LIFE ON THE GOLD COAST

The business of living in high style

By Devon Fleming

During the last several years I have made it my business to master the art and science associated with the business of living in this fabulous area, often referred to as the Gold Coast.

Having arrived here 10 years ago as a new transplant from NYC with no ties to a network of family or friends to tap into for recommendations on home and living resources in this area, I soon realized that I would have "to go it alone".

Fortunately, the personality traits that served me well as a former Wall Street executive --extroversion, exuberance, and an instinctive curiosity remained intact, and my business background helped me manage my new “business” of managing a home and raising my family in the area.

For the last decade, I’ve been on a mission to scour and uncover the most qualified, interesting and unique home and living resources in lower Fairfield County. I know how much time, energy and attention “the business of living” really takes.

CEO

Today's women need the skills of a CEO to run a home and manage the daily "business of living" in lower Fairfield County: the ability to multitask, prioritize, delegate, and supervise. The two main focus areas of this business are one, our families – keeping them clean, fed, clothed, healthy, dropped-off and tucked-in, and two, our homes – keeping them clean, safe, equipped and comfortable.

In order to simplify the "business of living" – and allow the CEO some occasional downtime -- examine your time management. Most of us believe “micromanaging” our already limited time will help. It rarely does and tends to make us more frantic. We find ourselves constantly trying to make up for time “lost” in traffic or at the grocery store. This pressure leads us to hasty decisions – and in our business, hasty decisions often translate to longer term displeasures.

NETWORKING

Rather than rushing through home and lifestyle decisions, try finding “go-to” people and resources for your different needs. Most CEOs will testify that their success is built upon a strong network of contacts, and in our business, a good network is equally important. It’s amazing what you can learn just by asking questions – even from people you've just met! For example- if you need a good summer camp for your nine-year-old, introduce yourself to the neighbor down the street who has four children ages 7-15. She’s bound to have more information than a random yellow pages search and a more subjective, “real life” viewpoint than brochures.

Use your networking time efficiently by asking specific and thoughtful questions, to avoid a “yes or no” reply. Just as a CEO wouldn’t seek legal advice from a graphic designer, you too need to “qualify” your contacts by their know-how and experience. The same woman who directed you to a good summer camp may not be the best source for places to shop for furniture (a quick peek at her interior will tip you off).

Above all, trust your instinct. You’ll know when someone really “knows their stuff.” Relationships run the world and many of the best have come from casual networking – not to mention time saving advice.

One key to networking is to WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN! Keep a small notebook in your purse, by the phone or in your car. Whenever you hear mention of a good or bad experience with a local service provider or retail store, ask for the name of the company and note it. This type of research will save lots of time down the road.

Once you’ve discovered your “go-to” contacts and resources, create a list of your family’s needs and the projects you want to accomplish.

PRIORITIZE

Prioritize them and create a realistic timeline. Be honest with yourself and keep an eye out for those micromanaging thoughts. Make initial calls to determine project lengths, wait times, delivery time, etc. When you "go it alone", allow more time than you think you’ll need and then look at the whole picture.

Some projects will need your full attention in order to have peace of mind (e.g. activities for the kids). Others will be projects you truly love (e.g. planning a flower garden). Give yourself the time you need to accomplish those. For the remaining projects that seem to “cost” too much time or energy, get help. No CEO I know takes time away from important meetings to make copies or file papers.

As the CEO of your home, life and family, take full advantage of everything the 'Gold Coast' has to offer and have fun doing it.

Scouting for antiques in Stamford, shopping in Westport, eating at restaurants in South Norwalk or Greenwich, strolling the quaint downtowns of Ridgefield or New Canaan …it's all part of the experience and "business of living" here. And, I want to help you do just that.

Devon Fleming's PINK BOOK , the Hottest Guide for Living in lower Fairfield County , will be published this fall. Contact www.devonflemingdesigns.com.