If you’ve got to be there all the time, then you’ve created a job, not a business. That’s an important distinction.

A job requires your regular attention. A business more or less runs itself.

There’s nothing wrong with building a job. Having a job is a good thing, especially today.

The job-business distinction becomes an issue when you’re not clear about what you really want.

Creating a job requires one set of actions. Creating a business requires a different set of actions. Confusing the two results in you working more hours without any positive effect.

What Is Your Goal?

I know practitioners who read my articles and are building extensive systems as a result of my advice. Many of these systems would serve them well if they sought to build a “business.” However, that’s not what they want. They want to keep practicing law right up until the paramedics carry them out of the office. They want to create a job that’s perfect for themselves.

Building certain systems is a waste of your time if your objective is building a better job. They’re essential if you’re building a better business. You need to decide what you want so you can focus your energy on the projects that matter.

When you get confused between building a business and building a job, you end up exerting effort on projects that don’t warrant your attention. It’s important that you have clarity about what you truly want. It’s essential that you know where you’re going so that you can figure out how to get there.

There are advantages to building a business. There are advantages to creating the perfect job. Different people will have different perspectives on this issue. You need to decide what you’re trying to accomplish.

P.S. If you’re building a business, then use Built to Sell as a guide. It’s one of my favorite books on the topic.