In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, building and maintaining relationships may often take a backseat to other business activities. However, according to Barb Betts, a renowned business consultant and expert in trust marketing, leveraging relationships is a critical strategy for long-term success. In this blog post, we will explore Barb's valuable insights on how entrepreneurs can effectively use relationships to build their businesses. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #217). If you'd like to listen to this conversation, use the link below. The Importance Of Trust When You're Building Your Business Barb emphasizes that trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. While social media and a strong online presence are essential, they cannot replace the authentic trust that comes from building genuine connections with clients and customers. Simply showing up on social media platforms or discussing your business does not automatically create trust. It requires time, effort, and consistent engagement. Plus, there are different levels of trust and this is especially the case when it comes to establishing trust with your potential clients. You can trust someone to pick your kids up from school but you might not trust them to manage your financial portfolio. As a business owner you have to know what professional capacity you're working in so you can create trust in that capacity. "How are you going to prove to these people that they can trust you in a professional capacity? That is the real missing factor I see business owners missing in the gap between know, like and trust." - Barb Betts Word-of-Mouth Is Only Accidental Referrals, You Need A System For Constant Referrals Traditional word-of-mouth marketing can be seen as an unreliable and unpredictable stream of business. To overcome this, Barb suggests adopting a different perspective: intentional referrals. By developing a system to nurture relationships, you can create a steady stream of repeat and referral business. This approach involves leveraging your network, demonstrating expertise, and providing exceptional value to clients. "Use the phrase 'Can you introduce me' instead of 'Can you refer me'. The word "referral" is overused." - Barb Betts "I can't teach you how to generate referrals if I don't teach you how to generate relationships and leverage them and deepen them. A referral is a transfer of trust. It all comes down to relationships." - Barb Betts Creating Your Repeatable Referrals Systems To Build Your Business Barb emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to building relationships as an entrepreneur. Whether you're an online entrepreneur, a real estate agent, or a skincare specialist, having a structured system in place can significantly enhance your business outcomes. This includes regular check-ins, personalized communication, sharing valuable educational content, and active listening on social media platforms. Step 1: Create The Pathway To Create Trust The best way to do this as an entrepreneurs is to build it into your marketing. Education plays a vital role in relationship marketing. Provide your audience with valuable information related to your industry through various platforms such as email marketing, social media, or podcasting. By offering insights and solutions to their pain points, you position yourself as an expert in your field and build trust with your audience. Step 2: Build In Unexpected Extras Building relationships is like making deposits into someone's life, allowing you to eventually make a withdrawal without depleting the balance. Barb highlights the importance of making consistent deposits in the form of nurturing, helpful interactions before seeking referrals. By providing value and support without expecting anything in return, you solidify trust and increase the likelihood of receiving referrals. Text message Phone call Send a postcard Drop off or send a care package "You have to know the level of relationship you have with someone and what the appropriate response is." - Barb Betts Step 3: Create Your Time To Engage With People To build strong relationships, Barb advises showing genuine interest in others' lives, both personally and professionally. Listen actively to what your clients share on social media and engage in meaningful conversations. By going beyond surface-level interactions, you demonstrate that you care about their well-being and unique needs. This approach can transform casual acquaintances into deep connections. Barb has a time on her calendar called "engagement hour" where she intentionally scrolls on Instagram in order to connect and engage with people. Take Away Message / Action In the world of entrepreneurship, leveraging relationships is a powerful strategy for sustainable business growth. Barb's insights highlight the importance of building trust, nurturing relationships, and providing value to clients and customers. By reframing word-of-mouth as accidental referrals and incorporating a systematic approach, entrepreneurs can create a dependable stream of business. By investing time and effort into developing deep connections, entrepreneurs can thrive and make a significant impact in their chosen industries. So, go ahead and start building those trust-based relationships to propel your entrepreneurial journey to new heights. About Barb: Barb Betts is a sought-after keynote speaker, seasoned real estate expert, passionate educator, and the CEO of The RECollective, a thriving boutique brokerage in Southern California. Barb has delighted countless stages including, Inman Connect, WomanUP!, and at the National Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference. Whether she’s teaching on referrals, authenticity or leveraging relationships, Barb brings an honest, compassionate, and transparent approach to every single stage. As a real estate professional, with over 20 years experience, Barb has mastered the ever changing real estate landscape and the balance of running a vibrant brokerage. Through her signature course, Real Estate By Relationship®, Barb educates business builders on the exact systems, processes, and knowledge necessary to succeed in any market. Known to wow an audience, impactful, and high energy, Barb can help any audience tap into their greatness and leave feeling empowered and with an action plan. Barb's Resources: Barb's Website: www.barbbetts.com Barb's Podcast: https://www.barbbetts.com/podcast Barb's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbbetts/ Let's Work Together: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "I can't teach you how to generate referrals if I don't teach you how to generate relationships and leverage them and deepen them. A referral is a transfer of trust. It all comes down to relationships." — Barb Betts Let's Work Together! I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire. If that's you, let's work together!

Being an entrepreneur can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, it's important to navigate the ups and downs with confidence and purpose. In this blog post, we'll explore the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship and share some practical tips to help you navigate this exciting adventure. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #216). If you'd like to listen to this conversation, use the link below. Transitioning From Corporate To Entrepreneurship, The Honest Truth If you're transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, you may find the change daunting. The structured routine and clear roles of the corporate world can be comforting, but starting your own business requires a different approach. Embrace the shift from following a script to being the one who gets to choose. Trust your instincts and learn to make decisions faster to get things done. "Yeah. So, my story is definitely an accidental story of entrepreneurship. I didn't have ambition to be an entrepreneur."— Nicola Mercer "And so then I did start to feel pressure because it looked as though everybody else had it nailed."— Nicola Mercer Overcoming Perfectionism As An Entrepreneur Entrepreneurs often struggle with perfectionism, striving for excellence in every aspect of their business. While attention to detail is important, it's crucial to find a balance and avoid getting caught up in minor details. Learn from the experience of our guest and catch yourself when you start overly obsessing with perfection. Instead, focus on taking small steps and making progress towards your goals. However, one of the greatest rewards of being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to make your own decisions. Making choices for yourself and your business can be empowering and allow you to shape your own path. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility! "But I will say it's something that does get so much easier, much faster than what I ever expected. And one of the things that I have changed the most about how I work and operate, and that I've enjoyed the fact I've changed that, is that I do make decisions much faster."— Nicola Mercer Discovering Your True Passion To Guide Your Entrepreneurship Journey Finding your passion and purpose as an entrepreneur can be a journey in itself. Just like our guest, you may not have a clear direction initially. The key is to take action and step through the process, even without having all the answers. Stay open to new possibilities, and your passion will reveal itself along the way. As Nicola was making the leap into entrepreneurship, she was asked these questions and suggest that you do this as well: 4 Questions To Ask Yourself: Think about the skillset you have. What can you do that you're good at naturally from a hard skills point of view? What do you enjoy doing? If you're in a current job or have had jobs in the past, ask yourself what about that job(s) did you enjoy or about the company's mission? What inspires you? "Actually, maybe these things I'm thinking about could combine together and be a real business."— Nicola Mercer Tips As You Transition From Corporate To Entrepreneurship Build A Supportive Network: Entrepreneurship can feel lonely at times, especially if you miss the camaraderie of teammates in a corporate setting. Building a supportive network of like-minded individuals is crucial for your wellbeing and success. Surround yourself with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey and can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Prioritize Your Wellness: Running a business can be all-consuming, but it's important to prioritize your well-being. Physical activity, healthy eating, and stress reduction strategies should be incorporated into your routine. Cultivating a healthy work-life balance will not only benefit your health but also enhance your productivity and overall satisfaction. "You know, I've had to learn and think about what habits to prioritize next to help reduce some of that stress, the worry."— Nicola Mercer Redefine Success On Your Terms: Success is not just about achieving goals; it's about how those achievements make you feel. Rather than focusing solely on the outcome, tap into the feeling of success throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge your growth, and enjoy the process of building your business. Remember, it's not just about the destination — it's about the journey. *Not sure how you define success? Download my free guide and follow the simple steps. Take Away Message / Action Entrepreneurship is a thrilling adventure that comes with its fair share of challenges. As you navigate this path, embrace the power of decision making, overcome perfectionism, and discover your passion and purpose. Build a supportive network and prioritize your wellness along the way. And most importantly, redefine success by savoring the journey and the feeling of accomplishment. Enjoy every moment of being an entrepreneur, and remember that your unique journey is what makes it truly worthwhile. Until next time, give yourself permission to follow your true passion and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon! About Nicola: Nicola is a transformational health coach helping to build confidence and self-worth using her framework of mindset, movement, nutrition, sleep and stress. A certified health coach and qualified personal trainer with over twenty years of expertise in one of the world's largest sports brands, she combines her corporate leadership experience with her own journey of mental and physical health challenges to support others to build sustainable habits and thrive in life. She is driven to change the narrative of what health is really about to normalize healthy habits so kids grow up valuing themselves to live with health and happiness. Nicola's Resources: Nicola's Website: https://lifenow.uk Nicola's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifenow_coaching/ Nicola's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamercer/ Nicola's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifenowcoaching Let's Work Together: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "And so then I did start to feel pressure because it looked as though everybody else had it nailed." — Nicola Mercer Let's Work Together! I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire. If that's you, let's work together!

Are you tired of letting fear hold you back from pursuing your passions and dreams? Well, fear not! In this blog post, we're going to dive deep into the topic of overcoming the fear of failure and taking bold steps towards your goals. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and learn from guest expert, Paola Soares, host of the But First She Failed Podcast. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #215). If you'd like to listen to this conversation, use the link below. Embrace Your Inner Dreamer Do you have a burning passion for starting a pet shop, opening a gym, or even hosting your own podcast? Well, let me tell you, that dream is not a mistake - it's your inner voice calling out to you! Embrace that dream, because it comes from within and it's something worth pursuing. No matter what your specific dream is, it's there for a reason and it's time to pursue that dream. Maybe you don't immediately leave your 9-to-5 today but you can certainly take small steps to making this a reality for you. Because your dream is unique to you and it would be a disservice to others to not pursue your dream. There are people out there waiting for what you have to offer! Learning from Past Experiences In Entrepreneurship & Life But it's often the fear of failure...or even reflection on previous failure that can keep you from pursuing your dreams of entrepreneurship. Life is a series of experiences, both good and bad, that shape us into who we are today. Remember, the challenges you've faced and triumphed over can be a valuable source of strength and wisdom. Often, the people we can help the most are the ones we used to be. So, don't discount the power of your past experiences in propelling you into the next chapter of life. "It's not whether you win or you lose. It's either you win or you learn." - Paola Soares Winning or Learning (Not Winning or Losing) One of the biggest game-changers in overcoming the fear of failure is shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing every situation as a win or lose scenario, embrace the mindset that in every situation, you are either winning or learning. This new perspective can be incredibly empowering and liberating, giving you the freedom to try new things without the fear of failure holding you back. "There's a reason you've gone through a challenge in your life, you know, whatever that looks like. And you've come out on the other side and you've triumphed, ask, right? And now you can look back and everything that you learn, you can help someone."— Paola Soares The Framework for Embracing Failure and Finding Success In Entrepreneurship To help entrepreneurs embrace failure, Paola has a framework that she shares to help guide you through. Her framework includes things like: Identifying your passion Setting achievable goals Seeking support Taking consistent action If you're finding yourself paralyze with fear today, ask yourself about these things and uncover what you're truly wanting in your life. Once you truly identify your dream and write it out, you'll be more inspired to take action. Then it's time to find support and accountability. If you're looking for that, I'd love to support you in this part of your journey. Check out my coaching options >> HERE. I look forward to connecting and working with you! Overcoming the Fear of Failure Fear of failure can be paralyzing, regardless of age or experience. It's crucial to acknowledge that pursuing your passions and dreams requires taking risks. Don't let the fear of what others might say or the fear of falling short hold you back. Remember, not taking action can lead to regret and unfulfilled potential. So, take that leap of faith and start living life on your own terms. "The crazy thing is it can stop people not only, at the age that we're at. Like, I've seen people like in their sixties, and it's very clear that they had these aspirations or they had the they had these goals and dreams inside of them. And they never got to them because of when you boil it down and you really analyze it, it's fear failure." - Paola Soares "We need to combat because the risk is so high. The risk of not going for the things that you'd love and not doing something passionate about it, you could and I've been there too where it's like, you start becoming a little bit bitter."— Paola Soares Small Steps Lead To Big Confidence As An Entrepreneur In order to move through fear, you have to take action instead of waiting for confidence to help you out. Building confidence doesn't happen overnight. It requires taking small steps towards your goals. Whether it's updating your resume, researching opportunities, or starting a side hustle, each action you take builds your confidence and moves you closer to success. Don't underestimate the power of consistent effort and the ability to look back on your progress. "It's okay to be meant for more. You know what I mean? Like, you are absolutely who you have to be. You were created the way you were, on purpose and for a purpose, there's, like, something special calling on your life that and everyone has different dreams. There's a reason why everyone has different dreams, right, because we're all different."— Paola Soares Take Away Message / Action The time to pursue your dreams is now, my friend. Don't let the fear of failure or the opinions of others hold you back any longer. Embrace your passions, learn from past experiences, shift your perspective, and take small steps towards your goals. As you embark on this journey, remember that not only will you be transforming your own life, but you'll also be inspiring and helping others along the way. So go forth, dream big, and make those dreams a reality! "Stop hesitating. Go for it!" - Paola Soares Remember, failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards your ultimate success. Now, get out there and make it happen! Until next time give yourself permission to learn from failure and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. About Paola: Paola Soares is the Host and Creator of But First, She Failed Podcast, a Top 50 Apple Podcast in Entrepreneurship. But First, She Failed is the first and only podcast that focuses on speaking to trailblazing, inspiring women about their moments of "failure" and how those moments propelled them to where they are today. A former journalist and national news producer that's had stories appear on Univision, Telemundo and ABC News among others. Paola was also a Booker/Segment Producer for Fusion Network where she would be tasked with bringing on celebrities, politicians and newsmakers. While working in news her favorite stories were always profile pieces that helped and inspired. Now she is taking her passion of storytelling and helping women redefine “failure” while gaining clarity and confidence when it comes to their careers and businesses. She is passionate about helping women escape their 9-5 through podcasting. Paola is a Chicago girl that has made Miami home, where she lives with her husband, very active toddler son and new baby daughter! Paola's Resources: Paola's website: paolasoares.com Paola's IG: https://www.instagram.com/butfirstshefailed/ Let's Work Together: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "Stop hesitating. Go for it!" — Paola Soares Let's Work Together! I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire. If that's you, let's work together!

The life of an accidental entrepreneur can be thrilling, but it's also a wild rollercoaster of stress, decisions, and endless to-do lists. Balancing the demands of running a business, keeping clients happy, and maintaining a personal life can leave you feeling like you're chasing your own tail. Amid this whirlwind, one aspect often takes a back seat: sleep. In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between sleep and stress, and I'll share some practical tips to help you experience better sleep. "First and foremost, it's seeing sleep as an asset. And I work with a lot of high achievers and I hear often from people, and I over the years, you know, I'll sleep when I'm dead. You know? Like, sleep is overrated, that sort of thing. I always laugh. I'm like, okay. We'll talk about that in a little bit. But tell me why you feel that way. But, You know, prior to the industrial revolution, sleep was revered. I mean, for 1000 of years, sleep was seen as this amazing thing." — April Likins **This was also a podcast episode (episode #214. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. The Sleep-Stress Connection: Let's dive straight into the deep end and talk about the elephant in the room—the connection between sleep and stress. As an accidental entrepreneur, you might be accustomed to late nights and early mornings. But this chronic sleep deprivation can turn into a vicious cycle of stress and exhaustion. Stress Impacts Sleep: When stress creeps into your life (and it will), it disrupts your sleep patterns. Stress hormones like cortisol can keep you awake, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings. Sleep Deprivation Begets Stress: On the flip side, when you're sleep-deprived, your tolerance for stress decreases. You're more likely to get frazzled over minor setbacks, further fueling the stress monster. The Accidental Entrepreneur's Sleep Survival Guide For Better Sleep: Now that we understand the sleep-stress relationship, let's jump into some actionable tips to help you get better sleep while riding the entrepreneurial wave: 1. Embrace Self-Awareness: Start your day by checking in with yourself. How do you feel? Assess your mood and energy levels before diving into work. "But the best gauge is always just checking with yourself because you know your body inside and out, and you can kind of gauge how you feel from day to day."— April Likins 2. Track Your Sleep Wisely: If you're a data enthusiast, consider using sleep tracking devices. But remember, it's not just about the numbers; it's about how you feel. Gauge your sleep quality by how alert and refreshed you feel upon waking, rather than obsessing over data. "One of the most important things you can do daily is Check-in with yourself for 30 seconds at least once a day, maybe a couple times a day and yes, how am I feeling but also what do I need today to thrive?"— April Likins Amanda's Tech Tracker Preference: To help me track my sleep and get better sleep, I use an Oura ring. If you'd like to save $40 on your Oura ring, use the link below: 3. Disconnect from Devices: Break the habit of staring at screens right before bedtime. The blue light emitted by phones and computers interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Try putting your phone away an hour before bed. It can work wonders for your sleep quality and personal relationships. "I had a client at the beginning of the pandemic that started putting his phone away, about an hour or so before bed for a couple reasons. He was just tired of feeling like he was always tied to it, but he also was noticing that it was kind of diminishing the quality of his relationship with his wife and his children, and there have been some studies that have shown that."— April Likins 4. Set a Caffeine Cutoff: Caffeine is a sneaky sleep disruptor. It can stay in your system for hours. Find your personal caffeine cutoff time, ideally before noon, to avoid late-night jitters. "So in her experimenting, she figured out that her actual sleep cutoff time for caffeine is 10 in the morning. That anything after 10 for her just really backed up her sleep, and so that was helpful for her to experiment with and play around with."— April Likins 5. Light and Environment Matters: Dim the lights in the evening to stimulate melatonin production. Your body responds to lower light levels by preparing for sleep. Create a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom: darkness, quietness, and a comfortable temperature (around 60-65°F) can work wonders. "Having the right environment is super important as well. Making sure your bedroom is dark, it's quiet and you want the temperature around 60, 65 °F give or take, that's kind of what sleep experts recommend, but for some that's a little cool. But really anything over 80 degrees and under 55 degrees make it harder to fall asleep." - April Likins Amanda's Pro Tip: use technology to your advantage. We use Hue lights in our home and have timers set so they help us wake up in the morning and slow down and sleep well at night. 6. Catch Some Morning Sun: Your circadian rhythm thrives on natural light. Spend a few minutes outdoors in the morning without sunglasses or hats to reset your internal clock. *Check out this resource from The Huberman Lab Podcast to learn more about the science behind this. 7. Move Your Body: Incorporate some form of movement into your daily routine. Whether it's a workout, yoga, stretching, or a simple walk, physical activity helps relieve stress and promotes better sleep. "All movement is beneficial to the body so if you're not into running hit workouts and crossfit, that's fine, do whatever you enjoy, maybe that's bar, maybe that's yoga, maybe it's like stretching, maybe it's walking, you know, all of it's beneficial. All of it switches you back into parasympathetic nervous system, that rest and digest system and that your cortisone levels and will help with sleep too." - April Likins 8. Tame the Mental Chatter: Entrepreneurial minds often buzz with thoughts and ideas, even at night. Keep a notebook by your bedside to jot down thoughts and to-do lists, reducing nighttime mental chatter. "If you're noticing you're having a lot of just thoughts and anxiety in the evening of like, oh my gosh, I have to do this, this, this and this tomorrow and you're thinking about all those things just writing it down or, at the end of the day looking ahead of the day and strategizing and planning by writing down your top priorities can be super helpful too to kind of curb that rumination that can happen in the evenings." - April Likins 9. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes before sleep reflecting on positive aspects of your day. Gratitude can help calm your mind and reduce stress. 10. Experiment and Adjust: Sleep preferences vary from person to person. Experiment with these tips, and find what works best for you. Your ideal sleep routine is a personal journey. "What do you need today to thrive?" - April Likins Ask yourself this question so that you can capture the information and ideally take the action within the day so you can be proactive with your mental and physical health. By asking yourself this question you have a better chance of feeling successful throughout the day and therefore sleeping better at night. Take Away Message / Action As an accidental entrepreneur, you're no stranger to juggling responsibilities, but don't let sleep and stress be casualties of your success. By prioritizing your well-being, you can optimize your performance and lead a happier, healthier entrepreneurial life. Remember, sleep isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for your physical and mental resilience. So, go ahead, take that afternoon walk, dim the lights, and put away your phone. Embrace the power of self-awareness and mindful sleep habits. Your entrepreneurial journey will be smoother, and you'll tackle each day with renewed vigor and clarity. Sleep well, live well, and keep thriving in your accidental entrepreneur adventure! Find what works for you by testing different tactics so you find your best sleep routine. And until next time give yourself permission to sleep well and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. About April: April Likins is a board-certified health coach, dual-trained at Duke Integrative Medicine and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Her story and articles have been featured in Wellbeing Magazine, Mantra Wellness, Better Humans, and Authority Magazine. Driven by her own previous experience of hitting burnout (which led to a total health collapse,) she's fiercely passionate about helping professional women, and female entrepreneurs reduce stress, find balance, and get their spark, energy, and joy back. She lives in Virginia with her family, and when she's not working with clients, she enjoys writing and speaking on wellness topics, traveling, photography, and searching for the perfect matcha latte. April's Resources: Website: www.AprilLikins.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/glowbelovely LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilfreerlikins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnesswithapril Free Guide: "15 Ways to Say Goodbye to Chronic Stress for Good" https://aprillikins.com/how-to-reduce-stress Quiz: Are You Headed Towards Burnout? https://aprillikins.com/online-burnout-test Other Resources Mentioned: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book Huberman Lab Podcast Episode (Sleep Toolkit): https://hubermanlab.com/dr-samer-hattar-timing-light-food-exercise-for-better-sleep-energy-mood/ Save $40 on Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/raf/c01519bc44?utm_medium=iac Hue Lights: https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us "First and foremost, it's seeing sleep as an asset." — April Likins Add Another Book To Your To-Read List! Check out my book about defining and pursuing your definition of success so you don't burn out as an entrepreneur. Use the link below to grab your copy today!

Grab your favorite beverage and cozy up because today, we're diving into the inspiring story of Christy Pennison, the powerhouse entrepreneur who turned her life around from corporate burnout to building a thriving 7-figure counseling practice. Picture this: A single mom, a steady corporate job, and a bank account running on fumes. Yep, that's the backdrop of Christy's remarkable journey, and we're about to break it all down for you. After being asked "what hurts your heart?" Christy challenged the conventional norms in her life and decided to make some changes. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #213. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. The 'Aha' Moment: Noticing Mental Health Stress and Seeking Change Christy was knee-deep in a corporate job, one that had morphed into something she no longer recognized. Her once-sunny disposition had clouded over, and the very thing she was passionate about – mental health – was taking a toll on her own wellbeing. It's a classic case of an entrepreneur's greatest paradox: how to protect your mental health while hustling for success. Acknowledge Burnout Early - Don't ignore the signs of burnout. It's your mind's way of waving a red flag. Christy's turning point came when she realized she was on a path she couldn't sustain without harming her mental health. "How do I put the things on my calendar FIRST, that give me life, that recharge me...because so often I will put those things AFTER all of my weekly responsibilities." - Christy Pennison "But instead, I really wanna figure out how to flip the switch and be able to actually put those things that are recharging for me first on the list and then build out the schedule around it... I think when you intentionally prioritize the things that ground you, that help you reflect, that help you recharge, then the more sustainable it's going to be to create anything you wanna create... what's really priority is me taking care of myself so that I can continue to do this to do list." — Christy Pennison Leaping into the Unknown: Navigating the Transition Into Entrepreneurship Sometimes, life calls for a leap of faith. Christy decided to leave her corporate job, sell her house, and venture back to her hometown. It was a bold move but guess what? It was the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. What started as an idea that kept her up one night, turned into a crystal clear vision that she built upon. Sitting at her mom's kitchen table she outlined what type of business she wanted to start and even though she didn't know all the answers (or many at all) she took one step at a time and made it happen. Trust Your Vision - Crystalize your vision. Christy's clarity about starting a counseling practice in her hometown was like a beacon. It guided her through uncertainty. While Christy didn't know how everything would work out, she knew what she wanted to do and it was her crystal clear vision that kept her going. 'Well, I'll tell you the mission of what I do, and that is to inspire hope for change, to help individuals of all ages move forward and live fully.'" — Christy Pennison A Clear Vision and Openness to Opportunities As An Entrepreneur Christy didn't just dream of a thriving counseling practice; she made it happen. Her story reminds us that having a clear vision can be a North Star in the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. Clarity is Key - The clearer your vision, the easier it is to hold onto it. Christy started her journey with a vision, even when it was just her, her daughter, and a $25 bank balance. "I think the clearer your vision, the more you can hold on to it." — Christy Pennison "There are things you may have to part with or let go of (along the way) but then letting go will often opportunities for you to receive." - Christy Pennison Protecting Your Mental Health As An Entrepreneur As a therapist Christy has a unique viewpoint on how entrepreneurship affects us personally. She was able to recognize that there's something different that happens as soon as you step into this role and that thing is that it shines a light on places you might not have known about. We're talking fears, triggers, worry and more. While entrepreneurship is thrilling and worth it 100% for those who truly want it, it's important to know that it's also tough on many levels. "If you're an entrepreneur, or an aspiring one, self development 101 is 'become an entrepreneur'. Because anything about your character, your personality, honestly if you have unresolved trauma or triggers you're unaware of (this is me as a therapist and an entrepreneur speaking), it is all going to come up." - Christy Pennison Remember, You Are Not Alone - This isn't to discourage anyone from stepping into entrepreneurship but rather to ensure that you know you aren't alone if you're feeling these things. If self doubt is creeping in and you're typically a confident person, it's not that you're losing yourself, it's entrepreneurship. You're not alone in this very unique battle we've signed up for. Confronting Limiting Beliefs: Shaking the Fear of Change While Caring For Mental Health Fear is a sneaky fellow. It can make you cling to situations you've outgrown. Christy's fear was tied to the belief that financial stability and benefits could only come from a corporate job. But she did something brilliant. She challenged that belief! Challenge Your Beliefs - The next time a limiting belief holds you back, ask questions. Christy dared to question her need for a corporate job, and her discovery? Paying for her own health insurance could be more affordable! "That was a turning point for me because I started to challenge the thoughts in mind that had held me back from making a change." - Christy Pennison The Power of Resilience: Transforming Dreams into Reality Remember how Christy had just $25 in her account? Well, that's when COVID-19 decided to join the party. But instead of folding under pressure, she took on a role to support Walmart employees during the pandemic. Talk about resilience! Stay Resilient - Don't give up when the going gets tough. The entrepreneurial path is filled with ups and downs. Christy's story teaches us that when you're ready to throw in the towel, opportunities can emerge. "Right at the moment that I wanted to give up, things started to change." - Christy Pennison "I just kept clear on that vision. I was a solo show for a year...but here we are 3.5 years later and it's a multi-location therapy practice in two different cities, with a team of 17 right now. But it all started with me and a vision and a hope to create something that could not only make an impact for myself but really my community and the people we serve." - Christy Pennison "Things can change, you just have to keep going." - Christy Pennison Take Away Message / Action So, what did we learn from Christy's extraordinary journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success? First and foremost, it's that mental health as an entrepreneur is paramount. Recognizing burnout, challenging limiting beliefs, and embracing the messy middle are all part of the game. Remember, entrepreneurship isn't just about financial gain; it's about making an impact on your community and the world. And guess what? Sometimes, it's the journey, not the destination, that shapes you into the unstoppable entrepreneur you're meant to be. As you navigate your own entrepreneurial path, keep Christy's journey in mind. You've got this! About Christy: Christy Pennison is a board-certified counselor, 7-figure business building entrepreneur, host of the Inspiring Possible podcast, and founder of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting in Alexandria and Natchitoches, LA. She has coached and advised dozens of leaders, mental health professionals, and business owners from across the country to help them grow through the many challenges they face. Due to her knowledge and leadership, she is highly recognized by other professionals in her field. As a result, she was awarded the 20 under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award. In addition, she has been a guest on the Montel Williams’ podcast Free Thinking, and her expertise has been regularly featured in articles on NBC, Today, and many other media outlets and publications. She is passionate about empowering mental health professionals and women in leadership to live with confidence, conviction, and limitless belief that anything is possible. Christy's Resources: Website: https://christypennison.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com.com/christylynnpennison Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christypennison/ Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/inspiringpossible/ Other Resources Mentioned: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "If you're an entrepreneur, or an aspiring one, self development 101 is 'become an entrepreneur'. Because anything about your character, your personality, honestly if you have unresolved trauma or triggers you're unaware of (this is me as a therapist and an entrepreneur speaking), it is all going to come up." - Christy Pennison Add Another Book To Your To-Read List! Check out my book about defining and pursuing your definition of success so you don't burn out as an entrepreneur. Use the link below to grab your copy today!

Looking to ensure that your small business is profitable? It all starts with properly setting up and knowing your finances. This can be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. In this article I share how to get set up for profitability in your small business as well as an overview of the Profit First Method by Mike Michalowicz which will set you up for true financial success. *FREE Business Finances Tracker Download* Separate Your Personal & Business Finances If you don’t have a business bank account, this is an important step because you need to separate your personal and business finances. This not only allows for an easier time with accounting in your business but also covers you from a legal perspective. If your business and personal finances are connected, that means that if someone sues your company they could end up taking your personal assets (ex: your home). However, if you have a legal separation between the two, the person suing your company couldn’t take your personal finances/assets. *Here is a great article from Relay that outlines these details. Below are the steps to take to set up your business bank accounts (this information is for businesses in the United States but you can use the equivalent in other countries). Step 1: Register your business (this is typically an LLC and you’ll need to do this for the state you live in. Simple google “how to set up an LLC in (insert state)” and follow the steps) Step 2: Receive your EIN (Employer Identification Number) by filing for this once you have registered your business (here is a link for those in the United States) Step 3: Set up a business bank account *Suggestion: read the rest of this article and the Profit First book before doing this as you will need to set up multiple accounts if you use this method. Implement The Profit First Method To Ensure Profitability In Your Small Business Profit First is a concept for accounting in your small business and it’s laid out in the book, Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz. *You can purchase his book here or wherever books are sold. The Profit First Method challenges the traditional way of looking at finances. Traditional is: Sales - Expenses = Profit Profit First is: Sales - Profit = Expenses Mike created this method after hitting very tough times in business that even led to one of his kids recognizing the financial stress and brought him a piggy bank. From that moment on he committed to working with finances differently and is now on a mission to “eradicate entrepreneurship poverty”. His method is “built for humans” because humans are emotional, not logical, and in general we will spend money if we have it. Therefore his method flips traditional accounting on its head so that you become profitable by not spending all your profit. The Profit First Method teaches you how to break down your revenue into categories, much like you probably do with your personal budget. For example, in your personal budget you may have: groceries, mortgage, eating out, household bills, etc. By following the Profit First Method, you’ll break things down into categories for your business: Profit Taxes OPEX (Operating Expenses) Owners Pay That’s right, you will pay yourself when you use this method! ​​“Profit is not an event. Profit is not something that happens at the year-end or at the end of your five-year plan or someday. Profit isn’t even something that waits until tomorrow. Profit must happen now and always. Profit must be baked into your business. Every day, every transaction, every moment. Profit is not an event. Profit is a habit.” - Mike Michalowicz Purchase your copy of Profit First and learn even more about this method and how you can ensure profitability in your small business. Profit First Principles For Small Business Owners Before sharing how to use this method, I wanted to share the four core principles outlined by Mike in the Profit First book. He uses food as an analogy and it really helps get a better understanding. Use Small Plates If you have a smaller plate, you’re likely to have smaller food portions and therefore fewer calories. If you take in less calories you typically lose weight. Right? Same thing applies with money. If you have a smaller amount on a “plate” you will look at it differently and spend less. This helps with expenses! Serve Sequentially The order in which you do things matters. In the food example, if you eat veggies first and then mac and cheese, you will be more full from the veggies and eat less mac and cheese. Simply by changing the order, you can change the outcome. This is why we look at taking out profit before expenses, it’s the veggies of the meal! Remove Temptation If something isn’t available to you, you’re less likely to use it/eat it. It will take more effort to go to the store and buy a cake or even bake a cake than it would to simply eat the cake on the counter. By removing some of your money from your immediate “reach” it helps you create more boundaries which leads to better money management. Enforce a Rhythm If you wait until you’re super hungry to eat, you will likely eat more than intended but if you plan ahead, you typically make better choices with food. This is the same for money. By knowing your numbers and having a rhythm that you follow each month, you will ensure better financial health in your business. How To Implement Profit First In Your Small Business Now you know the basics and it’s time to actually think about how this works in your small business. Think about a single client transaction that occurs in your business, for example, you’re a health coach and someone books a 1-hour session with you and pays you $100. When that hits your bank account it’s a business revenue transaction. CONGRATS!!! And now based on the categories that are included in the Profit First Method, you’ll take that transaction and break it down based on a percentage that you determine is best for your business. For example: Profit - start at 1% Taxes - estimate 20% but do the math for your location OPEX - goal is 30% but you might be higher or lower than this Owners Pay - 49% is left over, aim for 30 - 50% but it’s critical to pay yourself! This cannot be zero. Period. Single Transaction Example: Transaction = $100.00 Profit - $1 Taxes - $20 OPEX - $30 Owners Pay - $49 Of course you won’t do this for every single transaction but instead you’ll go through this process 2 times a month (Mike suggests the 10th and 25th each month). You’ll take the total revenue that has come into your business income account and then break it down by the percentages you’ve decided upon. How To Manage Your Business Finances The Profit First Way Remember when I said to read this article before setting up your business bank account? This section is why you want to do that and it’s because it’s actually easier to use this method if you set up multiple bank accounts. If you’re familiar with the “envelope system” for budgeting, it’s really similar. But instead of envelopes you use bank accounts. First, you want to find a bank that will allow you to have multiple accounts without a ton of fees and you’re able to take your bank balance down to ZERO without incurring any fees. Second, you will get 5 bank accounts set up to get started. Once you have the 5 accounts set up, you can name them so that you can quickly see all accounts in a glance: Income Profit Taxes OPEX Owners Pay All your revenue should funnel into the INCOME account. All your bills should be paid from the OPEX account. You’ll hold your tax payment in the TAX account and pay quarterly taxes. *Note: There are other ways to do this and a specific bank that works well with this system. Relay is the official Profit First bank and is set up with these categories specifically. Also, YNAB is a system that you can connect to your existing bank instead of setting up multiple accounts. I recommend learning from Amber Dugger to use this method. Monthly Accounting in Your Small Business So You Stay Profitable & Pay Yourself As The Owner If you follow this method, each month on the 10th and 25th you will do your bi-monthly accounting work. This will feel a bit overwhelming at first but you’ll find your groove with this and it will take about an hour of your time twice a month. You can absolutely do this, even if you don’t feel like a “financial savvy” person. If thinking about your expenses and income makes you a bit nervous, remember you can keep this super simple by using a spreadsheet. *I’ve created a FREE spreadsheet for you too! Use the form below to download the spreadsheet and video tutorial on how to use it. Step 1: Track your income for the timeframe Before you can break things down into the percentages that you determined for your unique small business, you have to know how much revenue your business has brought in during this time frame. For this step, simply look at your INCOME bank account and record the transactions in your spreadsheet or categorize it in your accounting software (Quickbooks, Freshbooks, Xero, etc.) Pro Tip: It’s helpful to break your income down into revenue streams (ex: one on one client work, digital course sales, etc.) so that you’re aware of which revenue stream is performing the best for you. Step 2: Track your expenses for the timeframe Just like you track your revenue, you also need to track your expenses to see if you’re on target for the percentage you set for OPEX. To record/categorize these transactions you can look in your accounting software or look in the OPEX bank account since that’s where you will pay for expenses. Chances are you will be off of your percentage when you’re first starting to track all of your finances. That’s okay! Take note of what the actual percentage is and how far off you are from your target. Then you have something to work towards or you can adjust your percentages to be more realistic. Step 3: Break down the percentages according to Profit First Take the total amount of revenue acquired in that time frame and use that to identify the amounts to allocate to each category. For example: Income/Revenue Total = $5,678 Profit (1%) = $56.78 Taxes (20%) = $1,135.60 OPEX (30%) = $1,703.39 Owners Pay (49%) = $2,782.22 Step 4: Move Your Money Around Once you know the percentages for Profit, Owner’s Pay, OPEX, and Taxes, it’s time to transfer money. Make sure everything adds up correctly and then simply transfer your money from one account to another. Everything will come out of the INCOME account and you will be left with ZERO in that account. You will repeat this process 2 times per month (the 10th and 25th) and find your groove with this. This will eventually take you about an hour but the first few times you do this it will take a bit longer. Give it time, it’s worth it. The goal is that at a glance you will know exactly how much you have in each account and you don’t have to do any math, you pay yourself consistently and your business stays profitable. How Profit First Works with Non-Consistent Income This process works no matter what your income is each month because it’s based on each transaction. The difference is that when your income varies each month, it’s harder to identify the best percentage for expenses in business. However, by simply starting to track your monthly income and expenses, you will start to see how much each revenue stream is bringing you and can make adjustments to your percentages. Take Away Message / Action If you’d like to learn even more about the Profit First Method, please be sure to buy Mike’s book: Profit First. Start tracking your business revenue and expenses in a spreadsheet (click here to download the free tracking spreadsheet) on a monthly basis. Set up your business bank accounts according to the Profit First Method so you can ensure profitability in your small business. Remember that this is a new habit you’re implementing and it will take time to find your groove. Give it time and patience because it will pay off (literally) in the end. Let's Work Together! I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire. If that's you, let's work together! Hear from just one of my happy (and profitable!) clients: "After looking at my finances, the profit so far this year is twice as much as last year. Thank you so much for all your support!" - Amy

So, picture this: you're on a sunny beach, toes buried in the warm sand, a refreshing drink in one hand, and the melodious sound of waves in the background. Sounds like the perfect dream, right? But wait, you're not on vacation; you're an entrepreneur! Can you really take time off and still grow your business? Absolutely! In this article, we'll dive into the art of business planning for the accidental entrepreneur, with a twist of taking some much-needed time off in a way that doesn't always require taking a long stretch of time off and going on a vacation. My guest, Alyson Caffrey, has redefined what it means to take a sabbatical and provide valuable insights for small business owners. Alyson, the author of "The Sabbatical Method," challenges the traditional perceptions of sabbaticals and emphasizes the importance of rest for high performance. We'll dive deep into the concept of micro hits of rest, the power of starting small, and the significance of every step taken towards achieving one's dreams. Alyson's journey from accidental entrepreneur to empowering leader will inspire and motivate you to take control of your life and business. Plus, she'll share practical tips on effective messaging, building systems, and achieving work-life balance. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #212. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. Redefining Time Off (A Sabbatical) As An Entrepreneur Let's kick things off by breaking down the myth of the traditional sabbatical and introducing a concept that fits our hustling entrepreneur lifestyle. Typically we think of either (1) someone taking 6 months off who has the financial resources to not only pay to live but also have a luxurious time off as well or (2) someone being forced to take time off from their job because of some type of illness or family issue. But Alyson encourages us entrepreneurs to rethink this and to: 🌴 Take Mini Sabbaticals: Who says a sabbatical has to be months long? It can start as small as a weekend. Disconnect, recharge, and return refreshed. 🛠️ Prioritize Rest: High performance requires rest and reflection. It's like recharging your entrepreneurial batteries. 🔒 Setting Boundaries: Entrepreneurial freedom means you get to set your own boundaries. Alyson's approach: no work on Fridays, weekends off, and no work past 6 p.m. 💡 Creative Solutions: Building a business that demands less of your time is possible. Think creatively to find the right balance. "Rest is a critical function of high performance... I think we can use rest, i.e., a sabbatical, to basically create the full pie of productivity and performance and be able to reach the next level inside of our business."— Alyson Caffrey Want to learn more about The Sabbatical Method? I used Alyson's book to prepare for taking a month off in my business and her approach is doable, relatable and refreshing! I highly recommend buying your copy of her book! The 90-90 Principle for Planning In Your Business Now, let's dive into Alyson's 90-90 principle—a powerful method for planning your business and ensuring you get to enjoy those mini sabbaticals. "It's super important to first and foremost, as you're planning your year and as you're planning your quarter, identify what is your priority. I call this the 90 principle and it's 90 minutes of focus for 90 days. Period. It's super elegant. It's super simple." - Alyson Caffrey 📆 Quarterly Missions: Each quarter, set a specific mission that aligns with your long-term business goals. ⏰ Focused Work: Dedicate 90 minutes a day for 90 days to your mission. It's all about focused work rather than endless multitasking. 🌐 Work-Life Balance: The 90-90 principle helps structure your work, so you're in control of your business, not the other way around. 🤹‍♂️ Adapting as Needed: Remember, flexibility is key. Don't be too hard on yourself if you occasionally work late. The aim is to trend toward a healthier balance. Create Systems In Order To Step Away & Take A Sabbatical Regardless of whether you'd like to take a month off one day or you're starting with the weekends, the best way to get started with planning for a sabbatical is to start creating systems in your business. These are commonly referred to as SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) and while they can seem irrelevant (or boring!), they are the things that will make running your business, easier. Alyson had a great suggestion of how to think about this: "You want to think about this like a savings account, you want want to deposit in there just in case and then when it's time to take a chunk out to actualize some of your dreams, that's when we want to know it's there for us to access. The same is true for documenting and creating systems inside your business." - Alyson Caffrey She also suggests a simple tool to get started with this for free (or low cost if you upgrade to the paid account to record longer videos). Record Your Screen Using Loom: even before you're ready to hire someone to take something off your plate, record your standards that you operate by so you can hand it over later. Know What's Important To You & Build The Business That Supports That Dream Alyson shares that she build a business that needed 70 hours of her time each week because that's what she put into the business. However, after welcoming her first child she realized that she needed to remove the "badge of honor" that her clients needed her and focus on creating a business that needed less of her. "Build the business that requires 30 hours of your time" - Alyson Caffrey Take Away Message / Action It's time to think about what "sabbatical" means to you. Do you want to prioritize not working on the weekends? Do you want to ensure that you don't work more than 30 hours a week? Based on Alyson's definition of a sabbatical being focused on rest so you can be more present and focused in your business, what does rest look like for you? Then I'd encourage you to get a copy of Alyson's book "The Sabbatical Method" and go through her process so you can implement and make it happen. Until next time give yourself permission to take a sabbatical that works for you and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. About Alyson: Alyson Caffrey is the ‘Wolf’ that helps streamline the back-end operations for digital and creative agencies. She is the founder of Operations Agency, the co-creator of the Operations Simplified™ Framework, and the best selling author of The Sabbatical Method: How to Leverage Rest and Grow Your Business. She is also the host of the celebrated Growing Pains Podcast. She and the team at Operations Agency are determined to help businesses thrive profitably, serve more clients and create high-performing teams. Alyson's Resources: Book: https://www.operationsagency.com/thesabbaticalmethod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@operationsagency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationsagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationsagency/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyson-caffrey-26723990/ Website: https://operationsagency.com Growing Pains Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growing-pains-podcast/id1647042513 Other Resources Mentioned: DIY Resilient Business Planning Course: https://www.amandamckinney.com/plan All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "You want to think about this like a savings account, you want want to deposit in there just in case and then when it's time to take a chunk out to actualize some of your dreams, that's when we want to know it's there for us to access. The same is true for documenting and creating systems inside your business." - Alyson Caffrey Add Another Book To Your To-Read List! Combine Alyson's inspiring message about building in rest with my message about defining and pursuing your definition of success and you'll be unstoppable! Use the link below to grab your copy today!

Today I'm sharing the last planning system you'll ever need in your business. I realize that is a bold statement but I believe it 100%. After analyzing how I've been able to hit goals and continue to make progress even when life has thrown me some rough curveballs, it's actually pretty simple what works. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #211. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. We Make Business Planning Harder Than It Needs To Be As Entrepreneurs When business planning, we often look for a new planner, a new tech tool or someone else who might have the magic answer but when you boil it down, there are 3 steps that will help you succeed in the long run. Please note that I said "long run" because you're in this for the long run, this is not a quick-fix system. If that's what you're looking for, this episode is not for you. This is a simple planning system that will work but it won't make your dreams come true in 1 week, that takes time, action and commitment. This is for someone who's committed and ready to build their dream life and business, not just wish for it to happen to them. Sure you won't hit every goal but who does? Life gets in the way and there's no stopping that because we can't control everything. But instead we have to find a system that allows for forward movement but also flexibility for when life gets in the way of our plans. But I've been on enough coaching calls to know that as soon as I say "it's really simple", there is someone who thinks "but you don't know what I'm going through". First I want to mention that you're 100% correct, I don't know but I don't need to know. What you're experiencing is real and it's affecting you mentally, physically and emotionally I have no doubt. What you're going through is tough but you know what I do know is that you are tougher. I don't mean "grin and bear it" tough where you act like it's fine and keep charging forward. That's not healthy. What I mean by tough is that you've come this far in life, you've made it through things that you likely didn't think you could but somehow you're still here. You're critical thinking skills, your compassion, your experience, and many other things have helped you navigate a lot of things and you will tackle the next thing too. "We often make excuses when we need to be making progress." - Amanda McKinney Make Progress Instead Of Making Excuses In Entrepreneurship If you truly want something and actively decide to pursue it, you can get there if you're willing to deal with all the crap that gets in your way, because it will. It might take longer for you to get to the "finish line" and the path will most certainly look different than you originally thought it would but you can get there. It's easy to look at others and think "but they don't have to deal with...." and assume their life is easier than your own. The truth is that everyone is fighting a battle that you know nothing about because they don't have to share their entire story with you. You likely don't know that I've dealt with these things since I started my business in 2017: Multiple hospital stays for family members that changed things in a moments notice Moving a family member in to be their caregiver which led to juggling lots of doctor appointments and home health care Mental illness in the family that changed my day to day routine significantly Getting sick that inevitably pops up on the most inconvenient days My stepbrother passing away and grief hitting at the weirdest times A knee injury that led to surgery and time off of work A health scare that required many doctor appointments and procedures When people who know me personally ask "how in the world did you get that done?" or "how did you keep going?" or "you make it look so easy but I know you're dealing with a lot". My answer is that I have two things that allow me to continue to move forward in life and in business: "I have support and I have systems. I don't go at this alone." - Amanda McKinney But equally, I'm thrilled that my days are sometimes interrupted by awesome things in life and that because of my flexible schedule I'm able to partake in these moments too: My husband pops into my office to share great news A friend calls to tell me she's thinking of me My dogs need to go outside and while it throws me off I get the benefit of walking outside for a few minutes and it gives me a different perspective I see something unexpected and inspiring on Instagram and I create something I have lunch with friends The things that throw us off-track with our plans can be good and not-so-good things but it's all in how we adjust and react to these interruptions. It's our actions after the interruption that determines if we make progress or excuses. The 3 Step-System That Will Help You Achieve Any Goal Through Business Planning When you approach business planning as an entrepreneur it's easy to fall into the routine you're comfortable with but I'd encourage you to ask yourself "is this getting me the results I desire?". If not, I'd recommend opening up to a new way of planning. This process seems simple and you might even be tempted to say I'm being too "rigid" but this business planning system has helped me: Write the first draft of my book in 3 months even though we moved a family member into our home during that exact same time Consistently create content in my brand-new-business even when my life was completely turned upside down due a family crisis that impacted my daily life (I never missed publishing my weekly blog post!) Had my first $10K launch even when the world was shut down which meant changes in our household, schedules and routines Continually being consistent with creating weekly content since June 2018 and now have 211 podcast episodes, over 200 YouTube videos, 68 blog posts even with all the curveballs and joyful interruptions I've been thrown in life It's because of my support and my systems that these things have been possible and when I analyzed it all, this is what it came down to: Knowing exactly what I wanted and committing to make it happen Figuring out what tools and systems worked for me and allowed me to adjust as needed Getting clear on what type of accountability was helpful for me and making that a priority Let's dive into each of these so you can do this for yourself too. Uncover Your Desire & Decide To Take Action If I asked you to reflect on goals you've hit versus goals you didn't hit, regardless of how long it took you to hit them, I know what the determining factor was. It was your true desire for the result and your commitment to the process, no matter what it took. "When we know the why, we will figure out the how." - Amanda McKinney But it's not just wanting something that will make you get it. Wanting something is something you can do right now in your mind so it's only the start of the process. When you realize you want something it's great to notice it and see if it keeps coming up for you and if it does, then it can be something that you take the next step with. Once you WANT something bad enough, it's then time to DECIDE that you're committed to the process of achieving that desire. This means: You'll have to say no to other things that aren't aligned with that decision You'll have to push through many "I don't want to" days when the motivation just isn't there You might have to deal with other people telling you unhelpful things about your goal/dream There will always be opposition whether it's through other people, your own thoughts or circumstances in life. But if you've truly decided that you're in it to win it and in it for the long run, you will continue to make progress towards your goal. Action: Uncover what you truly want and then decide to commit to the process *If you struggle to truly get clear on what you want in your business, be sure to check out my course: Resilient Business Planning because there's a guest expert who shares her process on uncovering this for yourself. Find What Tools Will Help You Achieve Your Goal Once you've decided and committed, it's all about taking action. This is where you'll create a plan of attack for your goal and then start to take action but remember, something is going to get in your way so your plan has to have some flexibility to allow you to continue to follow through. "You can have focus, flexibility and follow through." - Amanda McKinney While you have the ability to push through life's circumstances and continue to make progress, there are tools that can help you. There are 3 that I encourage everyone to know and figure out which specific tools and tech are best for you: Project Planning - once you have the goal, it's time to look at it as a project and break it down into tiny steps. Just like you have to put an IKEA dresser together one step at a time, you want to look at your projects like this too. Tech Tools - now that you know what a valuable thing project planning is, it's time to find your project management tool soulmate. There are lots out there but you have to find the one that works for your specific needs and way you like to work and then ignore the rest. Calendar Magic - your calendar (no matter what kind you use) can help you continue to make progress even when life gets hectic but you have to know how to use it best for you. Take note of what works and what doesn't so you can keep moving forward. Action: The key in all of this is to understand what works for you, to use that tool and ignore what other people are using or say is best. What works for you might not be best for someone else but if it actually helps you move forward and make progress, that's what matters. *If you aren't sure what tools and technology can help support you, be sure to check out my course: Resilient Business Planning because I share all the resources and why they are perfect for some people and not others. Plus I'll share my tips that can work with any technology and tools you choose. Understand What Type Of Accountability You Need To Succeed As An Entrepreneur I mentioned that I've been able to accomplish all that I have so far because of 2 things: support and systems. I've talked about the systems but now lets talk about support. There are many ways you can have support in your business but in this system I'm specifically talking about accountability support. This is because accountability is often the missing link for many people. You know what you want and decide to go get it. You find the tools that work for you and create the plan to get what you want. But then, life happens and you're thrown off your plan and instead of adjusting and moving forward you toss in the towel for the day/week/month/quarter. This is where accountability can interrupt this cycle and help you do something that we all need to do: "Miss it and move on." - Amanda McKinney I believe there are 3 levels of accountability that can serve us at different times in our life and business based on what we need: Accountability Through Tools - use your calendar or a project management tool to create a project plan and assign specific dates to when you will take action. This is good for people who can hold themselves accountable as long as they have a plan in place. This is good for people who aren't super nervous about the project or tasks. Find the option that works for you, put on blinders to other tools and go for it. Accountability Through Connection - use others to help you take action. This is good for people who struggle holding themselves accountable but if they share their project plan with someone else, they are more likely to follow through. This can look like an accountability buddy or connections through forums, memberships or programs you're already involved with. Accountability Through Payment - use the extra incentive of payment to help you take action. This is good for people who have been trying to reach a goal for a while and aren't making progress. This likely means you've tried the calendar or a planner, you've tried telling other people or buying a course and nothing is working. This indicates that you need to invest resources to help you take action. People who pay, pay attention and take action because you're invested. Find the best coach, mastermind or program that works best for you and aligns with your goal. There will be times that each of these levels will work for us. You might only need a project management system to help you now but you may need a coach 6 months from now when you're trying to tackle something new in your business and you want to shorten the learning curve. There are no right or wrong levels or answers for this but the key is to be honest with yourself so you can find the support you need. *If you aren't sure which type is good for you, be sure to check out my course: Resilient Business Planning because I'm going much deeper into this. I'll share specific tips on how you can find the best accountability buddy once you know what's best for you too. Takeaway Message/Action We can either make progress or make excuses and if you're ready to make progress, this 3-part system will help you do that while also allowing for flexibility when "life happens". Tapping into what you truly want, deciding to commit to the process, finding the tools that work for you, and knowing what accountability you need will lead you to success. This doesn't mean your life will be perfect or that you won't have things throw you off course but it will mean that you'll know how to navigate it all using the tools and technology that work best for you. If you'd like even more details and resources, check out my course: Resilient Business Planning. Until next time give yourself permission to use what works for you and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. Resources Mentioned: Beyond Goals: Resilient Business Planning Live Sessions: https://www.amandamckinney.com/2024 All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "You can have focus, flexibility and follow through." - Amanda McKinney Let's Work Together I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire.

Have you ever felt like there's more to life than what you're currently doing? Do you find yourself questioning your path and wondering if you're truly fulfilling your purpose? You're not alone. In this article, we'll explore the importance of finding your purpose and share insights from a fascinating interview with Traci Schubert Barrett, an expert in helping individuals discover their true calling. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #210. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. Why Finding Your Purpose Matters In Entrepreneurship Before we dive into the interview with Traci, let's take a moment to understand why finding your purpose is so essential. Your purpose is like your life's compass, guiding you towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Without a sense of purpose, you may feel lost, unfulfilled, and uncertain about your direction in life. Most of us think about setting goals but have you sat down to truly define was success means for you, specifically? This is something I realized I hadn't done and it eventually led to me writing my book, Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur's Guide To Success as well as a free resource on how to define success. Without understanding what this means for us individually, we end up on an endless pursuit of what we think we want or what others tell us we "should" want. Traci even broke this down further by talking about how different generations have defined and measured success. Defining Success Over The Decades Traci delves into the intriguing topic of how different generations perceive success. From the safety and security sought by our parents' generation to the 'money is everything' mantra of her own generation, she sheds light on the evolving definitions of success. Today, fame often takes center stage, which can be detrimental to our mental well-being. People raised in the depression - success was about security People raised later - success was about money People raised today - success is about fame Of course these are general statements but it all stems from what society is talking about overall and how it plays into what we desire. It's critical to dig deeper and ask yourself the questions to understand how you define success and how you're currently measuring your success overall. "What is it that you're designed to do? And what does that have to do with the metrics you're measuring yourself against?" - Traci Schubert Barrett "How are we measuring ourselves and are these measurements wise?" - Traci Schubert Barrett The Impact Of Social Media On Our Perceptions Of Success In our fast-paced world, we're bombarded with messages of success, often shaped by the influence of social media. Traci Schubert Barrett highlights the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and leaders in today's digital age. The constant pressure to amass followers and promote oneself can distract us from what truly matters: building a meaningful life. Success should not be defined by external metrics or social media popularity. It's essential to look inward and align your goals with your true purpose. The Power Of The Pause Button To Find Your Purpose As An Entrepreneur Traci and I discuss the importance of hitting the pause button in life. This pause can be a result of a life-altering event, such as a layoff, or a deliberate choice to step back and reflect. Traci emphasizes the significance of giving yourself the gift of space and time to answer essential questions like, "What do I want?" During her days at HGTV she found herself wondering 'what if there's more' so she asked "what am I missing?" When she started her own company, instead of looking at the competition, she asked "what do I want to create?" By pausing to truly reflect on what she wanted in her life she has been able to have multiple successful careers and overall a happier and more fulfilling life. Hitting pause in life can be transformative. It allows you to reassess your priorities, goals, and ultimately discover your true purpose. "Embrace the pause." - Traci Schubert Barrett The Framework For Finding Your Purpose As An Entrepreneur Traci's approach to helping individuals find their purpose is structured and effective. She encourages people to identify their priorities and assess how well their current actions align with these priorities. By taking a closer look at your life's various facets, you can gain clarity on what truly matters. Step 1: Ask yourself these questions "Ask yourself, what is missing?" "What are your priorities?" "What are the most important things in my life?" Step 2: Reflect on your list When you look at the list, ask yourself if you're living in accordance to your list? "You need to have balance. You need to create a live where you have your priorities in order and make living." - Traci Schubert Barrett "You need to give yourself the gift and the space to pause...and ask what do I want and how do I get there?" - Traci Schubert Barrett "Our identity is resting in something, you just have to ask yourself what it is and is it the right thing" - Traci Schubert Barrett Take Away Message / Action In a world filled with distractions and external pressures, finding your purpose can be a transformative experience. As Traci shared, hitting the pause button in life is crucial for self-reflection and aligning your actions with your priorities. Your next step is to start to uncover your purpose. Start by asking yourself the important questions Traci recommends: What do you want? What truly matters to you? By taking the time to explore these questions, you can begin your journey toward a life that's more fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with your true purpose. Remember, your purpose may evolve over time, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to stay attuned to your inner desires and make choices that lead you toward a life that feels meaningful and purposeful. In Traci's words, "Embrace the pause, make something out of it, and create a life that's significant, meaningful, present, awake, and engaged." And until next time give yourself permission to know what you truly desire in life and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. About Traci: Traci Schubert Barrett is a best-selling author, international speaker, business owner, and podcast host. She is the President & Founder of Navigate the Journey, a business consulting firm that comes alongside entrepreneurial companies helping them scale their businesses and build healthy teams and leaders. She was also one of the founders of the wildly popular national cable television network HGTV. She enjoyed the amazing ride of taking a fledgling idea and turning it into a billion-dollar media empire. She spent over 20 years in the television industry before taking the leap of faith to create a new path. She writes about that journey in her new book, What If There’s More? Finding Significance Beyond Success. Traci's Resources: Personal Website: www.tracischubertbarrett.com Business Website: www.navigatethejourney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracisbarrett/ Other Resources Mentioned: Resilient Business Planning Live Sessions: https://www.amandamckinney.com/2024 All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "Our identity is resting in something, you just have to ask yourself what it is and is it the right thing" - Traci Schubert Barrett Add Another Book To Your To-Read List! Combine Traci's inspiring message about finding your vision with my message about defining and pursuing your definition of success and you'll be unstoppable! Use the link below to grab your copy today!

Being an entrepreneur is tough but toss in a chronic illness/pain, a family crisis, health issues, or everyday kid schedules and it gets much tougher. All of these situations put limits on your time and energy and that in turn impacts your business. In this article you'll hear from 3 entrepreneurs who live with a chronic illness and they share their tips on how to continue to run a successful business with limited time and energy. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #209. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. The Reality Of Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Chronic Conditions For Entrepreneurs Did you know that 51% (as of 2018 according to the CDC) live with a chronic illness and 27% have multiple chronic conditions. While not all of these people are entrepreneurs, many are because being able to control your schedule is a huge perk of entrepreneurship and often needed if you live with a chronic condition that impacts your energy. With the surge of people starting their own business, especially after COVID hit, there are more online entrepreneurs that are also navigating health issues and trying to figure out how to make it work. They are reading the same books and listening to the same podcasts as others who are starting their own business but they have the added stress of adapting this information to fit their needs. In response to this, I'm ensuring that I adapt my teaching and do the best I can to share specific examples and ideas for how you can find what works for you, no matter what you're navigating in your life and business. Chronic Illness Often Leads To Shame/Guilt For Entrepreneurs During research for this article I came across an incredible article from the Craft Industry Alliance written by Roberta G. Wax titled "Don't Let Chronic Illness Dampen Your Entrepreneurial Dreams: Tips For Managing Your Health and Your Business". Some of the tips mentioned are: Getting creative with your workspace - one person made a "sewing bed" so she could continue to sew but also rest her body while reclining Talk about your condition - while you don't have to share everything, letting your audience/clients know about your condition will help them understand why you're doing things they way you are Let go of perfection - accepting that you can't do it all or even most of the list you have in your mind is key. Know your limits and what you need to stay healthy Set goals - it was encouraged to not let your diagnosis get in the way of what you want. It may take longer or look different but you can get there I loved the tips but it was the comments on this blog article that had me stopped in my tracks. The response to this article was that of appreciation and validity. The people who bravely shared in the comments said they finally felt seen and understood. Quotes pulled from the comments (names not shared): "embarrassed by how limiting my energy is" "people who don't experience it can't understand it, I appreciate reading about how others manage their creative lives while juggling to manage their symptoms" "so many suffer in silence" "I cried as I read this article and learning that many of the emotions that I am feeling are part of this path that I have in front of me now" This opened my eyes to how much information that myself and other coaches have shared that may not resonate with you because it doesn't fit your needs if you're running a business AND navigating health issues. While I've tried to always say "find what works for you" I will do better going forward. I'll give specific examples of how you might find what works for you in this situation of navigating chronic illness or pain. I would also extend this to stress, family issues, or other ways that your time and energy are limited. While health issues certainly present different roadblocks, all of these seasons of life will impact your business. Learning From Others Who Navigate Chronic Illness & Pain As Entrepreneurs In episode 208 on my podcast I shared a health-related story of mine and how it impacted my business but I didn't want that to be the only story shared. I reached out to several people in my small corner of the internet who I know have navigated chronic illness. I've seen them all build businesses that work for them, have to take time off, have to say 'no' to more things than they'd like to. These incredible entrepreneurs (and many others who weren't able to share in this episode) have committed to building a business that works for them. It's been an honor and pleasure to sit alongside them and watch it happen. Everything hasn't been perfect for them and some are my students and I've witnessed them struggle to put certain things into action in their business. But they all have one thing in common: They persisted. Not one of these ladies has given up even when it's been hard for them. They paused, they recognized their limits, they tested different methods to see what worked for them and what didn't. They tracked things to figure out what works best for them and how they can access these tools and strategies as they continue in business. I'm proud to share their stories and tips with you now: Christa's Entrepreneurship Story: Christa lives with Mixed-Connected Tissue Disease, which for her specifically includes Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Christa is an aqua yoga teacher and these conditions impact her life but also her business. As someone who teaches primarily in water and outdoors, Lupus becomes an issue since the sun can impact her symptoms. In addition she is limited in her availability to teach since her symptoms are always worse in the evenings. Christa's Tips For Navigating Health Issues In Entrepreneurship Adjust schedule & offerings based on typical symptoms Set realistic expectations of how much you can do in a day & identify the top 3 Find what works for you and don't worry about what the "experts" say Maintain flexibility with your daily schedule "I try and focus on the over-arching goal rather than get bogged down on 'do I meet my daily goal' because as long as I keep moving towards the long-term goal I really am making progress." - Christa Fairbrother Anonymous Entrepreneurship Story: Another entrepreneur who would rather remain anonymous shared her story and tips. She navigated several years of symptoms that weren't explained and finally received the diagnosis of Hashimoto's Disease and began to test treatments until she found what worked for her. While she is symptom-free today, there's always a chance that the symptoms can come back anytime so this is always something she's aware of, especially when planning for her business. She shared how navigating this health issue not only impacted her ability to perform tasks in her business, but also her mindset. "This really impacted me as an entrepreneur because I was no longer able to schedule things and as a planner, I really struggled with that. I also felt so much guilt about how I was not living up to my very, very high expectations of myself." Her Tips For Navigating Health Issues In Entrepreneurship Shift from focusing on what you can't control to what you can control Give yourself grace every day Find the win in every day "When I started to focus on finding a win for every day, it felt so much different in my day-to-day, I felt so much more positive, empowered and like I was actually making progress even if it was tiny." Pia's Entrepreneurship Story: Pia lives with a rare disease, Acute Intermittent Porphyria, which causes fatigue, stomach pain, migraines and numbness in arms and legs. These flare-ups happen randomly and typically build up and worsen and during the last 2 years she has dealt with symptoms on a monthly basis. As a yoga teacher this has impacted her business in many ways and even led her to questioning if running her own business was a good decision. "Waking up and needing to cancel classes doesn't feel good. I felt like I couldn't be relied upon." - Pia Burman Pia's Tips For Navigating Health Issues In Entrepreneurship Practice self compassion every day to accept your current season Schedule more blank/free time in your day Aim for "good enough" instead of "perfect" Surround yourself with positive people As a Swedish yoga teacher, Pia has taken this a step further in her business and actually helps others who are navigating similar situations in their bodies as well. While she isn't exclusively helping people with the same condition as her, she has taken the tools that she's learned from navigating her own health issues and now shares these tools with others who want to find balance in their life. "While I didn't become an entrepreneur because of my disease, I'm now quite grateful that I have my own business and that I can set my own schedule around these flare-ups. Even though I questioned if I could keep going I realized that I wanted to help people that are like me." - Pia Burman Takeaway Message/Action Throughout each of these stories there's one commonality that is clear and that's to give yourself grace with whatever it is you're dealing with and adjust to what will work best for you in this season. Whether you're navigating a health issue, family crisis or something else, life will always throw us curveballs and when that happens we need to use our tools to roll with it and do the best we can. Each of these entrepreneur's has shared specific tools that helped them and that's your next step. Get inspired by their tools and make your own list of things you can do to better support your needs. Be sure to keep this episode saved so you can come back to it anytime you need it. Remember that we all navigate tough things in our life and business so you're not alone. Find your support, use your tools and resources and be kind to yourself. Until next time give yourself permission to pause and find what works for you in this season and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. Resources Mentioned: Invitation to Amanda's 2024 Planning Event: www.amandamckinney.com/2024 2018 CDC Study Stats: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0130.htm#:~:text=In%202018%2C%2051.8%25%20of%20US,those%20living%20in%20rural%20areas. Craft Industry Alliance Article: https://craftindustryalliance.org/the-challenges-of-managing-a-craft-business-and-a-chronic-illness/ Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mixed-connective-tissue-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20375147 Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648 Systemic Lupus Erthematosus: https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/facts/detailed.html Hashimotos Disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855 Acute Intermittent Porphyria: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/acute-intermittent-porphyria/ Christa's Website: https://www.christafairbrother.com/ Christa's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aquacontentyogi/ Christa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristaFairbrotherYoga/ Pia's Website: https://zoloz.se/ Pia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/zoloz_yogastudio/?hl=en "Anything that restricts your time and energy also affects how you show up in business so it's important to know your limits and what works best for you." - Amanda McKinney Let's Work Together I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire.

In this extremely personal article I'm sharing how a health scare impacted my life but also my entrepreneurship journey overall as a small business owner. Even though it's uncomfortable to discuss, I'll share why I'm sharing this story and have chosen to push through the discomfort. Plus how I'm planning for a full month off as an almost-one-woman-show in my business. While this is a forced sabbatical, I'm using this experience to help me build systems to hopefully take a fun sabbatical next year. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #208. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. My Health Scare & How It Impacts Me As A Small Business Owner Before I go through the entire story I'll let you know that while this was a cancer scare, I do not have cancer. I'm very thankful that I can say this and I hope that by me sharing this story today it will help someone else catch this early as well. In 2020 my stepbrother lost his battle to colon cancer and it had me thinking about my health differently, even though we aren't blood related. Then earlier this year one of my close friends was diagnosed with colon cancer and she's in her 30's and it completely threw me for a loop. This had me thinking a lot about my health and I knew I needed to talk to my doctor about one particular issue. I had blood in my stool. In April I went to the gynecologist and through my annual exam I shared two things: I have had hemorrhoids for a long time and never mentioned it I have had blood in my stool many times and never mentioned it Why you ask? Because it's mortifying to me. You can tell me I'm silly all day long but it doesn't matter. I was embarrassed and that stopped me from talking to my doctors for many years about these issues. The idea of talking about my butt to anyone was the last thing I wanted to do but I did it. And I'm sharing this today because if there is even just one person who hears this and talks to their doctor about anything they are embarrassed about, I've done my job and my discomfort is worth it. This lead to questions to clarify what was going on and there was a discussion about the color of the blood. I didn't know this so maybe you don't either but if you have dark blood in your stool, this is a problem and you should tell your doctor about it. From there I had a colonoscopy a month later to get everything checked out. Unfortunately in that procedure the doctor found 3 polyps and were only able to remove 2 of them. I was then referred to a colorectal surgeon to learn more about that 3rd polyp. I had the second colonoscopy a month later and fortunately the surgeon was able to remove the funky-looking polyp and the biopsy came back negative. Unfortunately there are still things that are concerning about the funky-looking polyp so that area needs to be checked again in 6 months. Plus, it's now noted that I'm very high risk for colon cancer since I have polyps so early in life. The great news is that we caught it early. Colon cancer is preventable if you catch it early so now that we know, I'll have lots of colonoscopies in my life but chances are we will catch all the polyps before they become cancerous. However, the other unfortunate part in all of this is that because I didn't share about the hemorrhoids until so long after they were an issue, they are now at a place where they have to be removed. So on November 1st I'm going to have the 3rd colonoscopy this year and have the hemorrhoids removed. This surgery is one that is brutal to recover from and the surgeon recommended taking 1 month off. Be Your Own Health Advocate If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor. Or if you've been putting something off that's health-related, please take action. It's better to go through the discomfort of the conversation and the gut-wrenching waiting game for test results to have a better understanding of what's going on. Plus, we need to be our own health advocate. I've heard this many times but it didn't click until this experience. If something is off with your body, talk to someone about it and if that doctor doesn't listen, find another one. How This Has Impacted My Schedule & Mindset As A Small Business Owner As you can imagine I've had many doctors appointments during this time as well as several procedures. All of these have impacted my schedule and what I could get done during a specific time but what I didn't realize it would do is impact my focus. I'm an incredibly focused person who has high follow through with projects and tasks. However, this has been seriously challenged during this time. I found myself thinking and worrying about all of this in the middle of the day and it would pull me off task and chances are you've experienced this many times as well. Whether it's your own health or someone else that you care about, you can't just shut that off. Scheduling: more time off for doctor appointments meant rescheduling client calls, podcast recordings and other meetings Focus: with worries about my health I would drift in and out of focus on projects and tasks I was working on The other element that was wrapped in this process was that I was making big changes in my small business and publishing my book all at the same time as this was happening. While this can be seen as a problem and it was certainly stressful, I look back and see it as something that helped me make decisions. During the time that it was unclear if I had cancer or what was happening next I asked myself a lot of questions about the offerings I had in my business and the structure of my small business overall. This helped me make some decisions and move forward in the best way possible. How I'm Planning To Take A Full Month Off As I prepare to take an entire month off as an almost-one-woman-show, here are things I'm doing to set myself up for success: *For context these actions started in July when the surgery was scheduled. Blocked Calendar: there is no availability for anyone to book anything with me in the month of November Team Communication: I've shared everything with the contractors I work with so they know I will be out of reach for basically a month so we have to work ahead Sabbatical Method: I happened to connect with Alyson Caffrey earlier this year and she wrote The Sabbatical Method and as soon as I got home from doctors office when I scheduled the appointment I started reading her book. I'm currently using her method to prep for the time off (she's a guest on the podcast coming up in October) Podcast Batching: all episodes of my podcast have been planned through January 2024. I'm currently creating all assets for the podcast and everything will be done by mid October. My editor doesn't have to finish everything that early but everything I'm responsible for will be done. Launch In October: since there is one offering I typically host in November (my annual Planning Party for the following year) I've moved this to October. I'll host my Planning Party the week of October 16th if you want to join me live and I will set up an evergreen option for those who'd like the replay. Positive Mindset: instead of overcomplicating this process I'm choosing to have a positive mindset about this experience and taking off a month. It won't be a month long vacation by any means but when I'm able to set this up this year, maybe I can take a month long vacation next year sometime. I'm learning as much as I can during this process so I can use this to my advantage when I don't have to have surgery. Overall, this is a forced sabbatical for a health reason but I'm incredibly fortunate that I don't have cancer, that it was caught early and that I can use this as a learning lesson and structure my business in a way to serve me for a fun sabbatical one day. And you better believe I'll be ready to share the lessons when I'm on the other side of this. Takeaway Message/Action If I can leave you with anything today it's to be your own health advocate. If you're embarrassed to talk about something, it's not silly, it's okay but push through the discomfort and tell someone. Have someone go to the doctor with you so you have support in the room. I've had my husband or some of my best friends at every doctors appointment so I have never been alone. Partly because I wanted the support and partly because I didn't want to chicken out and not ask questions or share specifics. It's all about support and accountability. Chances are there are many others that have dealt with what you're dealing with so you're not alone. Remember it's okay to have whatever feelings you have but when it comes to your health, get answers when things are weird. Thank you for listening to me and supporting me through this. In my wildest dreams I never would have thought I would talk about my butt on a podcast episode but here we are. If you want to support me, the best thing you can do is to send me a DM on instagram or an email to tell me that you listened and you're proud of me for sharing. This is the most vulnerable I've ever been so I have no doubt when this goes live I'll be nervous. Until next time, give yourself permission to be uncomfortable in order to be your own health advocate and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon. Resources Mentioned: Define Success Free Resource: https://www.amandamckinney.com/success All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "My goal with sharing this is to encourage anyone to be their own health advocate and as a business owner, set up systems that allow your business to run without you." - Amanda McKinney Let's Work Together I help women who stumbled into entrepreneurship, get out of the weeds and create a sustainable, organized business they are proud of and provides the flexibility they desire.

Renee Bauer and I talk about her entrepreneurship journey as well as how she has navigated self-doubt and tapped into the courage to start not only one business but multiple. As someone who wears multiple hats, she's an inspiration of how to manage it all and focus on building the business that will help you feel like a winner. But it's her Stop, Drop & Roll framework that will have you taking action today. No matter what decision you're facing, her framework will help you make a decision and move forward. **This was also a podcast episode (episode #207. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message. Imperfect Action Lead To More Courage In Entrepreneurship Renee was nervous about sharing her divorce stories at first but after opening up about this process she realized that by doing that she was able to help others navigate the tough road too. By tapping into her courage in this way, it unlocked her courage in entrepreneurship too. But it wasn't just divorce that led Renee into being a courageous and driven entrepreneur, it was her tenacity to continue to push through fear and rejection. While Renee has self published several books, she wanted to go the traditional publishing route and set out to find a literary agent but it wasn't easy. "I was rejected by 113 literary agents before I got the yes" - Renee Bauer Imagine hearing "no" 113 times yet still continuing to ask others if they are interested. We run into this often as accidental entrepreneurs when we are trying new things and especially when we are trying to sell something. We will ask once or twice but after that, we tend to give up. I encourage you to tap into Renee's story for inspiration and continue to push through and keep asking when it means a lot to you because eventually you will hear a yes from someone. "The first 50 I took personally but after that I realized it was just not a good fit...rejection doesn't scare me anymore" - Renee Bauer Imposter Syndrome & Self Doubt As An Accidental Entrepreneur If you look at Renee's presence online or hear her on a podcast like this one, you might think she never deals with self doubt but that couldn't be farther from the truth. We talked about how this shows up for her and how she has navigated it through the years of entrepreneurship. "I recognized what it was and that the self-doubt was just my head talking but the purpose was bigger than that." - Renee Bauer Renee also shared that even after she's paid to speak or hired for something, she can often show up to the event and feel like a fake and wonders if others can tell. It's easy to think that we will move past these feelings as we gain more success but the reality is that the more success we gain, the bigger "stage" we are on so we will always have some element of that fear. But Renee shared that while the fear will likely be there, it doesn't have to be as difficult to move through forever. "Sometimes you show up and feel like a total fake...but the more you flex the muscle of being uncomfortable, the easier it gets" - Renee Bauer Trust Yourself & Stop Asking Others For Their Thoughts As we continued to talk about entrepreneurship success and how her career has progressed, she shared that she has learned that it's not always the best to ask too many people for their opinions. This is tough, especially at the beginning of entrepreneurship, because we often need others "permission" or advice but Renee encourages us to trust ourselves. "Sometimes when you ask too many people it can muddy the waters and you just need to trust your own internal voice." - Renee Bauer This came into play for myself as I was publishing my book, Why Not You? An Accidental Entrepreneur's Guide To Success too. I found myself asking beta readers, editors, students and family members for their thoughts and while I'm grateful for it all, there was a moment in the process when I needed to trust myself. What this looked like for me was going to an AirBnB for a few days, armed with all the notes from others but then deciding what I wanted to take and what I wanted to leave. I worked on edits for the book for several days and in the end I'm so proud that I made decisions based on data from others but also my own intuition as well. Stop, Drop, & Roll To Make Entrepreneurship Decisions In entrepreneurship, we are faced with many decisions on a daily basis and sometimes we aren't sure what to do. We are almost paralyzed with fear so we do nothing because we're worried about doing the wrong thing. Renee has seen this in her life and career but also in her clients lives as well. Because of this, she came up with a framework to help herself and others make decisions quickly and with confidence. Renee shares the framework she created when she was writing her book (She Who Wins) and how it came to her from a phrase that we've all heard many times about fires: Stop, Drop and Roll. But instead of fighting fires, her take on it is that this model will light up your life. Stop - "pausing and assessing to make sure you're being guided by your intuition and your heart and not by your head. You have to first identify what you truly want." Drop - "next you have to drop your excuses because this is where everyone gets hung up. We have to acknowledge what they are and kick them to the curb." Roll - "next you roll into action. You don't have to take massive steps, you just need to take small actions to gain the momentum." By using this framework you'll no longer be stuck with indecision, you can continue to take steps towards what you'd like to accomplish in your business and your life. Know What Success Is For You Throughout our conversation Renee shared about how she followed her heart and what she truly wanted throughout her life and entrepreneurship career. While she dealt with people not liking it or thinking it was silly, she persevered and truly feels successful. She shares a specific story about how she almost got caught up in what others say success is when it came to publishing her book, She Who Wins. In the book publishing world many people talk about hitting a best-seller list and admittedly I fell into this trap too for a bit. It's hard to not get caught up in thinking about this because making "the list" will not only have you selling more books but it gives you credibility to others. When Renee recognized this, she caught it and focused back in on her originally goal with writing and publishing her book, which was to "put it in the hands of women who I know it could impact their lives." - Renee Bauer "Who cares if it didn't get the 6,000 copies sold on week 1 to hit the list. What if it landed in the hands of 500 women and changed their life." - Renee Bauer "This happened over time, it wasn't a switch that flipped, it took some work to get there." - Renee Bauer **If you aren't sure what success feels like for you, be sure to download the free PDF Guide so you can define success on your terms in the next 20 minutes. Take Away Message / Action Renee was such an inspiration and her book is fantastic if you're looking for more of what she was putting down today! You can find it on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble and other places books are sold so go grab your copy. But even more, I hope that you're inspired to win at whatever you're pursuing at the moment or are thinking of pursuing. I'll leave you with Renee's words today so you can go after whatever it is you desire. "Even when something is really hard, if you want it, go for it. Know that it could get hard before it gets easier but at least you tried." - Renee Bauer Until next time give yourself permission to go after the things you want and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon! About Renee: Renee Bauer is an international speaker, author of 3 other books – Divorce in Connecticut, The Ultimate Guide to Solo and Small Firm Success, and the children’s book Percy’s Imperfectly Perfect Family. She hosts the annual She Who Wins Summit, a live event created to inspire, motivate and challenge women to move forward bravely in their personal and business lives. Her impact has been recognized by Success Magazine where she was nominated as a Woman of Influence and with awards such as Litigator of the Year, Women-Owned Business of the Year, and New Leaders in the Law. She has been featured in multiple media outlets such as the International Business Times, Comment Central, AP News, NBC, FOX, and iHeart Radio. Renee's Resources: Renee's Book Website: https://shewhowinsbook.com/ Renee's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msreneebauer/ Renee's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msreneecbauer Other Resources Mentioned: Define Success Free Resource: https://www.amandamckinney.com/success All podcast episodes: https://pod.link/1473751874 Amanda's Coaching Options: https://www.amandamckinney.com/coaching Amanda's Book: https://www.amandamckinney.com/book "Even when something is really hard, if you want it, go for it. Know that it could get hard before it gets easier but at least you tried." - Renee Bauer Add Another Book To Your To-Read List! Combine Renee's inspiring message about winning with my message about defining and pursuing your definition of success and you'll be unstoppable! Use the link below to grab your copy today!