Get 12 Weeks Of Embodiment Coaching Free Through The Summer Of Sovereignty Newsletter (doors close July 1st)
As a woman and business owner, few things are more important than protecting your time and energy. They are the least renewable and most valuable resources within your business so your ability to protect and leverage them is what will make the difference between success and failure.
As a holistic business coach for creatives and freelancers, I have seen first-hand how slow start-up service providers can be to developing or implementing systems in their business and the heartbreaking impact that can have on their self-worth and creative output.
But I have also seen how those same reserved and reluctant creatives light up with joy, confidence, and enthusiasm for their business and their newfound potential once they embrace systems.
So today, I want to shift your perspective around the traditionally boring topic of systems and operations and show you how sexy it can be to systemize with Sovereignty so that you’re in the perfect position to Scale With Sirenity when you’re ready.
If you have been growing frustrated by the fact that you’re too drained from client projects and working on your business that you never want to or have the time to work on your own creative projects this post is for you. Stop watching your best ideas rot on the back burner and start taking yourself seriously by bookmarking and sharing this post to keep yourself accountable.
Just imagine sharing this post right now and then seeing it come up as a memory on your social one-year from today, having already implemented what you learned from this post and looking around to see all of the changes in your life that have manifested as a result. Feel the chills and the gratitude well up inside you as you thank yourself for finally putting yourself first by systemizing with sovereignty the way I’m about to show you.
Ready to take that first step towards a new future in your business in which you finally feel like you’re on the right path? Think back to the beginning…
Where Desire Meets Fulfillment: Aligning Your Goals With Your Systems
When you started your business there was a Big Why behind it, whether that be time freedom, chronic health issues, more money, etc.
What many new entrepreneurs fail to realize is that Big Why which is directly tied to your business mission and vision, should also be used to empower and inform the systems that you create in your business.
If you have been following me for a minute, then you know that I have no interest in working for the sake of working but I get all jazzed up at the opportunity to perform meaningful work that sparks measurable and momentum-building results.
That means that I have ZERO interest in showing you how to create systems throughout every nook and cranny of your business for the sake of calling it systemized and streamlined.
The reason you haven’t been excited about implementing systems in your business, Lovebug is that you don’t understand the deeper root connection between your emotionally-driven Big Why and your daily operations.
No judgment either because with the ten zillion things a girl has on her to-do list on any given day, it is no wonder we lose sight of the big picture so often and easily. But here is your wake-up call and reminder to zoom wayyyyy the fuck out, Sister.
The truth is there should be a very intimate connection between the systems that you spend your invaluable time and energy creating and the mission behind your business. This is how we begin to fuse our pleasure with our purpose and maintain our focus from day to day.
For example, if your Big Why behind starting your freelance writing business was that you wanted time-freedom to be able to take care of your family and travel without having to ask for time off, then we know right away we need to focus on systems that will:
- Allow you to take frequent vacations and totally check out without peeking at the inbox
- Protect your family time and boundaries around the things that matter most to you and your family
- Optimize your productivity levels during the hours you are working and ensure you stay mentally present when you’re physically present with the fam
- Budget automatically for your vacations whenever you get paid so you stay connected to your most motivating experiences
Once we have narrowed down our connection between our why and the reason behind creating our systems it becomes much easier to see which systems we need to focus our energy on implementing.
Continuing with this example, from my perspective we would need to immediately focus on identifying the most time-consuming repetitive tasks on the calendar and creating SOP’s around them which go into fine detail about every step of the process for each one.
Are there any repetitive tasks that aren’t in alignment with the Big Why and major goals? Cut them!
Are there any tasks that a VA could do for $4 an hour while you make the big bucks working on what matters? Outsource them, Baby! Which – will be much easier now that you have created a detailed SOP for it which can inform the job description, job ad, hiring process, training, and results tracking. I also offer a full suite of done-for-you systems and SOP’s which you can hand off to any VA or team member if you prefer to just buy them and save even more time and energy.
The first step to implementing these aligned systems is to create an emotional connection to the result which you can use to motivate you. Use the visualization exercises below to ignite the flames of passion within you by seeing the impact systems will have on your business.
From Hot Mess to Hotshot: Igniting Scalability with Systems
Now, let’s dive into the actionable steps that will help you expand your business while maintaining your sanity and creativity. It’s time to set the stage for success and conquer new heights with system-powered growth. Here’s how:
Assess Your Current State: Start by taking a hard look at your business’s existing processes and identify pain points that hinder scalability. Pinpoint areas where inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or disorganization occur. This assessment will serve as the foundation for your systemization journey.
Prioritize Key Systems: Focus on the areas that will have the most significant impact on your scalability and growth. For instance, consider implementing a project management system to streamline client communication and task delegation. Automate repetitive tasks through software or outsourcing, freeing up valuable time for strategic planning and creative work.
Design Your Ideal Workflow: Craft a step-by-step workflow that encompasses the key stages of your business processes. Define clear procedures, timelines, and milestones. This will ensure consistency, minimize errors, and enable seamless collaboration with clients and team members.
Embrace Technology and Tools: Research and invest in tools that align with your specific business needs. Whether it’s project management software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or accounting platforms, these tools can be game-changers in automating processes and providing valuable insights for decision-making.
Train and Delegate: Effective systemization involves training yourself and your team on the new processes and tools. Clearly communicate expectations, provide thorough training, and empower team members to take ownership of their respective roles within the systemized framework. Delegating tasks strategically will free up your time to focus on high-value creative work.
Continuous Improvement: Implementing systems is an ongoing process. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your systems and make necessary adjustments as your business evolves. Seek feedback from team members, clients, and even industry peers to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
Nurture Your Creativity: As you witness the positive impact of systemization on your business, make intentional time to nurture your creative side. Schedule dedicated blocks for brainstorming, experimenting, and pursuing passion projects. By striking a balance between operational tasks and creative endeavors, you’ll maintain the joy and inspiration that fuel your business.
Remember, systemization is not about stifling creativity; it’s about unleashing it. As you streamline your business operations, you’ll create a fertile ground for your creative genius to flourish. The more you refine and optimize your systems, the more time and mental space you’ll have to focus on the exciting and fulfilling aspects of your work.
So, let’s transform your business from a hot mess into a hotshot. Embrace the power of effective systemization, take actionable steps toward scalability, and maintain your sanity and creativity throughout the journey. With systems as your allies, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. It’s time to set the stage for your own success and conquer new heights like the hotshot you were meant to be.
Embracing The Journey: Journaling Prompts To Reinstate Your Sovereignty Through Systems
Here are some journaling prompts to get you excited about systemizing your business and experiencing the transformative power it can bring:
Reflect on Your Dream Projects:
What are the exciting and innovative projects you’ve been yearning to pursue in your business?
How would bringing these projects to life enhance your sense of fulfillment and joy?
Visualize yourself fully immersed in these projects, feeling the excitement and creative flow. How does it make you feel?
Unleashing Your Creative Flow:
How do disorganization and lack of structure currently impact your creative process?
Imagine a business where systems remove the barriers to your creative flow. How would that positively impact your work?
Journal about a time when you experienced a seamless and harmonious creative process. How did it feel, and what were the results?
The Ecstasy of a Thriving Business:
Envision your business thriving with efficient systems in place. How does it make you feel knowing that your business is running smoothly?
Reflect on the satisfaction of a well-organized business that allows you to focus on your passion. How would this impact your overall sense of fulfillment?
Visualize the success and growth that comes from balancing structure and inspiration in your business. How does it excite and motivate you?
Your Vision of a Systemized Business:
Imagine your ideal systemized business. What does it look like? What key processes are streamlined and organized?
How would implementing systems create more room for creativity and the projects you love?
Describe the benefits and rewards you envision from systemizing your business. How would it improve your work-life balance and overall well-being?
Embracing the Journey:
Reflect on any hesitations or fears you may have about systemizing your business. What is holding you back?
What possibilities and opportunities do you see opening up once you embrace systems?
Journal about the excitement and anticipation you feel as you embark on the journey of systemizing your business. How will it empower you and your work?
Remember, journaling is a personal and introspective practice. Allow yourself to dive deep and explore your desires, dreams, and fears. Use these prompts as a starting point to ignite your excitement and motivation for systemizing your business. Embrace the transformative journey ahead and envision the incredible possibilities that await you.
Budgeting For Growth & Grace
Are you planning on growing your business this year or just staying stagnant? No judgement if you’re just kickin it these days. But if you’re serious about taking things to the next level and experiencing your business from a systemized and streamlined place where you not only feel ready to scale but as though you have the capacity to scale without sacrificing the rest of your life, let’s talk.
Struggling with systems in your creative B2B business? I'd love to help you find the right solutions to meet your needs. Share your story and let's talk...
Ditch The Fake AF Elevator Speech & Sell More
Elevator speeches have given me the ick from day one. First of all, they add insane amounts of anxiety to the question: “what do you do for a living”? Second, it doesn’t matter whether you’re giving an elevator speech or sitting through one, they’re fucking...
Great article to refocus on my mission. Thank you!
Oh good I’m so glad it was able to help you regain that clarity you need to take the next step towards scaling!
These are all great and creative ideas. I like the idea of nurturing creativity by scheduling blocks of time specifically for brainstorming, experimenting, and pursuing passion projects.
Thank you so much Debbie! It really is important to carve that time out so we don’t get resentful or start using time that was already earmarked for other urgent & important tasks. I can’t tell you how many times I did that to myself over the years and it held me back for a long time until I learned about my own behavioral patterns.