In the December Issue:
You started a business because you wanted to make a more significant impact on the world, while having the freedom to work anywhere (or anytime) you want. But that dream has not yet come to fruition. Instead, you’re wondering if you can even take one day off from your business to relax like your other friends. You’re stuck in hustle culture — and you want out fast!
The good news is...there is a better way.
Here are four strategies to prevent burnout as a new solopreneur:
1. Put systems in place from the very beginning.
Remember that you’re just one person trying to do it all. To keep you sane, you’ll want to start putting systems in place now to save you time, energy, and frustration later on.
For example, how do you schedule your consult calls?
Using a scheduling tool, you’ll avoid all the back-and-forth that comes with regular email communications. If people need to reschedule, they can do that without bothering you. And what about creating an application form so you’re only talking to ideal clients in the first place?
Every little tweak you make to your systems buys back more time in your schedule to do other things.
2. Set (and communicate) your boundaries.
It is vital to set realistic boundaries for yourself and your business. But it’s even more important to communicate them with others. If your clients, family, or friends don’t know your boundaries, they won’t know when they’ve crossed the line.
Here are some things you’ll want to decide on and then communicate:
The hours you want to work, your typical response time, and the type of work you want to do.
3. Focus on what’s essential in your marketing, and forget all the other distractions!
You’ll most likely face some doubt when you’re new and still trying to figure out what works, which may cause you to jump from one strategy to the next.
To stop shiny object syndrome, you’ll need to:
- Stop comparing yourself to others and trying to replicate their complicated marketing strategies. Don’t buy into the hype – most of the advanced tactics you see out there aren’t achievable (or advisable) for a new business owner. I’m talking about fancy funnels, complicated email nurtures, paid ads, etc. Just stick to the basics until you’re ready to scale.
- Focus on just 1-2 marketing strategies that work for YOUR business. To give yourself the best chance to succeed, choose tactics aligned with your personality and strengths, and allow them enough time to work. Track your results to know if you need to optimize them or pivot to something else.
And that leads me to my final point.
4. Prioritize self-care.
As a solopreneur, you literally ARE your business, and if you’re not on top of your game, your business suffers. So, you have to prioritize yourself and your needs over everything else.
That means knowing when it’s time to take a break, and actually taking it. Building time off into your schedule so you can recharge. Unplugging from your devices, so you’re not replying to emails, when you’re supposed to be relaxing.
If you think it’s impossible to prioritize yourself, it might be time to re-examine your business model and your beliefs. Can you take on fewer clients at a higher rate, or create a group program, so you’re not trading hours for dollars anymore?
If you don’t believe your time, energy, and mental health are important, you’ll be on a fast track to burnout. So, take care of the most critical resource in your business: YOU!
She combines 15+ years of digital marketing experience, and her coach training (Whole Person Certified Coach®, ICF ACC) to help new business owners move their ideas out of their heads, and into reality – getting them clarity around what they want to create, helping them set the right strategic foundations, and unraveling any mindset blocks that are standing in their way.
