When was the last time you took time off for yourself? No, I don’t mean for doctor’s appointments or to go see your mechanic. I mean, when was the last time you really prioritized rest and self-care?

On a similar note, think about the last time you pursued an exciting business opportunity because you had the time and space for it. When was the last time you enthusiastically said “yes, let’s do it!” to an idea that floated through your head?

I’m willing to bet that the answer to both was, “it’s been a while.” That is, if it’s not “never.”

So many creative entrepreneurs get bogged down in the business of doing business that they lose sight of the real reason they started a business: to gain freedom in their lives. Why sacrifice a steady 9-to-5 job unless it means you can lean fully into the independence and abundance that entrepreneurship grants? I’m guessing you didn’t start a business just to count receipts, send emails, and write social media captions.

No, you’re a creative. You thrive when you get to make use of your right brain, but feel overwhelmed when business keeps throwing left-brained analytical tasks your way.

If you’re constantly stuck in the grind and can’t find your way out of the never-ending hustle, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief because there is a solution that will give you back your freedom. What is it, you ask?

You need to implement systems and workflows that make your business run itself. That doesn’t mean you get to pack up and move to Hawaii, never to look back again — but it could mean you can do that for a couple of weeks without worrying about losing profit. Let’s get started.

 

Run an audit on your business.

Before you can implement new systems, you need to first evaluate where your business currently stands. In which areas do you excel? What are your biggest struggles? How is your time spent, and is it the best you can do?

I encourage you to spend a week tracking your time throughout the day, even down to the smallest email or the easiest project task. A minute here and a minute there can certainly add up! At the end of the week, review the areas that fill up your schedule most. Ideally, they are also the tasks that drive the most profit. Time is money, remember?

If you find you’re spending too much time in admin and operations, it’s a red flag that something needs to change. You should be immersing yourself in client work because it gets you paid and it’s what inspired you to start a business in the first place! Make a list of all of the processes that are inefficient or broken, as well as those that you simply don’t like. This is your starting point to a profitable-yet-peaceful future for you and your business.

 

Be open to trying new things.

The best thing you can do to streamline and scale your business is to embrace a mindset of experimentation. It’s natural to fall into the groove of your existing processes and procedures, but you may be missing out on an alternative solution that is easier and more cost-effective in the long run!

In many cases, technology is the answer to all of your problems. From project management apps to invoicing software, there are programs to suit any business owner’s needs. You can try out a new social media scheduler or an email marketing host that caught your eye. Just spend some time researching options that will meet the needs you identified in your business audit.

Of course, you may not even need technology to level up your business and reclaim your schedule. It may be as simple as better time management habits, like block scheduling or waking up earlier in the morning. Or, perhaps you just need a mindset shift to find more focus in your day. The systems that work for you will be unique to your business and your personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you land on the right formula.

 

Maintain and refine your new way of business (and life).

All things in life will fall into disrepair without regular maintenance, from kitchen appliances and cars to your mental health and your business. As you implement new systems into your business, prepare for a few months of onboarding as you work through the kinks and find your flow.

But, don’t let yourself fall into the same habits before. While using any of your systems—whether it’s a new morning routine or a cutting-edge software—always be on the lookout for ways to further adjust and optimize them to better serve you and your business. Of course, if you discover over solutions that seem like an even better fit, there’s no harm in trying them out!

After all, growing a business is all about doing what’s best for you and your clients — and that will always entail the most efficient solutions. Going forward, commit to checking in with your systems and processes at least once a year, although quarterly is best as business tends to be seasonal.

Creating new systems in your business isn’t just about earning more money; it’s about rediscovering your passions and creativity. It’s time to reclaim your schedule, go on those vacations, accept new business opportunities, and live a life where you don’t have to have your hands in every corner of your business 24/7. It’s time to prioritize YOU!

 

Need a little extra guidance in streamlining your systems and operations? Connect with Jen to see how she can help you take strides toward the entrepreneurial life you always envisioned.

 

About Jen Taylor Consulting

Jen Taylor Consulting helps small businesses, experience more freedom, and abundance through systems, strategy, and workflow.

I know you want to be able to enjoy all the reasons you started your business in the first place, instead of putting out fire after fire. In order to do that, you need systems and growth strategies that turn your business from a creaky rust-bucket into a well-oiled machine. The problem is there are a lot of “unsexy” tasks that need to get done. And since you’re not sure how to best automate or outsource, you’re left grinding away day after day.

The stress and frustration are almost enough to get you to throw in the towel, give up on your dream, and start working on your resumé.

I believe it doesn’t have to be so complicated. I understand how you feel and know it may not be “fun” for you to establish business procedures that fully support your success and growth. But lucky for you, that’s what I love to do!