3 Hacks for Preventing Burnout as a Small Business Owner
When I started my online business, I had dreams that seem so small now when I compare them to what I’ve achieved. These dreams initially seemed overwhelming and unachievable. Through mindset work and consistent hard work they became my reality.
My goals at the start of my business journey:
✅ Sign 10 dream clients
✅ Serve these clients while continuing to grow
✅ Go full time in my biz
Within 5 months, my goals were fast becoming a reality. I had successfully grown my biz to more than I could have ever imagined.
BUT along with this success came challenges I hadn’t expected. I realize that sometimes when setting goals, we don’t always take into account the challenges that are part of running a business.
Using insight I gained along my journey, here are three challenges I faced and how I addressed them to develop a healthier and more sustainable approach to business.
1️⃣ OVER-SERVING vs CREATING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
I prided myself on over-serving. This meant I started doing more (sometimes way more) than what was in my contract without charging for it.
I still believe in going the extra mile, but when you have a full schedule of clients, doing too much extra work can lead you to neglect your other clients, create an expectation that you’ll keep doing additional work for free and just make you feel used and abused.
⭐️I set a limit on over-serving!
If you agree to regular additional tasks, add them to your contract and charge for them. Don’t be afraid to be open with your client about them asking you to do lots of ‘extras’. Let them know you’re happy to take on extra tasks, but you’ll need to add these tasks to the bill. This really helps keep your quality of work high (because you can factor in these tasks to your planning) and keeps your service offering professional. It’ll also help you and your client decide if you want to continue working together.
2️⃣ OVERWORKING vs CREATING BALANCE
I started slipping when it came to finding balance. Working out became a thing of the past as I focused entirely on my business AND on performing well in my 9-5.
While it’s true I had a lot on my plate, taking on every single job that came my way meant I barely had 5 minutes to just breathe. I had no more time for things I loved like working out or catching an extra hour of sleep.
⭐️I chose to avoid burnout and schedule in time for me.
Remember, you’re in this for the long run! Make it a priority to do things that are not work related. Busy times in business do come, but don’t make it a regular thing to book up every minute of your day.
3️⃣ STRESSED vs HAPPY
Somewhere along this amazing journey I lost sight of my dream which was to give my clients an experience that they can only get from working with me while still finding the balance to ensure I continued to LOVE doing what I was doing.
Many of us dream of running our own businesses doing something we love. But what’s the point if we end up so stressed and overworked that we might as well be back in that old 9-5, counting down the hours ‘til the end of a work day and waiting for the weekend to arrive?
⭐️I refocussed on what I loved to do and did that!
Keep a clear picture in your mind (and on paper) of the life you’re creating for yourself. Make it a regular practice to re-evaluate what you’re doing to ensure you’re staying on track, that you still love what you do and that you’re making time to LIVE!
Hi There, I’m Claire!
Welcome to Claire Audrey!
I’m so glad you’re here 💖
I am passionate about helping YOU reach your ideal clients and nurture your existing Instagram following in a way that is authentically suited to your business needs.
This means you focus on creating the content and serving the heck out of your Instagram audience (what you do best!) while I get it seen and bring in your dream clients.
If you’re ready to go from spending HOURS on your phone finding who to connect with, liking and commenting on posts and engaging on hashtags while really, your expertise is need elsewhere - it’s time to hire out your Instagram Engagement!
Book a FREE consultation call here or take a peek at my services to find out more.