How do people in today's world balance everyday details and demands?

Here are the top ten entries from QuickBooks® Business Solutions nationwide contest.

Put people over things, never things over people.
"The most important lesson I have learned from running a business and raising four children as a single parent is an adage I made up which says, 'Put people over things, never things over people.'"
-D. Sneckner, Avant Models and Casting, Inc., San Antonio, TX

Enjoy and appreciate today, but plan for tomorrow.
"Setting limits on work time and learning to say no gracefully. Establishing priorities and focusing on what is important. Using time and energy efficiently. Doing what you're good at and hiring someone to do the rest. Maintain perspective; enjoy and appreciate today, but plan for tomorrow."
-S. Dysart, Sherry L. Dysart & Associates, Ft. Washington, MD

I close my eyes and relax, picturing myself in balance.
"First, I concentrate on preparing. With a calendar in hand, I note the days I will be working late, then make plans for getting my family home and fed and cared for without me. Then, I close my eyes and relax, picturing myself feeling in 'balance' all week long."
- A. H. Esbenshade, A.H. Esbenshade, MFCC, Santa Barbara, CA

Most of my work hours are spent at my home office.
"I spend up to half my time out in the field. However, most of my work hours are spent at my home office. This makes it easier to spend time with my family."
-S. Griffith, Griffith Administrative Services, Auburn, CA

I write a daily "To Do" list by order of importance.
"Along with my accounting/tax preparation business, I manage seventy apartment units and administer grants for towns. I write a daily "To Do" list by order of importance. The most important item on my list: delegate what I can't do!"
-D. LaChance, Diane LaChance Tax Preparation, Madawaska, ME

Keep your sense of humor and just ride with the tide.
"Wow! At times, life is like a three-ring circus. The best recommendation I can make is to keep your sense of humor and just ride with the tide."
-C. Leonard, Leonard Peeling, Fraser, CO

The most necessary requirement is a cooperative family.
"The most necessary requirement is a cooperative family. My daughter understands when I have to work late and that I can't be disturbed while I work."
-D. McCullough, Virginia Belle Farm Soap Products, Buxton, ND

Family first, business second, and mundane chores, well, somewhere!
"The secret is flexible priorities. Family first, business second, and mundane chores, well, somewhere! I involve my family in the business, so that time spent serves a dual purpose."
-S. Schwalbauch, Basket Accents, Laurelville, OH

Source: Women in Balance: Recipes for Success, published by QuickBooks www.quickbooks.com

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