Business Systems Archives -

How to Unlock Business Freedom with The MY-T Society Membership

Admin Account — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:43:00 +0000

Almost one year ago today, I launched the MY-T Society membership, something I had wanted to do for a very long time. It was a wild ride to make it happen, and while it still needed a lot of work, I managed to bring it to life. Over the past year, it’s been going through some changes to ensure it is truly helpful for you. So today, I am reintroducing you to this resource and learning center that is the key to getting your business organized and your systems in place—on your own, with my expertise in your back pocket.

Let me start by giving you a bit of the backstory. I faced a fork in the road in my business where quitting wasn’t an option, so I had to make a shift. I realized that sometimes we need to stop trying to do everything ourselves and instead hire help to get to where we want to go faster. Whether you have the funds to pay for an expert or need to save up as I did, there are steps you can take to get the support you need.

I knew I wanted to rebrand this podcast and launch a membership, and I ended up doing both at the same time! Now, it was an absolutely crazy idea, and I don’t recommend doing them simultaneously, but it was needed and worth all the work. And with that, the MY-T Society membership was born.

My goal with this podcast is to provide you with the basics you need to get results on your own. But let’s be honest; implementing everything I talk about is easier said than done, even when you know you need to do it. That’s why I created the MY-T Society membership to be a one-stop resource center, offering more than just information—offering true access to me and practical guidance that you can’t get elsewhere.

When I initially created the membership, I intended for it to function without me as a touchpoint. But that didn’t work. If creating workflows, processes, and integrating technology isn’t your thing, you’ll likely continue operating in chaos. So, I revamped things to make myself more available to members, offering exclusive access that others don’t get. My goal is to shorten your learning curve so you can focus on being strategic, allowing your business to grow and eventually run without you being tied to it. You deserve to enjoy life outside the office.

Whether you’re just starting your business or have been in business for years, I understand the frustrations of disorganization and having to constantly search for answers online. This all-in-one membership is designed to support both startup and seasoned business owners like you to improve your technical skills, streamline your operations, and connect you to a private and supportive community.

I was very intentional when creating this membership because online courses are often boring and don’t get finished. And when it comes to creating systems, every business is different. No blueprint or cookie-cutter solution will work. Besides, if documenting processes and implementing technology into your workflow isn’t your strong suit, you need access to someone who can guide you and help you when you get stuck.

The MY-T Society is going to shorten the learning curve, save you time, and connect you to a private and supportive community of purpose-driven women. You’ll have access to me at a price point that fits into your budget better than one-on-one coaching until you’re ready for a VIP Day.

You’ll gain access to bite-sized lessons and done-for-you templates tailored to your specific needs, whether you are a startup or a seasoned business owner. You’ll receive practical guidance to help you establish and update your business systems for sustainable growth and learn how to leverage technology efficiently and effectively, regardless of your expertise level. Plus, you’ll become part of a supportive community of like-minded business owners to exchange ideas and support each other.

Take Christa Hutchins, for example. She was frustrated with finding the right solution to streamline her back office and wasted hours searching for the right resources. She booked a back office assessment with me and chose to self-implement her action plan using the MY-T Society. Here’s what she had to say:

“The MY-T Society membership contains great resources for someone who is starting to get their systems in place! I love that there are stripped-down videos that give you just what you need to know to get started, which can save you hours of Googling and You-Tubing. When I first joined, I clicked around a little bit but mostly went straight to what I was looking for. It is so easy to navigate! I can find exactly what I am looking for when I need it!”

Imagine the time and effort you can save by having access to the resources you need at your fingertips, neatly organized and easily accessible in one place. With the resources inside the MY-T Society, you can transform your back office operations in just 30 minutes a week!

I want to emphasize that this membership is designed for small business owners at different stages of their journey. I wanted to create the type of support I was searching for during every growth stage in my business but couldn’t find. Support that is strategic, high-touch, customized, community-based, honest, collaborative, and accessible.

This membership can inspire you, challenge you, save you time, help you build professional relationships, help you build friendships, help you get unstuck, pull you out of the weeds, and get you more qualified clients.

And the best part, in my opinion, is that the membership is not hosted on Facebook. I created it on a platform called Heartbeat. It’s accessible via the web, and you can install the mobile app on your phone or tablet.

I wanted this membership to be in a space free of all the distractions and limitations you experience with Facebook. Most importantly, I wanted everything you need to be in one space that is private and easily accessible.

I want you to be intentional with your time. So when you’re ready to focus on your business, you can log into the app and get things done without distractions.

If this sounds like the solution you’ve been dreaming about, go to theshannonbaker.com/membership and join today! I can’t wait to see you inside!

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 120 – Life After Launch: Lessons Learned From This Labor of Love as a Small Business Owner

Learn More About a Solo POWER Assessment (Back Office Assessment)

Learn More About The MY_T Society Membership

Connect with me on Instagram @the_shannonbaker

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How to Repair the Quick Fixes and Improve Your Business Operations

Admin Account — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:16:00 +0000

Ever found yourself in a DIY situation at home, reaching for that trusty duct tape to patch things up temporarily? Well, let me tell you, we often do the same in our businesses. We become ‘Duct Tape CEOs,’ kinda like MacGyver, using makeshift solutions to keep things going.

Unfortunately, these quick fixes can lead to chaos and stress that leaves you feeling helpless when it comes to your business operations. So today we’re going to talk about proactive steps you can take which are more long-term solutions that are more permanent. But this has to start with a mindset shift.

1. Breaking Free from the Comparison Game

The images you see on social media often make it seem as though everyone else but us has this entrepreneur thing all figured out. But we don’t really see what happens behind the scenes Late nights burning the midnight oil, their health may be taking a hit from the stress, and the simple truth that success doesn’t usually come easy. They want you to think it’s a breeze to hit six figures, and they promise that their blueprint will get you there too. But let me tell you a secret, blueprints are for construction projects, not businesses. Businesses, especially yours, are unique and each business needs a custom solution.

That is one of the biggest reasons I offer Solo POWER Assessments. After I get a clear picture of your current business operations, I give you a custom action plan so that helps you figure out what’s going on in your business. It tells you what’s working well and what’s not-so-great. Think of it this way: you know those problems that make you toss and turn at night, and you are constantly wondering how to fix them? Well, this assessment helps you understand those issues better.

Learn how Solo POWER Assessments can provide the clarity you desire and help you navigate your unique path to success.

2. Building a Strong Business Foundation

I feel that every business journey has four phases. And during each phase there are specific systems and resources you need to continue making progress.

Phase 1 – Incubation: This phase is where you have the idea to start a business using your skills and natural abilities. Now at this point you don’t have a proven product but you’re testing things out. You have decided what problem you solve and you have an idea of how you can get paid but you aren’t quite sure.

Phase 2 – Startup: When you find your place in the digital space, you begin to market your business sharing that particular solution for a specific type of business owner or target market. You find that you have to invest a lot of your time and resources but you are not going to generate much if any income so you’re bootstrapping which is ok. That’s what most of us did when we started our business. I know I did!

Once you start working with clients you will gain clarity which is going to be a game changer! The four pillars of clarity will empower you to thrive in your entrepreneurial journey! Learn more about these pillars in this blog post. They are time management and productivity, work-life integration, mindset and streamlined operations. When they are combined they serve as your roadmap to achieving balance and success.

Phase 3 – Growth: This is when your business produces more revenue and requires more resources (money, time, tools, processes). The fun part of this phase is you are now in position to create intellectual property to share your expertise and establish yourself. This is definitely when you need to think about investing in experts to help you get the right pieces in place. It is critical to make sure you have the pieces needed to successfully grow your business. Free is great but when you really want to grow your business, you have to get some skin in the game and pay for that “pick your brain” session.

Phase 4 – Scaling: When you reach this phase you should have systems in place which save you time. You’re generating income and building on the things that are working in your business. But it doesn’t require more resources.

But with this phase comes growing pains because you may need to make some upgrades to your existing systems. The goal for any of these changes is to create a more efficient business that stays in alignment with your vision and your lifestyle.

Now if you are in phase 2, 3 or 4, I want you to beware of some of the so-called expert advice that’s out there, specifically that you need to hire a virtual assistant. Delegating is a leadership skill that allows you to leverage the strengths and capabilities of others to free up time and space for you to focus on revenue generating tasks. Discover the power of delegation and why it’s a strategic move when done right in this blog post.

And if you would rather have me look over your current business operations to see if you’re ready to make this move, be sure to book a Solo POWER Assessment with me. After that two hour call, I will give you a custom action plan that identifies any gaps in your current operations that you should address so that you can make this move successfully.

The transition that you go through as your business starts growing can make or break you. Time is the one resource you have that you need to use wisely. Money is just a tool that you use in your business to get things done. So when you are ready to create the success you desire, there needs to be a shift in your mindset. You have to accept that everything can’t be fixed with duct tape. You have to start investing in specialists to build a strong foundation to support your business growth.

Let’s leave behind the era of “quick fixes” and step boldly into a future where our businesses flourish, our schedules are under our control, and we’re firmly on the path to achieving the success we desire. The key is to develop processes and procedures to break tasks down into smaller jobs. Then you automate what you can using tools. Once that is done, you can then identify how to get the remaining tasks done.

There are six core systems you need to get in place no matter what phase of business you are in. I give an overview of all of them in this podcast episode. The great thing is you don’t have to create them all at the same time. You can focus on creating them one at a time.

Having systems in place is the difference between being able to hit your growth targets or spinning your wheels and getting nowhere. Don’t get in the way of your own success! Take action now so that you can move forward the rest of the year and at least get close to reaching your growth goals.

Whether you’re ready to jump in feet first with a Solo POWER Assessment or simply curious about your options, schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with me. The future is knocking on your door, and it’s full of opportunities for growth, control over your schedule, and achieving those big goals you’ve set. The success you desire isn’t a dream—it’s just around the corner, waiting for you to step up and claim it.

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

2:04 – Why you need to shed the “duct tape CEO” mentality

3:23 – Why comparing yourself to others based on social media is holding you back

4:10 – Why you need a custom solution, not a blueprint

5:28 – The importance of your “why” and celebrating small victories

6:41 – The four phases of the entrepreneurial journey

11:23 – A common pitfall you want to avoid when it comes to outsourcing work

13:26 – How to use your most precious resource wisely

16:19 – The basics you need no matter where you are in your journey

19:28 – A motivational reminder because you’re not alone

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 123 – 6 Basic Systems Every Business Needs to Be Efficient and Profitable

Episode 138 – Mastering the Art of Delegation: Overcoming Disorganization and Reclaiming Control of Your Back Office

Episode 151 – The 4 Pillars of Business Clarity You Need For Growth

Book a Discovery Call

Learn More About a Back Office Assessment

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post How to Repair the Quick Fixes and Improve Your Business Operations appeared first on .

How to Harness the Power of Checklists to Transform Your Business

Admin Account — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:14:00 +0000

Are you ready to transform your business? Tired of spinning your wheels, working long hours, and feeling like you’re not getting anywhere in your business?

Let me introduce you to a simple solution that will transform your business, a game-changer – checklists. You’re probably wondering why you should bother with them because they’re too simple to be effective. Well, let me tell you, that isn’t true.

Stop and think about it. We create checklists for grocery shopping, packing, getting things done in the house. Think about the satisfaction you get by checking off a task on your to-do list. It’s like a celebration for your brain. And when something feels good, you’re more likely to keep doing it, right?

It’s all about momentum. And while they are simple, checklists help you gain traction, keep the ball rolling, and, most importantly, boost your productivity.

Checklists offer a systematic approach that can alleviate stress, increase productivity, and provide a roadmap for sustainable growth. Here’s how you can utilize this tool to transform your business operations for the better.

The Checklist Effect: Simplicity Breeds Productivity

Every day you have to juggle quite a number of responsibilities. Checklists help you gain traction, keep the ball rolling, and, most importantly, boost your productivity. has ever happened to you. You look at your calendar and see your personal priorities then you sit down and plan out your week.

You get up on Monday morning ready to hit the ground running. You go through your morning routine and you sit down at your desk or wherever you’re working to start your day. You open up your laptop and you spend 15 minutes in your inbox which is good because it’s sorted. Then you start the next task and about 5-10 minutes in, you get stuck because you can’t remember what the next step is that saved you time when you did the same task last week. So a 15 minute task ends up taking you 30 minutes or more.

If you had a checklist it would have guided you through the task and saved you time and energy. Plus, it turned the boring task of sorting your inbox or the next task into a breeze.

By checking off those boxes, you get a dose of those happy hormones, and you’re motivated to keep going. So, tackle the most dreaded tasks first (eat the frog), and you’ll feel great about your progress which will motivate you to keep going.

Checklists: The Foundation of Success

To transform your business so that it thrives you need a strong foundation, and checklists provide just that. Without core systems in your back office, you’re essentially reinventing the wheel every time you tackle routine tasks. Chaos reigns supreme, and it steals your time, preventing your business from growing which is what you want.

With a documented process and streamlined systems in place, your business will run like a well-oiled machine. No longer will it be solely dependent on you, allowing you to focus on growth.

Not only do checklists give you time back, but they also clear up mental space. With a clutter-free mind, you can be laser-focused on the tasks that truly matter and align with your goals. The more clarity you have, the easier it is to focus on your vision for your business. And clarity is very important. I talk about the four pillars of clarity in this blog post.

Your Journey to Business Transformation

Incorporating checklists into your business operations isn’t just about creating to-do lists; it’s about establishing a solid framework for success. As you implement this systematic approach, you’ll find tasks become more manageable, productivity soars, and your business’s potential for growth expands.

Take the first step to transform your business so that it’s more organized and productive. Embrace the power of checklists! Checklists are visual reminders of tasks in a simple and logical order. They improve performance, eliminate mistakes, and help you achieve more consistent results while saving you time.

Here are three tips to help you create processes as checklists:

Determine the purpose of the process: What’s the end result you want to achieve? Set clear goals. For instance, if you want more Discovery Calls with qualified leads, your checklist should include steps for using an online scheduler, creating intake forms, and you need to establish a follow-up process.

Determine the audience affected: Think about the people involved, both internally and externally. Make your steps easy to follow and eliminate redundancies. You can figure out tools to reduce wait times once your checklist is ready.

Write the process out: Outline your process in five simple steps from start to finish. You can fill in the details later. Identify tools for automation, create response templates, and specify who’s responsible for each step. Make it user-friendly for everyone involved.

In your pursuit of business transformation, remember that checklists are just the beginning. Now you’re probably wondering what processes you need to have so you can start creating your processes as checklists? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Check out this blog post to learn about the six core systems every business needs to have in place to operate efficiently.

And if you would like some help giving your back office a check-up, I have a free checklist you can use. By identifying the now you can be proactive and start to build a strong foundation that supports your goals. The results you will get from completing the Biz Ops Checklist will provide you with valuable insights into your business’s current state and it only takes a few minutes to complete.

It will also give you the insight you need to make informed decisions, optimize your processes, and you can strategically plan for sustainable growth. By taking this step, you are setting yourself up for success and ensuring that your business operates efficiently and effectively. Be sure to check out the show notes for the link to that.

Now if you are ready to just pull off the band-aid and let me look behind the curtain at your back office operations so that I can identify the gaps for you, then you should definitely go ahead and book a back office assessment. I call it a Solo POWER Assessment because afterwards you will feel relieved and empowered to take action because you will have a better picture of your business operations and what you should be focused on.

No more spinning your wheels and wasting time on the wrong things. This is a great way to get access to my strategic brain without having to make a long-term commitment. And it’s definitely going to get you better results than you’re getting trying to figure all of this out on your own.

Don’t let confusion and chaos hold you back from getting the success you want and deserve. The power to transform your life and business is within reach. Start by picking one thing I talked about today because just listening without taking action is not going to help you get the results you want.

You just need to take that first step today, and make it happen!

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

2:40 – Why systems are important

4:57 – Why checklists are a game-changer

7:07 – The importance of systems and how checklists are a great way to start documenting processes

9:09 – How to start creating checklists to document your processes

10:39 – A tool to help you identify what processes you’re missing

11:34 – How to shorten the process and make progress

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 173 – Is Your Business Growth Stuck? Implement These Six Core Systems

Episode 151 – The 4 Pillars of Business Clarity You Need For Growth

Learn More About a Back Office Assessment

Grab the FREE Biz Ops Checklist

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post How to Harness the Power of Checklists to Transform Your Business appeared first on .

How to Know When Business Automation Can Contribute to Your Business Growth

Admin Account — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:23:00 +0000

In today’s fast-paced business world, the words “business automation” have become a bit of a catch phrase. Most people use it as a fancy term that promises to make your life easier and your business more successful. But that’s not totally true?

Integrating automation into your workflow creates a system. But before you can do that, you need to have a documented process. I am not about to go into a rabbit hole talking about all the things you should automate in your business. Honestly, I am very cautious about recommending tech tools until I have enough information to make an informed recommendation. Every business is different, every business owner is different and that means what works for someone else that does the same thing you do may not work for you and vice versa.

How Automation Can Boost Your Business

Business automation is like having your own team of assistants who take care of repetitive tasks, leaving you with more time to focus on what really moves the needle forward in your business. Imagine being able to get stuff done faster and smoother, without the headache of manual work.

Automation isn’t about changing everything; it’s about finding the right spots where it can work. For example, think about how much time and energy you can save by using an online scheduler for setting appointments instead of emailing back and forth. And the process is on autopilot. To hear more about the possibilities, check out this blog post.

By automating tasks, you free up valuable time that can be used for creative thinking, strategic planning, and building relationships – all essential ingredients for business growth.

Uncover the Benefits of Smart Automation

But hold on, there’s more to business automation than just saving time. It’s also a powerful tool that improves communication and collaboration. Think of it as the ultimate team player that keeps everyone on the same page, whether you’re in the same office or not.

Consistency is another benefit. With business automation in place, your operations become more efficient, reducing errors which eliminates the need to put out fires and saves you time. It means you will have happier clients, a stronger reputation, and yes, more growth is in your future.

Navigating the Path to Success

Embracing automation sounds great, but there are some things you need to consider.

Learning Curve: Yes, new tools might mean there will be a bit of a learning curve. And this is true whether you are good with tech or not. It’s like trying out a new recipe – it might take a few tries for you to get it right, but eventually it will turn out the way you want.

Keep in mind, the goal of using a new tech tool is because it supports your long-term goals. That’s why I give my clients how to videos they can reference or even their VA can use once a tech tool is integrated into their workflow. That way it can be viewed when it’s needed.

Choosing the Right Tools: There are a lot of options in the digital world. So knowing which tool to use can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get shiny object syndrome and you end up signing up for tech tools that aren’t really a good fit for your business.

So how do you decide what will work for you? Click here for some tips to help you pick your tech tools to create your business systems. All tools are not created equally. So you have to know in advance what you want the end result of your process to be and how or if that tool can help you achieve that. I’ll put a link to that in the show notes.

Cost vs. Benefits: Like any investment, automation comes with costs, whether it’s time or money. But think about the time you’ll save and the headaches you’ll avoid. The key to automating things efficiently and effectively in your business is timing and cost.

How much will the tool cost you? Is there a trial so you can try it out? How much time will it take to get it up and running. Will you need to hire someone to set it up for you? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself. They will help you see the full picture, weigh the pros and cons, and decide if it aligns with where your business is headed.

Embrace the Growth Boost of Automation

In a nutshell, business automation isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a strategy that can change how you run your business. Remember, tech tools should be your partners, not your boss. Use them strategically to increase your efficiency and save you time so you can focus on growing your business.

Now, I know this may not be an area you’re good at or even want to be bothered with and would rather just pay someone like a systems strategist to do the research for you and just give you the options. That’s why I offer back office assessments. I also have a blog post where I talk about the importance of working with a systems strategist to get your business operations in order. Click here to check it out.

These assessments are a two hour intensive session where we look at your mission, your vision, discuss your values and your goals. Then we review your business operations, identify any gaps, and I create a custom action plan that will improve your business operations if it’s implemented.

It’s tailored to you and your individual business needs. It is a clear roadmap to help you make the shift from overwhelmed to confident. I can do the heavy lifting for you in a VIP Day or you can self-implement using the resources inside of the MY-T Society membership. To learn more about the back office assessment, go to theshannonbaker.com/assessment or click the link in the show notes.

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

1:33 – Why tech tools are a game changer

6:19 – Some hiccups you can experience when using tech tools

10:04 – Mindset shifts you need to make regarding business automation

11:47 – Options available for you to get help implementing business automation

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 122 – How To Pick Your Tech Tools and Create Business Systems

Episode 125 – How an Online Scheduler Will Help You Manage Your Time

Episode 147 – Why You Need a Systems Strategist for Your Service Based Business Not Just Systems

Learn More About a Back Office Assessment

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post How to Know When Business Automation Can Contribute to Your Business Growth appeared first on .

Why You Need a Systems Strategist Not Just Systems to Grow Your Service Based Business

Admin Account — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:05:00 +0000

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your growing business?

Are you struggling to keep up with client appointments, marketing, and administrative tasks, causing you to lose the passion you once had for your business?

If you’re nodding your head yes, then it’s time to discover the true difference between having systems in place and having a systems strategist in your back pocket. Click here to read last week’s blog post where I talk about the importance of operational efficiency in your business because it enables you to maximize your resources. By streamlining your operations, you can save time and money, enhance communication with both team members and clients, and create a foundation for seamless collaboration and improved client satisfaction.

You are a purpose driven woman who has big dreams of making a difference in the lives of your clients while enjoying life with your friends and family. But as your business grows, so does the amount of work you have to do which can be overwhelming.

Streamlined systems are vital if you want your business to run like a well-oiled machine. They help save time, reduce mistakes, and boost your productivity. But remember, systems is just one piece of the puzzle.

Unveiling the Difference: Systems in Place vs. Systems Strategist

Obviously you need systems in place in order for your business to operate more efficiently. These structured processes help save time, reduce errors, and boost your productivity. Operational efficiency is a business tactic and it needs to be guided by a clear vision. Do you have one?

You also need to have a detailed plan for where you want your business to go (your vision) and then you need to build your systems to support that. That’s where a systems strategist comes in! Think of a systems strategist as your business’ personal GPS, guiding you towards your goals by designing tailored systems that address every piece of the puzzle.

We analyze all of the pieces to see how one impacts another. Then we come up with solutions for each individual piece. Your business needs a custom combination of resources, the right tech tools, and a strategic plan that only a systems strategist can provide. By working with a systems strategist, your business will become a well-oiled machine, running smoothly without being totally dependent on you.

The Core Competencies of a Systems Strategist

Organizing for Maximum Efficiency: A systems strategist looks beyond the surface and takes a close look at your existing workflows. The goal is to identify the bottlenecks, even if it’s you, and time-wasters. For example, think about your client onboarding process. It’s about more than getting your contract signed and getting a payment. The goal of the on-boarding process is to create a seamless experience for new clients, setting the stage for your relationship to grow which benefits your business.

Simplifying Complexity: As a systems strategist takes a closer look at your business, we can identify anything that’s not needed or that is causing unnecessary complications. For example, in the realm of podcasting, a systems strategist can simplify behind-the-scenes tasks that are eating up your time.

An automated workflow can optimize guest bookings and scheduling which makes life easier for both you and your guests. Streamlining this way gives you more time to focus on content creation and connecting with your audience. This is just one example of how working with a systems strategist will free up time so you can focus your energy and resources on important tasks like making money and increasing your revenue.

Planning for Sustainable Growth: A systems strategist doesn’t just design systems. We help you plan for long-term success. By understanding your short-term and long-term goals, we can help you create a more balanced, adaptable systems that evolves with your business.

Soaring to New Heights: Embracing the Systems Strategist Advantage

Investing in a systems strategist is an investment in your business’s future. By optimizing your operations, you gain precious time and energy to focus on revenue-generating tasks and strategic growth. With a strategist on board, you’re not only gaining an efficiency expert but you will be partnered with someone who will also help you identify growth opportunities and ensuring your business’s success.

The journey to an organized, efficient business starts with understanding that systems are the foundation, but a systems strategist is the architect. They create customized processes that align with your vision and drive success. Investing in the right person, especially when it comes to setting up and integrating technology, can make a world of difference in the way your business operates.

If we work together, we start by getting you organized. I am very meticulous about organizing your digital filing system so that you can find what you need when you need it. Not to mention having templates that you can use over and over again which saves you a ton of time and it ensures your work is consistent. Now if you would like some help creating or cleaning up your digital filing system, I have a blog post that is just for you! Click here take a look at the blog post because I talk about the benefits of having an organized digital filing system and I share some tips to help you start creating one to save you time and support your business growth.

Hundreds of businesses have experienced the transformative power of systems. Business owners that have systems in place have transitioned from burnout and chaos to organization and optimization. So, don’t put this off any longer. And let’s be honest, you are not going to be able to do this on your own. It’s time to bring a systems strategist onboard to help you and it can be me or someone else. Just make the commitment to yourself and your business to invest in someone.

Remember, with the right systems strategist, your business can soar to new heights, and you can work smarter, not harder. You can start by booking a back office assessment. Click here to find out what happens during an assessment and how you can use the custom action plan to fill in the gaps in your operations.

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

1:16 – Why operational efficiency is needed in your business?

3:39 – How a systems strategist can help your business

8:26 – Learn more about the three core competencies that a system strategist brings t the table

10:11 – How a systems strategist can simplify things for you

13:26 – How a systems strategist can help you plan for sustainable growth

15:58 – The first step you should take to make a commitment to yourself and to your business

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 104 – What It’s Like to Streamline Your Business With Shannon Baker

Episode 117 – How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi Silverman

Episode 124 – Why You Need a Digital Filing System and How to Create One

Episode 127 – What Happens During a Back Office Assessment

Episode 128 – How to Use An Action Plan to Strategically Prepare For Business Growth

Episode 146 – How to Unlock Your Business Growth Potential with Operational Efficiency

Learn More About the Back Office Assessment

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

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How to Unlock Your Business Growth Potential with Operational Efficiency

Admin Account — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 22:28:32 +0000

As the visionary of your business, I know you want to see your dreams of growth and success come true. Well, guess what? You hold the power to unlock your business’s true potential with a little thing called operational efficiency!

Operational efficiency is not just some fancy buzzword; it’s the key to maximizing your resources, optimizing processes, and ultimately driving sustainable growth. Imagine your business running like a well-oiled machine, saving time and money, and delivering a stellar client experience.

As a systems strategist specializing in operational efficiency, my mission is to help you streamline processes and create systems that di the heavy lifting for you. By doing so, we’ll unlock precious time and money savings, enhance your productivity, and make your clients shout, “Wow, working with you is amazing!”

Enhancing the Client Experience: The Secret Sauce of Success

In the fast-paced world of business, the client experience can make or break your business. That’s right; it’s a big deal! Let’s explore the three main areas of your business impacted by the client experience you provide. Get ready for the magic to unfold!

Attracting Ideal Clients: With operational efficiency on your side, you’ll be like a magnet, attracting those dream clients you’ve always wished for. Your optimized processes and seamless communication will make them say, “This is exactly what I need!”

Retaining Happy Clients: Keeping clients happy is crucial for long-term success, and operational efficiency is your secret sauce! Efficient workflows and stellar client interactions will have your clients singing your praises, leading to stronger relationships and repeat business.

Gaining Referrals Through Free Marketing: When your clients are thrilled with your services, they become your most powerful advocates. Word-of-mouth referrals will spread like wildfire, bringing you a constant stream of new business opportunities.

Proactive Steps for a Brighter Future

Now, you might be wondering, “How do I make this happen for my business?” Well, fear not! I’ve got your back with some actionable steps to help you integrate operational efficiency into your business. Let’s make those dreams come true!

Five Signs You Need a Back Office Assessment

A back office assessment is a two hour intensive session where we look at your mission, your vision, discuss your values and your goals. Then we review your business operations, identify any gaps, and I create a custom action plan that will improve your business operations if it’s implemented. I can do the heavy lifting for you in a VIP Day or you can self-implement using the resources inside of the MY-T Society membership. To learn more about the back office assessment, go to theshannonbaker.com/assessment.

Here are the signs that you need to book one right away:

Everything is in your head, but if you forget things or do tasks differently each time, it's time for a back office assessment to improve efficiency and consistency.
If you're constantly putting out fires and working in reactive mode, booking a back office assessment can help you prioritize tasks, streamline operations, and make time for strategic growth.
Gaps in communication, whether it's miscommunication or breakdowns in collaboration, can be resolved through a back office assessment that identifies bottlenecks and implements solutions.
Inconsistent quality and missed deadlines can be improved by establishing standardized processes through a back office assessment.
If you struggle with decision paralysis or slow decision-making, a back office assessment can provide clarity and a roadmap for timely decisions.

Take Action: The Freedom You Desire Awaits!

Remember, operational efficiency is not just a nice-to-have – it’s an essential component for building a successful and sustainable business. By addressing the inefficiencies in your operations now, you’ll create a solid foundation for growth and ensure that you’re maximizing the value you provide to your clients.

Are you ready to harness the power of operational efficiency and take your business on a journey to success? Don’t let inefficiencies hold you back any longer! Take a proactive step in the right direction by scheduling your back office assessment today.

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

2:18 – The impact of operational efficiency on your business

4:42 – The benefits of improving your processes

6:42 – How do you know when you need to improve operational efficiency?

11:23 – How a back office assessment can help you streamline your decision making process

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 117 – How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi Silverman

Episode 126: How to Provide the Best Customer Experience Inside and Outside of Your Small Business

Learn More About Back Office Assessment

Check out the MY-T Society Membership

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post How to Unlock Your Business Growth Potential with Operational Efficiency appeared first on .

Stop Using a Lack of Time As An Excuse and Start Streamlining Your Business Systems for Sustainable Growth

Admin Account — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:44:00 +0000

Are you tired of running your business in chaos and confusion? If the answer is “yes,” then you are in the right place!

As a business owner, you wear multiple hats, juggling your business and personal responsibilities. That is one of the main reasons you need to streamline your business operations. So what is holding you back?

Well, I may already know. I cannot tell you the number of calls and chats I have had with business owners who say the reason they are operating this way is that they just don’t have the time to create systems. Well, that is just an excuse because I have been offering back office assessments and DFY system implementation services for years now.

So what is the issue? Well, there are a number of them, but I’m going to narrow this down to a simple fact. We prioritize what is important to us. And I get it! Focusing on your back office operations isn’t fun to do and it takes an investment of your attention and resources. But when you get your business systems in place, you are in a position to take your business to new heights because you can create and implement a sound growth strategy.

The Power of Streamlining Your Business Systems

Let me tell you about Jodi Silverman, the founder of Moms Who Dare. Jodi was juggling a business with no organizational systems. This left her feeling overwhelmed and she felt her business was out of control. Her disorganized Google Drive and increasing workload were hindering her business growth to the point that she wanted to throw in the towel.

After booking a back office assessment with me Jodi received her custom action plan which identified a targeted, systematic approach to get her back office in order. By implementing her plan along with me, we were able to establish efficient standard operating procedures to manage both her Facebook community, speaking engagements and more. The result? Not only did Jodi regain control over her businesses, but she also launched her dream podcast, “Beyond Empty Nest”.

Just like Jodi, your business can also benefit immensely from streamlining your business systems, making your workflow efficient, and your business less overwhelming.

Be sure to check out this blog post to hear about Jodi’s experience in her own words. You can also listen to the podcast episode to hear how we were able to calm the chaos in her back office.

Do you feel like Jodi? You may be feeling the same overwhelm and lack of control in your business. You have big dreams and aspirations, but you can barely keep up with the day-to-day tasks. It’s because you’re operating in chaos without streamlined business systems. But here’s the truth—you can’t afford to keep putting off creating business systems.

The Three Pillars of Streamlining Your Business

Streamlining your business operations demands calmness, commitment, and adapting new habits. It’s about creating a strong foundation for your business to grow and thrive without burning you out. These three essential elements will pave the way for creating efficient operations that work for you, not against you.

Calm: When you operate from a calm place, you’re capable of making sound decisions. You need to be crystal clear on why you want your business to grow and how to achieve that.

So you need to start by assessing your current business operations and you need to be honest. This type of clarity can help you establish the right systems to support your growth goals. That’s why my motto is “Keep calm and streamline.”

Commit: A firm commitment to the streamlining process is needed because it takes six months to almost two years to map out your processes, identify the right tools, get them integrated into your process and get the systems operating the way you want. If you are not mentally committed to the process, you will find every excuse in the book to keep putting it off. And even if you start the process strong, you will lose momentum when you encounter difficulties with things like technology, which you will.

Change: Adopting new habits is a necessity for maintaining streamlined operations. Not to mention this has a direct impact on the growth of our business. Don’t use a system long enough to say it takes too much time but use it consistently so that you can improve or streamline it to save you time.

No system is error proof but you can’t improve your consistency in doing anything if you aren’t following your process. Cheating the system will keep you in your current state of chaos which is not what you want.

Take Action Now

Stop consuming content without taking action!

You have the power to transform your business operations and achieve sustainable growth. Stop giving excuses! Don’t let overwhelm and disorganization hold you back from reaching your goals.

I’ve shared the inspiring story of Jodi Silverman and how effective systems propelled her business to the next level. Now, it’s your turn to take charge of your business’s future. You can’t afford to keep putting off creating business systems. Not if you want to succeed without burning out. Let’s prioritize your back office operations now.

If you truly do not have the space in your schedule or the mental capacity to create your systems, then pay someone to do it for you. Whether it’s me or someone else, stop ignoring this systematic issue because the more you ignore it, the harder it is going to be to fix it.

Feel free to book a back office assessment with me and let me provide the roadmap you can use to streamline your back office. By investing in this assessment, you’ll gain clarity on the areas that need improvement and a clear plan of action to streamline your operations. If you want to know more about what is involved, and what happens before, during, and after the assessment, then go to theshannonbaker.com/assessment.

If you feel you want to tackle this on your own, the MY-T Society membership is the perfect resource center for you. You can DIY your business systems in as little as 30 minutes a week and make progress. And if you decide later that you need my help, you’ll get member’s only pricing for a back office assessment and strategy sessions with me which are exclusive to members only. It’s what I call hitting the SOS button to get over a hurdle. Go to theshannonbaker.com/membership to check that out.

Remember, the more attention and resources you invest in your back-office operations today, the brighter your business’s future will be tomorrow. Be like Jodi, embrace change, power up your business to the next level, and kiss your overwhelm and disorganization goodbye!

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

1:19 – Learn the power of streamlined business systems

3:09 – Learn about the growing pains Jodi wanted relief from

5:15 – Learn the power of investing in help to streamline your business operations

8:31 – The three foundational pillars of streamlining business operations you need to know

14:39 – Let’s tap into the POWER you have to transform your business operations

Resources mentioned in this post:

Episode 117 – How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi Silverman

Book Your Back Office Assessment

Check out the MY-T Society Membership

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post Stop Using a Lack of Time As An Excuse and Start Streamlining Your Business Systems for Sustainable Growth appeared first on .

Why You Need to Streamline Your Business Systems for Sustainable Growth

Admin Account — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:06:00 +0000

Streamlining your business systems is a fundamental step towards achieving efficiency and driving growth in the digital entrepreneur space. As a solopreneur, you have prioritize streamlining your operations and leverage technology to maximize your productivity. By doing this, you can effectively utilize your time and resources, ultimately leading to increased revenue and improved customer experiences.

Is this the most sexy or fun thing to do? No, it isn’t! But the truth is, when you own your own business, everything you need to do to be successful isn’t going to be fun. And no matter what anyone may tell you, you can’t outsource everything. So let’s talk about why you need to streamline your operations and how you can start the process.

Let’s use the example of a closet that is totally disorganized. Every time you go in there to get dressed, which is probably every day, you are stressed out because you have to dig through piles to find what you want. So you’re frustrated and tired of dealing with it because you waste a lot of time just trying to find one thing to wear.

Now you decide you are not going to Marie Kondo your closet to get it organized. Instead you decide to set aside pockets of time to get the project completed…but you need a plan. So you sit down and decide how much time you think this will take or how much time you actually have for this project. Then you determine how mich time you can spend working on this project and what day you can do it. So you start by sorting the things into categegories like Keep This, Trash, Donate, and Not Sure. After time, you see that you are making progress as you put in the work. And when you’re done, you have turned your chaotic closet into a beautiful space that no longer stresses you out.

The same is true when you put in the work and streamline your back office. It turns your business into a haven of productivity, efficiency, and consistency. How do I know? Because I’ve been there.

My Life Without Streamlined Business Systems

When I started my business as a virtual assistant, I became a slave to my business. Instead of it supporting my life, it took over my life, my family life. Stress, anxiety and overwhelm became my best friends. Over time, the love I once had for my business had faded. I wasn’t happy with the clients I had or with the work. So I took a step back to reevaluate my priorities and decide what to do to get my life back in order. One thing I knew was that being a VA was not the space I wanted to be in anymore.

So I took the summer off and just enjoyed time with my daughter. I also worked with one of my mentors to determine what success meant to me and build my business to support that. Up to this point, I was running my business without systems in place. Yep, I was winging it! And I knew that had to stop.

So I sat down and figured out all of the things that weren’t working the way I wanted to in my business and the things that were working well. Then I started mapping out workflows and creating systems so that things would be more consistent not just for me but even for my clients. I also put boundaries in place. I implemented business hours and started establishing deadlines for my clients for routine tasks. Over time, I realized I wasn’t the only one that had fallen into the trap.

Now my mission is to help others get out of this vicious cycle. The framework that I use to work with my clients will help you tap into and use the POWER you have to be more intentional with your time and create success on your own terms. If you would like to learn more about this process, read this blog post where I talk about what is really blocking your business growth and how you can fix that.

Streamlining Your Business Operations Helps You Optimize Your Time

One of the primary challenges solopreneurs have in common is the scarcity of time. Time is a valuable resource. Once it’s gone you can’t get it back. Streamlining your business operations helps you optimize the time you have because it reduces the need to complete manual tasks because you can automate repetitive processes.

By leveraging technology and implementing automation tools, such as online schedulers and payment systems, you can reclaim precious time and redirect your time and resources towards revenue-generating activities like serving your clients, networking and developing new services or just improving the ones you have.

Streamline Your Business Operations for Sustainable Growth and Success

In the fast-paced world we live, growing and scaling your business is an exciting but complex journey. And yes, they are different! When your business enters the growth phase, it signifies a pivotal moment of opportunity. However, without proper systems in place, growth can quickly become overwhelming. As your revenue increases, so do your expenses and the complexities associated with managing a thriving enterprise. To navigate this stage successfully, it is crucial to streamline your operations and establish efficient systems. By establishing clear processes, documenting essential details, and building a reliable team, you create a solid foundation for sustained growth.

Relying solely on your memory and knowledge for critical business operations is risky. Think about the impact this would have on your business if something happens to you. If your business can’t operate without you, then you don’t have a business…you have a you. This is why documenting your processes and streamlining your business systems is crucial. By doing the, you create a strong foundation for your business which includes an emergency preparedness plan and ensure its continuity, even in unforeseen circumstances.If you would like help addressing this, which is business risk management, be sure to check out this blog post where I talk about a back-up plan and creating an emergency plan for your business.

Protecting Your Time As Your Business Grows

Effective time and resource management if you want to successfully grow your business. Learning to say “no” and setting boundaries is a necessity to avoid spreading yourself too thin. And when you have a strategic plan that you are using to guide your decision, you are able to focus on your area of expertise and allocate your time and resources while minimizing costly mistakes. Establishing clear boundaries within your business allows you to prioritize tasks that align with your goals and values. It also keeps you from putting too much on your plate.

As you continue to grow your business you will find that investing in external expertise becomes vital. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable professionals can provide invaluable guidance and support. While hiring a fractional operations manager like me or working with a marketing consultant or any other professionals with the experience and expertise that you need may not be in the budget right now, alternative options like paid consultations or joining memberships can still provide you access to expertise that you need but at a more affordable price point. Free is great, but when you really want to grow your business, you have to get some skin in the game and pay for help to shorten the learning curve. Save your money and take advantage of those services that will help you make progress to reach your goals.

The MY-T Society membership, for example, offers a wealth of resources, including roadmaps, workflows, templates, and bite-sized instructional videos to help you create effective business systems. I am currently running a five day audio challenge inside the membership that is focused on helping members streamline their back office operations, helping them reclaim their time, leverage their resources, and achieve sustainable growth. From goal setting to auditing your back office and setting up efficient workflows, this challenge had you covered. And my plan is to leave it inside the membership. So click here if you want to learn more about the membership. It’s a great place to start creating your systems on your own.

Christa Hutchins booked a back office assessment with me and she chose to self-implement her action plan using the membership. This is what she had to say about the membership.

We all dream of growing our business and achieving sustainable growth. Streamlining your operations lays the foundation for that. By investing time and effort into building efficient systems, setting boundaries, and leveraging external expertise, you can propel your business forward without experiencing overwhelm.

And scaling up becomes a breeze when you have streamlined operations supporting you. You can’t scale until you have the systems in place that allow you to expand your business without increasing your operational costs or using additional resources. And because you have more time, you can focus on your zone of genius. Remember, the journey to scaling and thriving as an entrepreneur requires careful planning, continuous improvement, and a commitment to streamlining your business operations.

Remember, your time is precious. Streamlining your business systems is not just a luxury, but a necessity if you want to succeed and thrive. By being more intentional with how you use your time, embracing efficient operations, and providing an exceptional customer experience, you lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and unlock your full potential.

Remember, just consuming this content does nothing for you unless you take action. Don’t let limited resources or fear of complexity hold you back. Take action today, join the MY-T Society membership and complete the exercises in the summer ops challenge. Remember, the path to success begins with a single step, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

2:23 – The importance of business systems
5:01 – The importance of having a back office assessment
6:50 – A valuable resource you don’t want to waste
9:02 – Why you need to get comfortable with the word “NO”
13:40 – The importance of streamlining your back office operations
17:35 – Things you can do once you have your back office in order
19:30 – Life after you streamline your business systems

Resources Mentioned In This Blog Post

Episode 121 – What Is Really Blocking Your Business Growth And How To Fix It

Ep 131: Business Risk Management: Why Your Business Needs a Backup System and Emergency Preparedness Plan

Learn More About a Back Office Assessment

Learn More About the MY-T Society Membership

Let’s Connect Online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post Why You Need to Streamline Your Business Systems for Sustainable Growth appeared first on .

The Power of Self-Care in Business: How to Prioritize and Achieve Success on Your Own Terms

Admin Account — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In the fast-paced world we live in it’s tap into the power of self-care when running a business. The concept of constant hustle has gained popularity, with many people have been led to believe that it’s the only way to be successful. However, this mentality can have devastating effects on your quality of life and your business. That’s why I’m anti-hustle because it is not sustainable. And I refuse to let others define what success means for me.

Over the years I’ve been on my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve seen too many people take pride in being busy, almost competing to see who can be the busiest. However, being busy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re productive. In fact, it often leads to neglecting self-care. The truth is, you can’t maintain that relentless pace forever. So, let me share a personal story to illustrate the importance of self-care in business.

Imagine a business owner who poured her heart and soul into her business. She worked tirelessly, sacrificing her personal well-being, time with her family, neglecting self-care, and trading hours for dollars. She downloaded way too many ebooks, invested in a ton of DIY courses and webinars, and joined multiple Facebook groups. But as she continued down this parabbit hole hoping to succeed, the love she had for her business started fading. It consumed her life, affected her happiness, strained her relationships, and eventually led to burnout.

Then she came to a crossroad, she had to decide whether to close down her business or make a shift. She chose the latter, seeking guidance from mentors and investing in private coaching. This process helped her redefine her mission, vision, and reconnect with her purpose. With a renewed sense of direction, she rebuilt her business on her own terms, unapologetically and made the progress she desired while spending quality time with her family when it mattered most.

This story is mine, and that part of my journey taught me the importance of self-care in achieving personal and professional goals and that I need to define what success means to me. However, self-care in business is more than just indulging in bubble baths and spa days. It’s about nurturing your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Just as we invest in relationships to grow our business, we must prioritize our relationship with ourselves. Self-care directly impacts productivity, creativity, and overall business performance.

Contrary to popular belief, sacrificing your well-being is not a prerequisite for success. In fact, research shows that self-care enhances productivity, boosts creativity, and sharpens decision-making abilities. When we prioritize self-care, we become a force to be reckoned with.

So, let’s explore practical steps you can take to cultivate better self-care habits.

Be Intentional with Your Time

Improving your time management skills is crucial for you to be able to tap into the power of self-care. Start by identifying time-wasters and inefficiencies in your daily routines and your business operations. Are there tasks that can be done more efficiently or eliminated altogether? By streamlining your workflow, you’ll have more time for self-care activities.

Effective time management techniques like time-blocking can help you boost productivity. Time-blocking involves breaking your day into dedicated blocks for specific tasks. This method helps you prioritize and focus on essential activities while avoiding overwhelm. Implementing time-blocking strategies will allow you to do less while achieving more.

If you want to know how to time block your schedule check out this blog post for my step-by-step process. And in this blog post I show you how to use your calendar to take control of your time.

Prioritize Breaks and Downtime

While powering through the day may seem like the path to success, it hampers productivity and increases the risk of burnout. Taking breaks and downtime are essential aspects of self-care. Incorporate short movement breaks throughout your workday to increase blood flow, energy levels, and overall well-being. Set reminders or alarms to prompt you to get up, stretch, or perform simple exercises.

Scheduling dedicated downtime is equally important. Allow yourself guilt-free time to relax and fully disconnect from work. Plan activities that bring you joy and help you recharge, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk in nature, or spending quality time with loved ones. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for long-term success.

The key to successfully incorporating breaks and downtime into your routine lies in the creation of healthy boundaries and cultivating self-care habits. It’s common to feel guilty when you first start taking breaks and especially when you start taking downtime. The mean girl inside tells us that we should be doing something more productive. To counteract this self-sabotaging mindset, create and stick to a weekly plan that includes unscheduled downtime and decide what activities bring you joy and help you relax and enjoy them. Remember, it’s crucial to disconnect from work to be fully present in your personal life.

So, how do we make this happen? How do we make room for self-care when you have a lot on your plate? The answer lies in organizing your business and creating efficient systems that can open up more space for self-care.

Create Efficient Systems for Enhanced Self-Care

Efficiency is the key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and incorporating self-care consistently. Start by organizing and decluttering your physical and digital spaces. A clutter-free environment promotes focus and reduces stress. Implement systems and processes, such as creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to streamline repetitive tasks and delegate effectively.

Set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Clearly define your working hours and communicate them to clients, employees, and collaborators. Establishing boundaries helps prevent burnout and ensures you have dedicated time for self-care activities.

When you have clear systems in place for managing tasks, deadlines, and communications, you become more efficient and are more productive. You spend less time searching for what you need to complete a task, you reduce mistakes and you can accomplish your business goals quicker and more effectively, which frees up valuable time for you to implement some of the self-care activities we talked about.

As a fractional operations manager, my mission is to help you identify areas where you can save time and increase efficiency. Here are some examples of how I have helped my clients streamline their business operations which opened up more time for self-care:

Getting Organized and Creating SOPs: Jodi was experiencing overwhelm and lack of control in her business due to a lack of support and organizational systems. Jodi struggled with the organizational aspect of her business, and her disorganized Google Drive and growing workload were preventing her from growing her business effectively.

After organizing her Google Drive, creating a clear folder structure, and establishing a system for version control. Jodi was able to delegate many of her administrative tasks to a virtual assistant, freeing up her time to focus on growing her business and practice more self-care. Jodi felt more in control and less overwhelmed, and her business continued to grow. Click here to see what Jodi had to say about her journey.

Practice Mindfulness and Mindset Work

Self-care extends beyond physical actions; it also involves nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Cultivate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, to bring awareness to your thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, increase focus, and improve decision-making.

Additionally, mindset work plays a crucial role in self-care and achieving success on your own terms. Challenge limiting beliefs, embrace a growth mindset, and cultivate self-compassion. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and practice gratitude to shift your perspective and attract more positive experiences.

By prioritizing self-care and implementing these practical steps, you’ll create a solid foundation for sustainable success in your business. Remember, success is not only measured by financial achievements or societal standards. It’s about finding fulfillment, aligning with your values, and taking care of yourself along the way.

Make a commitment to prioritize self-care and define success on your own terms. Embrace the power of self-care and unlock your full potential to take the world by storm.

How Can You Start This Process?

I know you’re probably wondering where you should start this process since this may not be your area of expertise. I have some fantastic news if you are ready to put these tips and strategies into action.

Inside The MY-T Society Membership is a free five-day challenge called Beach to Business: 5 Day Challenge to Skyrocket Your Fall Growth.

This challenge is designed to help you use the summer slowdown to your advantage in planning and preparing for fall growth. Each day of the challenge contains actionable strategies, tips, and resources to help you implement some of the things we discussed today. And as a bonus, inside the MY-T Society membership, you’ll find even more resources to support your business operations.

Now is the perfect time to seize the opportunity of the summer slow down and transform your business operations in just 30 minutes a week, setting yourself up for a successful and prosperous fall.

So, are you ready to dive into the Beach to Business Challenge? Join by visiting theshannonbaker.com/membership.

Remember, taking great care of yourself will only lead to greater achievements in your professional life. I want to remind you that just reading this blog post is not going to improve your business operations or help you invest in yourself more. So I want you to pick one thing you will take action on today and do it.

I would love to hear which point you’re going to use first! Connect with me on Instagram @the_shannonbaker and share it with me in the DMs. I can’t wait to hear from you!

If you would like to hear the expanded version check out the podcast episode below.

4:44 – The myth that regular self-care is a luxury

6:30 – How to be more intentional with your time

9:01 – Why taking breaks is not an indulgence

13:51 – The key to incorporating downtime into your routine

15:52 – How to streamline your business operations

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 117 – How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi Silverman

Episode 132: Productivity Tips for Busy Consultants to Create an Intentional Lifestyle

Episode 133: Top Tips to Master Work-Life Integration with Digital Calendars

Check out the MY-T Society Membership

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

The post The Power of Self-Care in Business: How to Prioritize and Achieve Success on Your Own Terms appeared first on .

How to Unlock Your Business’s Potential for Growth in the Fall

Admin Account — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 11:05:00 +0000

As the seasons change and fall approaches, it’s important to consider how you can unlock your business’s potential and prepare for sustainable growth for the rest of the year. But waiting until fall to address inefficiencies and gaps in your business operations can lead to missed opportunities and overwhelming challenges.

Streamlining your back office operations is a long-term process. It takes about six months to really make progress to the point that you begin to benefit from having business systems in place that are operating efficiently. And it takes even longer if you are trying to do it on your own without help from someone like me who specializes in this. If you would like to shorten this process, then go ahead and book a back office assessment with me.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore the risks of waiting and I’m going to share some practical tips to help you optimize your back office during the summer slowdown.

Why Wait?

Streamlining your back office and optimizing your operations is not an overnight process. It takes time and effort to implement efficient business systems that will benefit you in the long run. If you wait until the fall to give your back office the attention it needs, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. The “summer slowdown” provides the perfect opportunity for you to dedicate time and attention to improving your operations so that you can unlock your business’s potential.

The Benefits of Taking Action Now

By taking action now and streamlining your systems, you’ll position your business for sustainable growth when fall arrives. This proactive approach allows you to stay ahead of the competition and benefit from increased demand without feeling overwhelmed. Planning in advance also helps you avoid the stress of trying to catch up when business picks up again.

Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Fall Growth

To mitigate the risks of waiting and optimize your business for fall growth, here are three practical tips you need to consider:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve this fall, whether it’s increasing your revenue, growing your subscriber list, launching a new service or something else. And I strongly recommend you do this every 90 days. By setting clear goals and creating a detailed plan to reach them, you’ll have a roadmap to follow and ensure that your actions are aligned with your business objectives.

Picking the right goal requires you to get your calendar in order. If you would like some step-by-step assistance with this part of the process, check out my audio masterclass “How to Grow Your Business Without Overwhelm.” There are five lessons in the masterclass and you can listen to them in less than 40 minutes. But the exercises you complete will help you update your calendar, pick a goal that fits the season your life is in and create a plan to reach that goal. Click here to check it out.

Create a Reasonable Action Plan: Once you’ve set your goals, it’s crucial to create a reasonable action plan that breaks them down into manageable steps. This plan will guide you, keep you on track, and help you navigate any obstacles that arise along the way. Without a plan, you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

Seek Support and Accountability: Don’t try to navigate this journey alone. Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals or mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Having someone by your side can make all the difference in staying motivated and pushing through challenges. That’s the type of community I’m building inside of the MY-T Society membership. Click here to find out more about it.

To streamline your back office operations and prepare for fall growth, it’s essential to take action today. How can you do this when this is not your area of expertise? I’ve got you covered!

To further support your journey towards fall growth, I invite you to join the Beach to Business 5 Day Challenge to Ignite Fall Growth inside the MY-T Society membership. This free challenge, starting on Monday, July 10th, will provide actionable strategies and resources to help you implement the tips and strategies discussed in this blog post. By joining the challenge, you’ll also receive a 14-day free trial to the MY-T Society membership, where you can continue to access valuable resources and support.

Click here to learn more about the Beach to Business 5 Day Challenge and join the waitlist. Start planning and preparing for fall growth now so that you can experience sustainable success in the coming season.

If you would like to hear the expanded version, check out the podcast episode below.

3:55 – How to streamline your business

5:58 – How to set clear goals for your business

9:47 – How to create an action plan to achieve your goal

11:16 – What you need to do to streamline your back office

13:36 – How I can help you put these tips and strategies into action

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 136 – 3 Tips for Maximizing Productivity During the Summer Slowdown

Grab the free audio masterclass: How to Grow Your Business Without Overwhelm

Book a Back Office Assessment

Check Out the MY-T Society Membership

Join the FREE Beach to Business 5 Day Challenge

Let’s connect online

Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker

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