Running out of time seems to be a daily occurrence in my life, and I know for a fact that this is happening to all the busy people in my world.  I plan my day in pencil since it changes daily. 

Many times in the past I was approached by people I knew who invited me to “meetings” telling me this is a great opportunity, but that is all the information they shared.  Being the nice person I am, I showed up at the time and place they said only to sit through a sales pitch for some selling scheme or new start-up.  As time went by slowly, I was creatively thinking of a reason to leave the meeting early, and wondered why I let myself get cornered into this situation. 

I am sure I am not the only person this has happened to, especially in today’s economy.  Many of my friends and acquaintances are starting new jobs or getting involved in group schemes.  They are told to approach everyone they know so they can build a stable of contacts.

My biggest complaint in this scenario is that I am not told what the meeting is about or what their intentions are.  That is the first clue for me to stay away.  If they were my friend they would respect my time, which is one of the more valuable things in my life.

Being more direct, asking why people want to meet with me and what they want to talk about is the way I manage my time.  Deciding if I want to know more about what they are doing and getting involved with them is my choice.

Once time is spent, it is gone forever.  Choose wisely.