Monday
I explain how they could raise the capital they need for a project. They are stunned by the choices, and get excited about what they could achieve. They email later on to say how much they got out of our discussion.
I arrive home at the same time as our babysitter. There is a quick change, I listen to my children’s stories from the day, and then my husband and I go out for dinner and to the theatre.
Tuesday
I meet up with a colleague I have known for 15 years for a coffee and chat. We talk through some business issues he has, and it turns out I will be able to help. It is an interesting opportunity.
In the evening I attend a party for local businesswomen, and bump into a few people I know. I also meet a few people who sound interesting. I make a note to invite them out for a coffee so I can get to know them better.
Wednesday
It is nice to have a quiet day in the office, writing and forward planning. I work by Trent Bridge, and decide to take a walk along the river at lunch time. By the end of the day I am feeling a lot more organised and I am prepared for my upcoming meetings.
In the evening I go to a new yoga class. It is a serious workout, and I leave feeling invigorated.
Thursday
I arrive early to prepare for my meeting. I am meeting two new clients to help them pinpoint their vision for the future. In the two-hour meeting, they talk about loss, fears and regrets. They also talk about love, luck and how fortunate they feel to have achieved so much. We all leave the meeting motivated and I agree to start work on their financial plan.
Early evening, and I go to my regular monthly networking evening. It never feels like work, and I end up staying for a few hours after chatting with other Nottingham business owners.
Friday
I meet with an accountant over coffee who had been highly recommended as a specialist in her field. I want to know whether she will be right for one of my clients who is looking for a new accountant. We talk passionately about business, clients and regulation. I am impressed, and can see that I will be recommending clients to her in future.
I finish at 3pm so I can pick up my children from nursery and school. We go home and I throw myself into building dens with them. Sometimes it is difficult to make the transition from business to home, but I do my best. I deliberately leave my phone in another room so I am not tempted to check it.
I have dinner out with a good friend in the evening, and we have a good chat over delicious food and wine. We walk home together, looking forward to a busy weekend ahead.
Rebecca Aldridge is managing director of Nottingham-based Balance: Wealth Planning
