Work Smarter Not Harder: Puja Batura

If you are new to Cedar & Rush, Work Smarter, Not Harder (WSNH) is a weekly column showcasing Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. I decided upon Monday so we can kick off the week as productive and as motivated as possible. If you love a particular piece of advice or have any tips of your own, please share by tagging #WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter.

Puja Batura is a marketing genius by day and stylist/CEO by night. Here, she shares her tips for killing it in the corporate world, as well as the side hustle. I haven’t quite figured out how she keeps it all together, but she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She’s one of those girls you want to be your best friend. She has this fashion column named “Dear Puja” that I absolutely adore. Sex In the City meets real life fashion advice ladies. You’ll love it and I learn something every time. So please welcome Puja with a warm heart and open arms. Her down to Earth demeanor resonates with everyone!

Puja, tell us all about your endeavors.

Currently, I am a Marketing Specialist at an AmLaw 100 firm, here in Chicago. In this job, I’m responsible for working closely with the Chicago Marketing Director to plan and project manage a range of marketing activities. It definitely requires strong working relationships with the marketing team, partners and lawyers in the office, other internal departments and vendors! I also have a side business that I founded called Puja Batura – Edit.Style.Shop. This is a Chicago-based service business where I assist individuals with closet consultations, personal styling and personal shopping needs. I do this on evenings and weekends. It’s a busy lifestyle, but I love it!

How did you get to your current positions?

I’ve always wanted to ensure that my career path stayed on track with my personal interests, which is easier said than done! I grew up in an environment where education was very important. So, my desire to pursue an MBA was never a question, definitely a challenge, and well worth it. I received this via Northwestern’s part-time MBA program while working full-time, so I gained really ideal time management skills on top of improving my overall business acumen. This gave me the knowledge base and confidence to switch from an initial position in finance into marketing and eventually into my existing job today.

In terms of Puja Batura – Edit.Style.Shop, this is truly a passion turned side business. I was doing these same services with my friends and family for years. I knew eventually I’d love to turn this hobby into something more substantial, but it took a great deal of self-assurance, time, and support from my personal network. I also have to note that not only was my boyfriend extremely encouraging, but he is an amazing entrepreneur himself and inspired me constantly.

What time do you typically get up in the morning? 

On average, I’m up between 6:30am and 6:45am. If I do a morning workout, I’m up between 5:45am and 6:00am.  On the weekends, I sleep in a bit longer but not much!

How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast? 

I take my coffee with a little skim milk and a dash of raw sugar. (In the cold winter months, I love to add some cinnamon powder also.)

For breakfast, I typically eat greek yogurt with berries. On the days when I’m craving a savory breakfast and I’ll opt for 2 scrambled eggs topped with Cholula (obsessed with Cholula and various hot sauces, by the way).

Quickly walk us through your morning routine:

Typically I’ll wake up and check both my personal and work emails, read The Skimm, briefly review all the Instagram action that went on overnight (how can you not?), hop in the shower, get ready and walk to work. I’m a stickler for choosing my work ensembles the night before (no time to waste in the mornings)!

If it’s a workout morning, I’m getting up earlier. So, I pack my gym back the night before (no excuses this way). I’ll get up, brush my teeth, change and I’m out the door! I’ll get ready at the gym on these mornings and go straight to work.

What is the best way to get your foot in the door of your dream job?

Once you realize you’re ready to seek out a new opportunity, especially if it’s towards a dream job, I think it’s important to remember that it’s hard work and essentially another full-time job in itself to stay on top of it! It’s key to stay active in your search for a dream job, do your best to stay motivated and keep your eye on the prize. With both my full-time marketing position and side business, it’s also been really critical for me to stay confident in my abilities and capitalize on networking opportunities. You can be very pleasantly surprised of the ideas and inspiration that can come out of a simple conversation with someone you’ve never met before. Lastly, I’ve learned that job related opportunities rarely fall into your lap, but hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks? 

I don’t know what I would do without my iPhone. I constantly rely on my calendar for the various appointments and events that I input or I’m invited to. I also have multiple email accounts, social media accounts, reminders and notes that I stay active on at all times. I’m also a huge list maker. I can’t even describe how much joy I get out of checking things off a list.  True story…

What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of? 

One mistake I’ve witnessed in the workforce over and over again is individuals not thinking through requests in a thoughtful way. Instead, people feel obliged to respond as quickly as possible, often making slip-ups that could have been avoided. While promptness is definitely appreciated, the ability to take the time to fully understand a request or multiple details and reply accordingly will be much more valued. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions! (PS – These are lessons I’ve learned personally by making the mistakes first)!

How do you conquer your inbox? 

For both the full-time and side business, I use different email accounts but my system is the same. I basically flag and use color categories to let me know how to prioritize my emails. I also create a subset of folders for various initiatives and clients so I can move emails into them. Ideally, my inbox can never have more than 50 emails in it at one time.

If there are emails in my inbox that I can answer diligently and quickly, I will. If I need to come back to other emails to do some research before responding, I will.

I also reread this and realize I sound ridiculous, but it’s my personal foolproof method and I’m sticking to it!

How do you format your emails?

I always try to be warm and friendly via email. But in my full-time business environment, I prefer to respond concisely while conveying all the answers that are needed. Everyone is crazy busy and has no time to read a novel of a response! (If it warrants a longer conversation, I’ll pick up the phone and/or set up a call).

The side business typically entails a lot of questions from my clients and more often than not, email is their preferred initial method of communication. When that’s the case, it gives me the opportunity to be more elaborate and conversational. Once I’ve had an appointment or two with a client, we’re typically on a texting basis, just like friends (and that’s easy for me– I’m a huge texter. Ask anybody that knows me)!

How do you make time for working out and staying healthy?

Staying healthy and fit are definitely priorities for me. Personally, the mental benefits are just as important as the physical.

I can typically look at my weekly schedule on a Sunday evening and decide which days I’m going to pencil in a morning or evening workout at the gym and which days I want to incorporate a C2, HPF or Sculpt class via CorePower Yoga. I’ll input them into my calendar like any other appointment.

If Chitown’s weather cooperates, my boyfriend I like to go for sporadic runs and bike rides on the weekends around the city as well. It’s nice to switch it up and do outdoor activities.

I’m also a huge fan of wine…and eating. So, moderation is definitely key during the week in terms of my diet. Balancing everything out is always my goal!

What are your favorite tips for keeping an organized workspace? 

Ever since I was a kid I haven’t been able to work in a messy environment, I literally have to clean it up first (a dream come true for my mom and dad). I avoid clutter and ensure that everything in my workspace has a purpose. I also have different ways to organize physical folders, files, notes, etc.

What other pieces of advice/tips can you share? 

One of my favorite sayings is “Count your blessings, not your troubles”, it’s something I refer back to when I feel upset or overwhelmed. At the end of the day, thinking about even one thing that makes you feel lucky can overpower your negative thought(s).

Dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people.

Remember, everyone has his or her own definition of being busy. Before you judge someone for thinking they are busy when you believe they aren’t, sit back and recall that you don’t live in their shoes.

Curiosity and the eagerness to continually learn can only benefit your mind, your career and your personal ambitions.

If your significant other is a better cook than you and enjoys doing so, feel grateful (and take advantage).

Eat more tacos.

Favorites:
Favorite Apps: Instagram / Twitter / Accuweather / Uber / Opentable / CPY / Facebook
Favorite Resources: Fast Company / The Zoe Report / Forbes
Favorite Books: My Friend Leonard / The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series / How Google Works / The Last Lecture / Kellogg on Marketing
Favorite Programs:
Favorite Websites: WhoWhatWear / Business Insider / Damsel in Dior / Nordstrom / The Skimm / utternonsensegame.com / ShopBop / Goop
Favorite Gadget: My MacBook Air

Dear Puja (get it?!), thank you so much for taking the time to answer all our questions today! So fun turning the tables, especially given your busy lifestyle. I truly admire your hard work, and how you do it with a smile on your face the whole time. Such a true gift. It takes courage and tenacity to stick with something for so long, especially with a full time job on top of it. Keep it up woman! Cannot wait to see the places you’ll go.

In the meantime, follow Puja here for fresh updates and better style!

Want more? You can find all Work Smarter Not Harder posts right here.