Business 101: Is your business running smoothly or running on empty?
By The Smart Start up Coach for Moms
Britt Michaelian
Were you up again last night, unable to sleep, unable to think about anything other than all of the things you need to do with your business? Are all of these tasks and ideas based on an overall strategy or are they pieced together from things you’ve read and heard about things you “should” do to be successful in business?
If you are losing sleep over it, you are not operating from a place of strategy. This is what I call reactive entrepreneurship and it is the cause of a lot of unnecessary stress.
When our business takes over our thoughts, it is usually because our mind is working on overdrive trying to fix everything at once. We end up feeling overwhelmed, confused, doubtful and stressed because our wheels are spinning in circles and we feel as if despite all of our efforts, we are getting nowhere and we are losing steam.
Stop trying to build a business running on empty!
The single most important part of building a business is taking care of you, the CEO, or risk entrepreneurial burnout. Why? Because you are an integral part of your business success, you are the driving force behind your business. Your business needs you to be fully functioning.
Schedule downtime. Setting aside time for inspiration, social activities and personal care is part of being a successful entrepreneur. Consciously playing a role in your own personal happiness by integrating inspiration and support will help you to be a driving force in your company’s success.
When we neglect any aspect of our personal happiness, it will be reflected in our businesses. Look for three ways to recharge your creative and spiritual batteries every day. Not only will it help you fuel up in the soul department; it will definitely help you catch more zzz’s.
Repeatable systems are the key to running smoothly
Life just runs smoother when we have processes in place to make sure all of our bases are covered. In your home, systems can look like routines that happen around meal times and bedtime. Look for ways to simplify and organize everything in your home. It will help you to manage what can easily get out of control (ie: the laundry).
In business, systems reduce anxiety and help you focus on customer care and financial growth. The key features of a smooth system are ease of use, repeatability, scalability (meaning it is just as easy to operate with 10 clients as it is with 10,000) and documentation.
For example, when a new lead enters your client attraction system, you can set up autoresponder messages to welcome them, let them know about a gift you are sending them and how this offering will benefit their life. Then, subsequent messages will inform them of other products and services that you offer. If they purchase a product, you can automate client satisfaction surveys and testimonial requests to make sure your clients are happy.
The key to integrating systems into your business is to write down each step in every process so you can easily share it with your team. The system can then be flawlessly repeated with each new incoming client, which will reduce your anxiety as a business owner.
When you take the time to ensure that your business includes systems for you to be inspired as well as systems that cover all aspects of the client experience, you free up your mind to think creatively. With this load off of your back, stress will no longer steal your sleep and you will be able to relax into your success.
Britt Michaelian, M.A. is an exhibiting artist, bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker and a mom entrepreneur. With a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy and as the Founder of Responsible Family Company and several other businesses, Britt has experienced firsthand the many ups and downs of starting and running a business while raising a family. Known as The Smart Start-Up Coach for Moms, Britt is now guiding moms through the start up phase of their entrepreneurial journeys. Sign up for free monthly Smart Biz Start-Up Q&A calls & the Work Smart Mompreneurs newsletter at http://brittmichaelian.com
Want to know more about how to build a foundation for your business? Visit the MOMeo E-learning Campus today!
Make Fear your Frenemy: Is fear protecting you or holding you back?
It wakes you in the middle of the night, causes you stress and possibly frown lines -
yet it can also put you on course for success. Take on fear with these thoughts from wellness expert Dr. Susan Biali.
Life coach, author, speaker and flamenco dancer, Biali leads a fearless life divided between Vancouver and Los Cabos. A student of health and wellness for nearly two decades, Biali has worked with mompreneurs of every variety, from single mothers to families with two entrepreneurial parents and small children, to those who have successfully become the primary breadwinner because their partner lost their job.
Do women experience a different type of fear from other entrepreneurs?
“A wife and mother often feels more apprehensive about things like fulfilling her own dreams or her own project if that feels like it will give her less time with her kids.”
“Since the fear stakes can often be higher for mothers contemplating a big change, it’s especially important to be able to distinguish between fear that should be heeded, and the kind that needs a firm kick to the curb.
How do you ‘calibrate your fear compass’ and make that distinction?
“Look back on your experiences and remember how you felt. I remember signing a mortgage and feeling literally sick with fear, feeling ill like I just wanted to walk out of there, and I should have because it turned out to be a very big mistake.”
“But, on the other side, when I decided to move to Mexico to build my dance company and write, it was a different feeling. Inside me, under all that fear and worry and chatter in my mind, I felt I had to do it or I would regret it for the rest of my life. That kind of fear is as if that inner voice is saying ‘oh, this is scary – but what if it worked?’
“Once you’ve made the decision to start, the best fear-buster is taking those steps, even the tiniest ones, remaining open to what happens, and remembering it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.”
“Find ways to begin.”
How can I do that right now?
Listen in.
“One client has a wonderful idea without much of a startup cost. She and her husband have both lost their jobs. So she is soaking in free teleseminars with some of the greatest minds, no flying, no hotel to pay…I learned so much about getting publicity from teleseminars and got into Self magazine, on MSNBC, completely for free.”
Network – even in your slippers.
“Networking is huge. You may decide that it’s not the time, but start now and, by the time you do make the leap, you’ll be set up with connections. When you’re feeling afraid and on your own, it really helps to bring in positive stories of support. And you can learn how they dealt with similar situations. Network with virtual communities such as MOMeo.”
Unleash the power of the Net.
“There are so many ways entrepreneurs can reach the world with the touch of a button. Tim Ferris’ The Four Hour Workweek is perfect for moms and talks about setting up online businesses, testing products, outsourcing, and more. Take advantage of Twitter and Facebook.”
Make it a team effort.
“One of my friends, a physician, wrote a book while breastfeeding, with one hand! When it was time to edit, her family agreed she would not be cooking dinner until it was done. Ask for that support for your dream, but make sure you give support back when it’s time.”
Do mompreneurs have any inherent advantages?
Biali says mompreneurs may even have an edge when it comes to fighting fear – their proximity to the ultimate perspective-shifters, those tiny coaches known as children:
“One client, a very busy single mom, discovered that hanging out and playing with her daughter cleared her head and unplugged her creativity like nothing else…real stress relief!”
“So get outside and play with them. Don’t feel guilty…playtime is not only important to your kids, it makes you more effective and productive.”
Additionally, Biali notes that moms have ways of finding those moments…like listening to CDs while driving kids all over town.
What about those clanging chimes of economic doom that seem increasingly hard to mute?
“I believe in the primary rule that, if you solve a problem for people, a real problem, you will always have business no matter what. So you go to work finding out if what you want to do.”
“We have so much at our disposal, tools like surveys and newsletter programs, things that would have cost tens of thousands of dollars in the past.”
Should you ever listen to your fear and back down?
“I don’t think [telling someone] that would be my role, unless it seemed to have a clearly disastrous effect on their home life or health. You never know what’s going to be waiting at the end of an experience.
“It may not work out as you’d hoped, but you may learn something absolutely priceless or meet someone who helps you do it better the next time.”
A student of entrepreneurship and success stories, Biali has noticed that “success often lies on the other side of failure – people who have what may seem to be the craziest ideas that ‘will never work’ end up being the visionaries.”
Any last words of wisdom?
“Know that you don’t have to be in a huge rush. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you aren’t exactly following your timeline. Do what you can – and try replacing that fear with love.”
Dr. Susan Biali, M.D. is an internationally recognized medical doctor, wellness expert, life coach, and flamenco dancer. She has performed for and taught celebrities, and speaks and dances across North America. She blogs for PsychologyToday.com and her opinions appear in international media such as FoxNews, MSNBC, Self Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and The Chicago Tribune. Her book, Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You, has just been released.
An Essential Ingredient for Success: How to Do What You Don’t Want to Do-MOMeo’s 30 Day Challenge continues with Dr. Susan Biali
My view of life and business changed forever, after I heard about an interview with an Olympic gold medal-winning athlete. Asked about his practicing habits, he responded:
“It’s very simple, really. I only actually have to practice on two distinct occasions: when I want to – and when I don’t want to.”
When I switched from being a full-time medical doctor to being a media wellness expert, health writer, author, speaker, coach, flamenco and salsa dancer, (and very part-time doctor), I did it because I wanted to be in charge of my life.
I wanted to call the shots and custom-design my ideal schedule. Most of all, I wanted to spend the majority of my life energy and time doing only what I love.
What a dream!
If I felt like moving to Mexico for a few years and spending most of my time dancing flamenco, I did it. If I didn’t feel like working on my book on a particular day, or even a particular year, I didn’t.
During that time, “living a life you love” was only about doing what you love, period, and simply rejecting or avoiding anything that felt like a chore. This worked for a while, and I actually got some pretty good results. I had enough income to live off of, and I’d accomplished many of my dreams.
But here’s the thing: I had bigger dreams. As it turned out, the wall between me and those dreams was this issue of only doing things when I felt like it.
To get to the next level, I would have to:
- get more disciplined about my finances and attend to some things I’d been avoiding
- move back to Vancouver temporarily, to be more accessible to media and to do extra medical work to raise capital
- blog weekly, when I didn’t necessarily feel like it, in order to increase my internet presence (blogging “when I felt like it” was resulting in an average of one post every two months).
It’s one thing to do what you love – I still believe that this is one of the most powerful ways to fill your life with love, joy and purpose that will power you and your business. However, doing what you love, even when you don’t feel like doing it, is what will ultimately bring you the kind of success you dream of. So will doing what you don’t love, in order to make the business you love a success.
How has this worked for me?
Just a couple of years ago I was only really known in national health and wellness circles. Now, I just released my first book, have been receiving grateful letters from readers in several countries, and just booked an interview to appear on one of the top entertainment shows in the world next week.
To truly give what you love the best chance for success – love what you do, but do what you don’t love when you have to.
What do you need to do, that you don’t want or love to do, in order to take your business and life to the next level? I would love to know!
Comment below and let me know what you struggle with, feel free to ask me questions, and I’ll do my best to give you whatever advice and encouragement I can.
Sign-Up for the 30 Day MOMentum Challenge: 30 Days to Build Unstoppable Momentum
Dr. Susan Biali, M.D. is an internationally recognized medical doctor, wellness expert, life coach, and flamenco dancer. She has performed for and taught celebrities, and speaks and dances across North America. She blogs for PsychologyToday.com and her opinions appear in international media such as FoxNews, MSNBC, Self Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and The Chicago Tribune. Her book, Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You, has just been released.
A Simple Four-Step System for WAHM’s to Build Momentum: MOMeo’s 30 Day Challenge continues with Aly Pain
Being a WAHM means generally having a list of to-do’s longer than your arm – and that does not necessarily include anything about your business!
Along with having children came the little-talked-about disease constant interruptous – a momentum killer. Then there are little people around who need you urgently every few minutes for something.
Rather than sitting in resentment, overwhelm, or feeling you will never get anything done, use this four-step system to start your ignition.
Do it!
These small tasks you can complete quickly and have a sense of accomplishment immediately, even if it’s just finding your desk or making a list of tasks. Moms are famous for letting tasks clutter our heads and not putting it on paper.
Date it!
These tasks may require a larger time block when you are alone, more information to complete them, or in the true sense of triage, they are just not as important right now. Get a folder, put this work in it with that date on it.
Delegate it!
These are tasks that are easily done by someone else! As moms we tend to feed the lie that we must do it all and end up in overwhelm with a lower quality output. Whether you have an assistant or not, use your network to ask for and receive support. Tasks will get done faster and likely with a better outcome than you trying to be everything to everyone.
Dump it!
This is imperative to moving forward. What tasks are not in alignment with your long-term vision or goals? Be brutal here and don’t kid yourself. Time to exercise the word NO with yourself, and not just your children.
What system do you use? What tasks do you put in each category?
Sign-Up for the 30 Day MOMentum Challenge: 30 Days to Build Unstoppable Momentum
Aly Pain is a vibrant, tenacious leader who is deeply committed to her clients connecting to themselves and others through healthy, sustainable relationships. She is a passionate and “tell-it-like-it-is” coach specializing with personal relationships and corporate teams. Her work focuses on creating intentional relationships, moving away from ‘Who is doing what to whom?” and toward “What is trying to happen?” This encompasses increasing positivity and productivity within organizations, to creating an enjoyable experience around the dinner table.
Aly’s strong background in communication, leadership skills and human potential is rooted in many years as a facilitator/trainer of hard and soft skills in various organizations and in the personal development field. Adding her Life and Relationship Coach Training felt like the perfect addition, and key to the career of her dreams!
“Becoming a Coach feels like finding my home, in my heart.”
You can preview Aly and Jeff’s new book–
‘The Business of Marriage & Medals’
at www.marriageandmedals.com
Love your life – Dr. Susan Biali covers all the bases
With a doctorate of Medicine and a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Susan Biali is perhaps the best-educated flamenco dancer in the world.
In addition to her part-time medical and coaching practice, Dr. Biali dances on international stages. She had her own flamenco and salsa dance company in Los Cabos, Mexico, from 2006 to 2009, and has danced for celebrity and has also given private dance lessons to singer/songwriter Pink.
Last but certainly not least, Dr. Biali is also an author. She writes columns for several prominent magazines and websites (including MOMeo Community), and her book Live a Life you Love, 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You hits book stands everywhere on March 1st – or on her site at www.livealifeyoulovebook.com.
MOMeo: This must be very exciting for you – your book is available next week. Tell us a little about it.
Dr. Susan Biali: Of course! The full title is Live a Life you Love, 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You. Basically how I came up with it, is me! (laughs) I changed my life so dramatically. I was an emergency medicine resident…
MOMeo: I always forget you were a doctor!
Dr. Susan Biali: Tell me about it! Now, I’m a dancer, speaker, author, I love my life now. My life then felt so completely different. My overall sense of optimism, my energy, down to the way I feel energized when I get out of bed every morning – everything is just so improved. So, I decided to write a book specifically about how anyone can improve their own lives on seven levels.
MOMeo: Without giving the book away for free, what would you say is best single piece of advice?
Dr. Susan Biali: Well, for entrepreneurs – moms especially, who are so busy, just go go go, all the time – what I recommend, is taking time to stop completely and detach from the responsibilities of day to day life. That’s a consistent theme through the whole book.
MOMeo: You must get some pushback on that one. (laughs)
Dr. Susan Biali: I know it sounds airy fairy! I’ve experienced this myself: when we’re too busy, we create distance from who we are – really are – inside. What moves us, brings us joy, what the body is telling us.
MOMeo: Can you give me an example of that?
Dr. Susan Biali: Well, you can hear me sniffling through this cold! (laughs) I’ve been pushing too hard lately, and my body is out of balance. That happens quite often with we entrepreneurs; it’s wonderful to be so passionate about your business, your “new baby.” But that passion can push you over the edge and you can be spread way too thin. It’s vital to remember the 3 fundamental balance basics.
First, and I know it’s hard, but try to get 8 hours of sleep. A recent study in moms showed additional sleep made the greatest single improvement in their quality of life. An extra of hour sleep per night was worth $60,000 in more income. Hard to believe, but true.
Second, making sure you eat throughout the day, starting with breakfast. We tend to skim, rush – but have to be there for yourself. Third and finally, exercise. I know it feels so cliché, but it’s so little. It doesn’t have to be a huge workout. Most days for me, my exercise consists of just walking the dog for 20 minutes – but it makes such a difference. Studies have shown 20 minutes of moderate exercise creates a mood boost; emotional stability that lasts for 12 hours afterwards.
MOMeo: So if having a cold is evidence you’re asking too much of your body, feeling unmotivated is evidence you’re doing the wrong thing with your day?
Dr. Susan Biali: Yes. You’ve got to stop and listen to yourself; ask where you’ve gone astray. Most of the time, we don’t stop and pay attention.
MOMeo: is that what happened to you?
Dr. Susan Biali: Totally! During my research scholarship, a very successful person told me it was ridiculous to just be a dietician. Instead, I should be a surgeon, GP (doctor), dentist or lawyer. Otherwise, it would be a waste, you know? But, here’s the thing: I don’t like to touch people!
MOMeo: That’s not good for a GP!
Dr. Susan Biali: Not at all! When he told me thought, I thought: eew! That’s an authentic response; me saying “I don’t want to do.” My society-trained, conditioned brain took over then. I told myself, this man had a point; he’s brilliant man, he knows more about life, and logically, his advice made great sense. But for me – the real me, that went “eew” – it was totally the wrong choice. Culture pushes us to be driven by norms, where it’s normal for a person with a doctorate in medicine to be a surgeon or something like that. It’s more comfortable that way.
MOMeo: Okay, that sounds great – but let’s say I yearn to be a (ice hockey) goalie. No matter how much I want to play for the Calgary Flames, it’s not going to happen. Deep down, everyone wants to be a quarterback, or movie star, right? How can people get there?
Dr. Susan Biali: Studies have shown people always assume (other) people want the same things they do – but that’s so very wrong. Variety is mind boggling – and it’s so revealing. You’d be amazed what people’s true passions are.
But let’s say it’s something really hard to accomplish. One of the most common ones – more than you’d think – is people decide “I want to be singer.” Of course, the killjoy pipes up and says it’s really hard to be famous, why bother, that sort of thing. But some people when they take the steps towards what they want to do, have just the most unbelievable experience as a result of following that path.
I mean, I started flamenco at 30, and since then I’ve performed for major celebs, and otherwise done quite well – what are the odds of that? You have to consider the flipside – maybe a goalie doesn’t have the stature or skill to play in the Olympics, but they can have the time of their life going to hockey camp.
MOMeo: So you’d agree it’s better to try and maybe fail?
Dr. Susan Biali: Totally. People who have succeeded have found they’ve failed constantly on the way. They’ll tell you if you’re not failing, you’re only slowing yourself down. You’re not aiming high.
MOMeo: What do you say to people who feel tied down to their situation? Let’s say a single mom has an OK job but really wants to launch her own business, but just doesn’t feel she can justify the risk?
Dr. Susan Biali: I would say: start with small steps. You can certainly do that. There’s a very strong gut instinct there; you might be burning bridges and you’ll sink or swim. I mean, I haven’t even had guts to completely do that – I still work part-time as physician. It came in handy in downturn, when my husband lost his job. We were quite stuck. Besides, so many employers support these steps, and are happy to support people wanting to run or start businesses in addition to their “real job.” Get creative, and you’llbe amazed by things that happen.
MOMeo: Finally, where can MOMeos find your book?
Dr. Susan Biali: I’m so fortunate – it will be a Barnes & Noble front of store feature in March. I had great success with that – I learned a book is a business. You can’t rely on your publisher (although mine is great) to do all your marketing; you have to drive most of it yourself.
MOMeo: Thanks for your time today – and best wishes!
Dr. Susan Biali: Thank you so much! Any time!
-
-
-
-
- I love that @AlyPain tells it like it is --> STOP Blaming Your Children - Why YOUR Failure Isn't THEIR Fault - http://t.co/LPo51mgI
- Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, "Make me feel important." ~Mary Kay Ash
