extension - Better to ask rather than not meeting the deadline which would cause a domino effect.
• Review duration of work - Learn to know how long does one's project take before starting in order to not waste precious time if things do not work out
• Importance vs Urgency - A fine line of understanding which takes more priority over the other.
• Reputation in the Marketplace - Unconventional but it works because if one does not know how to prioritize one's work, his or her reputation will be affected and thus this becomes a self-motivator.

Countering Work, Pressure and Time

Running a business is definitely not always a bed of roses. There is always a meeting with clients or deadlines to be met. However, coping with one's work will ensure that work gets done right and on time and there will be time for one's family and friends. Abee Rugs operates from 11am to 8pm, seven days a week. "A good practise is work fully in the required time and when work ends, you will always have time for yourself", he mentioned. Doing things outside of work will definitely help ease one's stress level.

Processes and Procedures / Cost and Savings

There are a number of scenarios where change is needed in order to optimise savings with less cost. Most of the time unfortunately it may be due to the lack of productivity from the staff. It is to always bare in mind that being a leader is the right way and not just being the boss. Leniency is fine but stern discipline is also needed. "Teamwork is needed and if one staff lazes around, it may affect everyone else's morale. Sometimes the harsh truth is getting rid of one rotten apple is better than throwing the entire basket", he mentioned.

A Weak Economy Against Staff Motivation

Running a business boils down to dollars and cents. Having a sales force but not achieving the revenue does not mean that the team is incompetent or the business is a failure. Naseer mentioned that in actual fact, if one's business is doing slow it could mean that proper "homework" was not done. It does not necessarily mean it is the fault of one single person in particular. As long as everyone puts in the effort, the business will somehow strive. Keeping employees happy is key; thus it never hurts to have team lunches once in awhile or rewards as incentive. This builds the bond between employer, employee and the business.

Time Management + Productivity Skills

Starting a business from scratch basically leads to just that; managing one's time well with the right productivity skills. Naseer's advice for those up and coming entrepreneurs would be to keep in mind that people's time are just as important as well. There are all kinds of tools now that could work for one's business growth. Take social media for instance; these are tools to assist and manage one's time and productivity. Though must never be the sole purpose and reason to a business's success nor failure.

At the end of the day, to sustain a business and increase productivity, one should always stay humble and hungry. "Being hungry to earn is vital in ensuring whether you are on the right track or just wasting your time. If you want to succeed, then drive yourself to improve for the better", said Naseer.

Join Naseer Bhatti at the Nurture Growth Conference on November 19th in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia as he discusses why you need to manage your time well and how to do it. Make sure you get your tickets HERE.

- Author : David Suppramaniam, Best Events Asia Writer, Aug 21st, 2015