Penny Zenker - The Productivity Zone: Stop the Tug of War with Time

The truth is, I never intended to start my own business. I admit that I always valued money, probably more than my peers. Even as a child I was always involved in one business venture or anotherlemonade stands, paper routes, mowing lawnshow ever I could serve a need and earn a dollar or two. But the difference between my friends and me was that I was usually doing all of those things every day, day after daywhich meant I always had my own money to buy treats and toys or the spare cash to save for a rainy day. I didnt realize it back then, but I was enjoying creating my own opportunities and being my own boss.

As a young adult, I was open to any and all jobs. I worked the standard run-of-the-mill gigs: fast food counter girl (fries with that?), waitress, and six-foot sub builder. But I quickly learned that the more unusual options often proved to be the most lucrativefor example, delivering phone books for Donnelly directory. This was a workout and driving lesson all in one! I had to unload the truck, pack the car, and learn how to throw the directories while driving. I figured out a system to maximize the loading and delivery process to make more money in less time. Not only was I making more money being my own boss than I could working for someone else, I was having a blast doing it. During our senior year of college my best friend and I went into business selling welcome baskets to the parents of incoming freshman. After two semesters, we had raised enough money for an awesome trip to Europe!

It wasnt that I woke up one day and said to myself, Todays the day I become an entrepreneur. Rather, it was a way of thinking. For me it was about finding places that I could add value. Even when I worked for other people, I approached my assignments as if it was my business on the line. I saw a lot of success that way and was quickly promoted through every company I worked for. By the time I was twenty-five, I owned my own IT company. Before I turned thirty-five, I had sold that business to a public company and was offered an executive leadership position at one of the top market research companies in the world. Of course, it wasnt all sunshine, rainbows, and smooth sailing. Anyone who has ever owned a business knows that there are good times and bad times.