I've missed posting here for the past two weeks but sometimes you just need to unplug.  I spent some time with my family and completely checked out. Off the grid. Gone.  Ok, I made ONE business phone call -- ok three -- but, other than that, I was unplgged for 9 whole days.  Yeee-hah!

As you well know, I'm all about businesses using technology to boost growth and increase exposure -but not at the expense of your sanity!

By now, we all realize that incoming email 'dings' are equally as distracting as viral videos and JibJab parodies. So, what did all the time management gurus tell us to do? Log out of email - or at least disable audible and visual alerts. They told us that we should manage technology - as opposed to it managing us. We were warned that we can't manage time, we can only manage ourselves and our energy. And, for the most part, they were right. Business owners like you and me started listening to the experts and productivity rates increased...all was well in SmallBuinsessLand...until small businesses were introduced to instant messaging and Skype.

Skype messages fly back and forth at all hours of the night (or morning). Instant messaging barges in while you're trying to put the final touches on your latest info product or program. Super-rapid text messaging replaces a quick phone call. I used to have TWO cell phones for crying outloud! Eventually, you get sick of it all. There's only so much bell ringing, screen flashing and equipment vibrating one person can take.

And, when I got fed up with being an endentured servant to two cell phones, I swung the corrective pendulum too far in the opposite direction and had no cell phone at all for over two years. I'm not a fan of always being jacked into the grid but, always-unplugged doesn't work that well either.

Businesses owners need to embrace balance - or as my business coach says - integration. If you're going to be logged into your instant messenger software, log out of email - or turn off the cell phone. Show yourself that you value your sanity more than being Ms. Always Accessible. SUPERWOMAN IS DEAD!

It is my hope for you that if you are making any resolutions for 2007 that you opt for working smarter, not harder...working less and earning more...being harmonious not hectic.  I don't make resolutions. Thanks to my wellness coach, Cheryl Miller, I make New Year's Evolutions. To learn what my Evolution is for 2007, check out my recent interview with Entrepreneur Magazine. (scroll down)