Never Alone Services
  • Home
  • Coaching
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Request Info
  • Blog
  • Login
  • Home
  • Coaching
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Request Info
  • Blog
  • Login

Set up systems that work for your personality

9/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Growing a business is full of ups and downs. One moment you're flying high, the next you're in the depths of despair. And when you're serious about paying off that debt, getting to the next level, or finding a way to pay for the new space you just leased, you may feel like you need some systems or organization to get you there. It might feel like it's time to get serious. Get organized. Even grow up a little.

But what if you're the free-spirited type of person?

What if the thought of boring checklists and structured work days makes you throw up in your mouth a little bit?
Maybe you quit your corporate job because you wanted more freedom. Now you're supposed to impose structure upon yourself?!?
Maybe you have even stopped your own business growth because of the overwhelming silent scream inside of you, demanding, "DON'T BOX ME IN?"

So how do you grow a company and get to the next level when your natural wiring demands flexibility, creativity, and freedom?
After working with hundreds of creative business owners over the last 6 years, here are some tips for you:

3 Productivity Tips for the Creative Business Owner

1. Plan time, not content.
Instead of planning on doing specific tasks on a specific day, just block off "desk time" or "marketing time." Then, on that day, look at your list for the month, and start with the tasks that feel easy or fun. You can go in any order. Do what feels easy. Mix it up. Turn on some music (or even a movie in the background) for the super boring stuff.
As long as you are blocking off time each week for your marketing or admin stuff, you don't have to relegate which tasks you do each minute of each hour. Change it up. You're creatively wired for a reason--use that superpower!

2. Use checklists with freedom
I use an online To Do list that allows me to see what I need to do, without the task disappearing if I didn't get to it right away. In the past, when I put tasks on my calendar or in the Reminders app on my phone, the notification would disappear when the day is over. No bueno. Instead, use a system that allows for flexibility within your week or month. Yes, I have "overdue" tasks. But at least I can see them! Then I do them in whatever order I feel like. I give myself a full WEEK to get some of them done. You don't have to push through or forget it (that's an all-or-nothing mentality). You just need some freedom. I also give my staff permission to bug me when I'm super late ("Hey Jen, do you have that newsletter article?"). The accountability and pressure-prompting appeals to my personality and I actually get the task done when I know my team needs the article so they can put it on the website and get it published for our clients.

3. Go WITH your natural moods, not against them.
Not feeling it? Don't push it. Instead, go for a walk. Dance it out with some fun music. Jump in the car, clear your head with a drive to Starbucks, get your favorite coffee, and allow yourself some friendly small-talk with the barista. When you come back to your desk, you'll be refreshed and renewed and ready to tackle your newsletter, website edits, bookkeeping, or Facebook ads. Don't push through. You'll end up banging your head against the wall. (Nobody has time for a concussion!)

After chatting with a free-spirited, fun, "don't box me in" client of mine this week, I recorded this quick video for you. Please excuse the neighbor kids having fun in the background and try to ignore my slight rocking. I was on my deck, sitting on a rocking chair. I wasn't trying to make you dizzy, I swear!

Listen. You were made with your free-spirit for a reason. You are creatively, uniquely YOU. Go WITH your strengths (not against them) and your company will flourish.
Here's an idea for setting up systems, even when you're a free spirit.
Picture
The Never Alone Inner Circle Retreat is coming up quickly! At the end of September, our coaching clients will gather for a time of renewal, clarity, and planning. We'll take two full days to take a look at your business, identify what's working, what's not, and what your next steps should be.

With a focus on business, faith, and family, you'll leave renewed, refreshed, encouraged, and motivated to grow your business in the right direction (and yes, we'll talk about systems that still allow freedom and creativity)! We'll take some time to ask GOD where He wants to lead and guide your business. He wants to give us wisdom. We just have to ask.
​
(The deadline for the Retreat was yesterday, but I'm extending it 24 hours. If your heart is pulling you to attend, just shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do!)
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture

    About the Author

    Hi, I'm Jen Hickle!
    I'm a coffee drinking, book loving, mom of 4 kids! I am a marketing coach and I also own Rogers School of Music, a music school where over 500 students take lessons every week. My music school has been the incubator where I have learned valuable business growth strategies--and now I coach other businesses who love working from home and love this crazy life of juggling work and family.

    ​Several years ago, my husband Chris quit his job so we could work together. 

    ​You can read more about our story! 
    Just request your free sample of my book, "Happy Kids, Growing Biz."

    I know what it's like to run a business and to feel completely alone. I know the feeling of too much to do in too little time. And that's why our full time mission is helping small business owners.
     
    Schedule a complimentary call and let's see how our Never Alone Inner Circle can help you work less, make more money, and stay in your strengths so you have more energy for your family.
    ​​

    Request More Info here

    Archives

    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Advertising
    Bookkeeping
    Business
    Coaching
    Facebook
    Family
    Goals
    Google
    Hiring
    Marketing
    Mindset
    Mobile
    Organize
    Perfectionism
    SEO
    Solutions
    Staffing
    Systems
    Team
    Tools
    Training
    Website

    RSS Feed


​Website by Never Alone Business Services Copyright © 2015