Tackling productivity challenges and investing in the right resources

Do you ever find yourself struggling to delineate between your business wants and needs? Do you suffer from a bit of shiny object syndrome- distracted by fun or fire, taking you off course from the productive work on your plate? We often shoulder all the responsibility, feeling that we need to work on everything to move things forward. This doesn't work, friends. However, getting specific and breaking things down into small incremental steps does.

I'm curious, have you ever tracked your time during the day to see where you're spending your precious hours? I know, I know. I sound like a broken record, but, friends it helps! Thanks to this simple time tracking exercise, I have completely restructured my day, and I'm at my most productive ever! I also love this article by Marie Forleo on how to train your brain to increase productivity. It's short, sweet and actionable - my kinda read!  I also find her tips for beating burnout (yes, we've ALL been there) helpful as well. She's quirky but full of wisdom.

In our neverending quest to be more productive, more profitable, more fulfilled, or whatever other MORE item we add to the list, we seek answers. It often manifests itself in the form of searching for answers in educational resources, courses, retreats, conferences, and everything in between. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are endless options both for online and in-person learning. However, finding the right resource to answer your burning questions can be daunting and often, overwhelming. The reality is, we're not always clear on how to choose the best one for the need(s) we are trying to fill. As much as I encourage you to jump in and do the work when it comes to investing in your business, it's critical that you research the content available to you to ensure it fits your goals and objectives.

I have two exercises for you to try this week:

First, I challenge you to track your time. It doesn't have to be fancy- a simple notepad or sheet of paper + pen.

Once you understand how you are spending your time and where the pockets of joy are for you,  you can craft a day that plays to those strengths & preferences. Whether you're a morning person like me, or you prefer to burn the midnight oil, find the time that works best for you.

Get into the mindset that more free time = more productive, profitable time. Start asking for help to get the minutia off your plate. When you work with clarity and know yourself before you make significant shifts in your business, the changes are more likely to stick!  Focus your efforts on doing what you love and having others help perform the work that brings you stress.

Second, make a list of the areas of your business that you know need growth. There is NO shame in the length or content of this list. But I do encourage you to get real with yourself. Recognize your strengths (from exercise 1) and weaknesses, recognize what changes you can make that will move you in a positive direction, and strengthen your business foundation. Ask yourself- am I looking for help with Marketing. Design. Building Community. Scalability. Profitability. Delegation. Setting budgets and projections, refining the sales and booking process, or possibly pivoting my offers/services and Brand strategy. THEN research the opportunities that include curriculum relevant to your goals. ASK questions from the presenters/organizers. Talk to previous attendees. Remember that this journey of creative entrepreneurship is as rewarding as it is challenging, so finding experts in their area of genius can make a world of difference.

My wish for you this week is that your heart is filled with promise and hope knowing that what you're striving for is well within reach. Lean into the truth that you are made for this!!

You got this!

Jenn

Why incremental, actionable steps matter...

I recently asked my email list if they ever feel like there is a not so invisible shield blocking you from seeing the REAL "stuff" that happens behind a business? That there is this cheerful and bright filter over everything that has to do with being a business owner? Have you ever wished that you could rip it all away and actually SEE behind the curtain?

I've been told I'm a master at being transparent. That honesty is something I'm good at. That I can drop a #truthbomb that really hits home.

Although I'm not always comfortable with the message I have to deliver, it’s time to get real and raw. One thing I know for sure is that it’s vital to share the hard stuff people.Truthfully, I want want nothing more than to advocate for your success and help make it happen.

Listen, it is not your fault that you can't get it all done. (guilty as charged!) It's not your fault that you’ve read countless books, listen to all the podcasts and have taken countless courses, yet you still aren't moving in the direction that you expected to. LIFE happens. We get busy. This doesn't have to be detrimental to your business, life. This is merely a block to build on.

People ask all the time how I do it all.  My answer is, I don't. I have an amazing support system and an incredible team to encourage me along.  I'm grateful to have a group of people around me to lift me up when I'm down. A group of people who support my BIG crazy audacious ideas at times. You know the ones, friend.

I also recognize that not everyone feels that they have a cheerleader in their corner to keep them moving in a forward motion. The thought of this makes me sad, truthfully. If you need a bit of encouragement this week, this year, this month, consider this a quick daily dose of YOU CAN DO IT! Whatever challenges you're facing, you are strong enough to work through them.

But I’m also going to drop another #truthbomb and say - You need accountability. You need commitment. You need to get tactical and strategic about your time.

As business owners, we're often fearful of playing big. Pivoting or pursuing bigger dreams seems like something someone else can do because they have more money, more time, more help, no kids, a full-time nanny - whatever the reason we tell ourselves, we push it off. We let the fear cripple us.  We get stuck in the rut of comfort, that doesn't necessarily feel bad, but it feels unfilling It feels as though there should be something more.

But instead of jumping in and doing the things we feel called to do, we stay small. Don't get me wrong, there is still happiness in the small. But fearless charging ahead to the big things we desire, that is where we find the joy.

You don't have to stay in your shell. You have permission to play big.

I want to be that encourager who reminds you of that fire in your belly to find the work that lights you up.  To go all in with your heart, your mind, your soul. To step into your light and live each day to the absolute fullest.

Tell me your big scary dream. You're wildest desires for your life and business. Putting your words out into the universe is powerful. Letting others in on the secret desires that stir your heart make them that much more attainable. Trust that inner voice.

Friend, I am here to help you along the journey of ALL of these things. To help guide you toward incremental change, so that you can see the power this has on your confidence, mindset and goals.

Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. But we train for marathons one sprint at a time, right? Consider me your sprinting partner.

Over the years, have you attended workshops and retreats, or taken online courses and programs, that would completely pump you up and make you feel ready to tackle the world? Only to get back to reality. To the overwhelm. Life starts happening again at a rapid pace, client work and family life takes over. Then all your good intentions fall flat. So frustrating, right?

I hear you loud in clear. I have been guilty of the same in my not too distance past. This frustration & feedback is what lead me down the path of my new service!

I am THRILLEd to introduce my new 90-day accelerator program, The Soigne Society!

This program was designed to meet you where you are and take you where you need and want to be, one step at a time.  

If you're ready to make massive changes in your business by taking small steps, I'm here for you, sister.  

If you want to:

• Improve your sales pitch + process

• Have a more consistent and cohesive brand strategy

• Have better systems in place for scaling your business

• Have a stronger marketing plan

• Make more money

I would love to have you join me during the 90-day Soigné Society accelerator program! I’m currently taking wait-list reservations- all you have to do is message me for more details!

You are a beautifully unique human...but what does that mean for your business?

In a world full of noise where everyone and their brother wants to tell you how to get things done, I’m here to share that there are no “one shoe fits all”  when it comes to business and life. So, first off, give yourself a break! The reality is we are all beautifully unique humans intricately woven together. 

Friends, I've spent countless years trying to find the formula for creating the perfect life, but the reality is, there’s no such thing! However, there is one thing that is perfect and divinely unique, YOU: your story, your experiences, your gifts. Learning to lean in and truly embrace who you are have the power to unleash your greatest potential and higher purpose for your life. 

As business owners, we tend to see our failures before our wins. We see our faults instead of our unique flavor. You are your own worst critic- but we both know this is also hurting your success to be so hard on yourself!

Last night I watched the much anticipated Brene Brown, The Call to Courage special on Netflix. In typical fashion, she did not disappoint! The 90 minute special was filled with words of encouragement, a bit of harsh reality and a healthy dose of humor. I found myself laughing and crying so hard at times it hurt. Brene shared her insight on what it takes to choose courage over comfort, and I can honestly say that her words were truly transformational!! This is the one time I’m going to tell you what to do…GO WATCH THE SPECIAL!! It will CHANGE the way you view and LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!

As a creative entrepreneur, you show acts of bravery and vulnerability every single day when you show up and share our work with the world. Wherever you are in life and business, know that you are courageous for taking the risk of pursuing your passion and dreams. I encourage you to show up and be seen because the world deserves to experience your very special gifts.

I wish you love and light this week, friend. May you be blessed beyond all comprehension.