Mike Michalowicz's Blog, page 17

How to Use AI and Automations in Your Business – and Stay Human at the Same Time



As much as I love automating systems, AI has me taken aback a bit. 

Show of hands – Is anyone else giving AI the side eye? I mean. It doesn’t even have jokes. 

ChatGPT has been a hot topic in our office lately. As an author, I immediately scoffed at it. But since ChatGPT lacks emotion, it was pretty unsatisfying. Technology will always evolve, and we must evolve with it. The question is, how do you incorporate automation and AI in your business and still maintain that integral, human communication at the same time?

Automating your business and utilizing AI while maintaining your integrity and humanity can be achieved through a combination of strategies. Here are some ways to accomplish this:

Identify areas for automation: Begin by analyzing your business processes and identifying tasks that can be automated without sacrificing the human touch. Look for those repetitive, time-consuming activities that can be streamlined using technology. Create system recordings and documents: AI can’t do it all! You still need humans to help you run your business. But what if someone is out, has an emergency, or just wants to take that sabbatical that Mike Michalowicz told you to take? Here’s what we do in my business: For each process we have, our team creates a Loom recording and Tango document to illustrate and train other team members. This means that when we each take that four-week vacation, nothing falls to the wayside and there are limited disruptions in productivity (read, profitability!)Implement AI-powered solutions: Leverage AI technologies to automate special aspects of your business. For example, you can use chatbots or virtual assistants to handle customer inquiries and provide support, freeing human resources for more complex interactions. AI can also assist in data analysis, forecasting, and decision-making processes, enabling you to make informed business decisions effectively. Personalize customer interactions: While automation is helpful, it’s essential to maintain a personalized customer experience. Tailor your automated systems to gather relevant customer information and deliver customized recommendations or responses. This can include using AI algorithms to analyze customer behavior and preferences to provide intel on marketing campaigns. Humanize your communication: Even with AI interactions, don’t lose the human touch. If you do employ systems like chatbots, make sure you use conversational language to make the customer feel as though they’re engaging with a real person. Address them by name and create empathetic responses. Empower employees: Rather than replacing humans, AI can augment their capabilities and enable them to focus on more meaningful tasks. Provide training for your employees so they can work alongside AI technologies effectively. This might involve developing skills in areas where humans excel, such as creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Encourage collaboration between humans and AI systems to achieve optimal results.

Remember, when it comes to automation and using AI, it’s crucial to strike a balance between automation and maintaining your humanity! By leveraging AI and personalization, your business will be able to scale and still connect with customers and clients on a human level.

Wishing you health and wealth – and I wrote that.

-Mike

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Work-Life Balance and the Freedom of Time – Tip I: Time Tracking

 



“Workaholic.” I used to employ that phrase with such pride. As if it proved how dedicated I was to my business above all else. 

I’m still waiting for my teeny tiny trophy.

Yes, there is a time to buckle down, but to me, the hustle culture is dead. Dedicating your life to only one endeavor and letting the rest of your life fall to the wayside is no way to live and only leads to burnout. You have to live life holistically.

I ended up learning the hard way that the one thing you can never make up for is lost time. All of my energy was going to my business as the rest of my life passed me by. Kids’ first steps, time with my wife – you get the picture.

Demanding work environments make achieving a healthy work-life balance an elusive goal. One of the tactics that helped me enormously is time tracking. I know, this sounds kind of elementary, but bear with me. 

I began tracking my time. And when I saw how well it went, I asked my team to track their time as well. Not only are we all living lives with real balance, but my business is more efficient and profitable than ever before. 

How to use time tracking for more work-life balance:

Define your priorities and establish goals – both for your business and personal life. This will help you allocate time accordingly and ensure you’re focusing on what matters most. Use time management techniques to create a schedule. Some folks use the Pomodoro Technique, working very focused and taking short breaks. Others like the Eisenhower Matrix, which is completing the largest priorities first. Me? I do sprints, which I suppose is most reflective of the Pomodoro Technique. I (and my awesome scheduler, Erin) create blocks of time in my calendar for every hour of the workday. Every meeting, doctor appointment, lunch, walk, and break is blocked off to keep me on track. My biggest priority lately is writing, so we have writing time blocked with a couple of other authors and together, we complete writing sprints. During that time we sprint for twenty minutes, check in with the others at twenty-minute intervals for one minute to report our progress, and then hit the sprints again. For me, it’s incredibly effective because these short bursts are a more manageable time commitment. Use time-tracking tools. There are some free platforms that can help you and your employees track how much time gets spent on what aspects of your business. For instance, we used Toggl here in our office. We would simply start and stop the timer while we completed certain tasks. To note: this exercise wasn’t to “watch” our team, but to audit our time resources and understand what systems can be improved to increase productivity, and, perhaps give us time back for our lives outside of work.Delegate and outsource. I’ll take a delegation deep dive in a separate blog because it’s one of the foundations of Clockwork Revised and Expanded. For now, I’ll say that yes, delegating in your business can be extremely difficult because your business is your baby! But, once I had a trusted team, I began delegating more and more. The freedom of time that delegation has created is more than I could have ever imagined. And, I know that when I’m on the road for speaking events or vacations, my business is being managed by employees who care for it as much as I do. Set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, and communicate them with those around you so your availability is understood and your dedicated time is uninterrupted. Take breaks and practice self-care. And bake them into your calendar as I mentioned above. I cannot stress the importance of this enough.Take regular audits. Periodically review your time tracking data, evaluate your processes, and make necessary adjustments. Identify areas where you can optimize your time management further and make conscious efforts to improve your work-life balance and avoid burnout for good.

Remember – achieving work-life balance will be an ongoing process. Commit to serving yourself and your personal life just as much as your business, and watch your life become more enriched.

Here’s to a nice, full life. 

Wishing you health and wealth always!

-Mike

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How the 4-Week Vacation Improves Your Business – and Employee Retention

As a small business owner, I know that you sometimes feel caught in a delicate balancing act – juggling the demands of running a profitable business venture while ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of your employees.

My solution? A four-week vacation.

Huh? Sounds counterintuitive. Think about it though. Can you truly relax over a 1-week vacation? Moreover, does your business learn how to survive without you? 

If you want to set your business up for long-term success, you must reduce redundancies and linchpins, as well as uncover any unnecessary use of resources. The best way to do that is to create systems to cross-train employees so that if someone is out unexpectedly, your company runs without a hitch, eliminating disruptions and chances of lost profit.

Here’s how it benefits your business for you and your team to take a 4-week vacation:

Employee retention – When employees see that you care about enhancing their wellness and work-life balance you’re going to curate some major loyalty. And when that happens, your team begins to act like owners. Increased creativity and innovation – Immersing yourself in new experiences ignites creativity and innovative thinking. During extended vacations, you have the opportunity to explore different cultures, perspectives, and environments, which can lead to fresh ideas and solutions upon return. We’ve noticed that embracing these new perspectives fosters a culture of innovation within our small business, propelling us forward in a competitive market.Skill development and knowledge sharing – Extended vacations provide employees with ample time to invest in personal and skill development. By nurturing continuous learning, we empower our team members to expand their expertise and bring valuable insights back to the business. Cross-training – During an employee’s extended absence, cross-training becomes essential. When team members cover for their colleagues, they develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of different aspects of the business. Cross-training promotes collaboration, teamwork, and versatility within our workforce. Moreover, it ensures that the absence of a team member doesn’t disrupt the overall workflow, providing stability and continuity even during vacationsRedundancies and bottlenecks are eliminated – By cross-training and distributing responsibilities during extended vacations, small businesses ensure that the absence of an employee doesn’t disrupt the overall workflow or create bottlenecks. When multiple team members possess the skills and knowledge to handle various tasks, the business can maintain its operations smoothly, ensuring business continuity. This reduces the risk of delays, errors, and setbacks that can occur when a single employee is solely responsible for critical processes.

Sure. Your employees will be excited to hear they get a month-long vacation, but they’ll also love that they can truly detach stress-free, knowing that the systems they have in place will ensure their tasks don’t fall to the wayside. And you? You’ll love the break, a chance to step away and refresh knowing your business is running on autopilot, and will be ready for you and your new ideas upon your return.

I asked my team to offer up some testimonials about how they feel about 4-week vacations, and this is what they said:

Kelsey: I love traveling and learning about different cultures and the 4-week vacations allow me to see new places and immerse myself with a longer stay. The time off also allowed me to pursue a certification in meditation leadership, which has been a long-standing dream of mine.

Andrea: Time. Balance. Relaxation. Focus. If you are like me, these words are unrealistic ideals. As a working parent, every year I strive to prioritize myself and my family and fail miserably. That is, until now! Looking forward to aligning my personal goals with my career aspirations in the coming year. Carving out time for a four-week vacation is an amazing starting point in my pursuit to reclaim some sanity and escape from the frenzy and be…present. My job > your job. #goals #career #mom #thankful

Erin: We all know that 1 week away from work is never enough time to really decompress and refresh. Having a few weeks off with time to breathe and just be, and not feel pressure to have a big packed vacation in a short time is so liberating!

Amy:  As a cancer survivor, time is more valued than ever to me, and a big chunk of time with my family is priceless. Our four-week vacations have allowed me time to plan and go on my big Bucket list European Vacation trip.  Having that kind of extended time gave us the opportunity to really relax into the experience of it, and in that relaxation was my family’s playfulness and fun, as well as my own sense of adventure. What an unreal gift that our company made very real!

Jenna: Shortly after I began working with Mike, it became clear that he lives every system he creates. He shares these systems with other business owners to empower them, and he includes himself, and us, in that equation. The result? For me, I am the healthiest I have ever been physically, mentally, and emotionally because I’m not trying to be everything at once. Our systems allow each of us to create true balance. While a lot of companies talk about balance, it’s not always accessible to all employees. The result is that I get to use my brain at work to add leverage to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs so they can have profitable, sustainable businesses – and, I get to be a very present mother and grad student. I’m able to be 110% when I am in each role for the first time in my life.

Adayla:  Well, my first real experience with the flexible hours was different than most to say the least… I broke and dislocated my ankle and needed urgent surgery. The flexible schedule allowed me to work when I could, rest when I was exhausted, and take as much time as I needed to focus on healing. I was able to make every doctor’s appointment and work from the comfort of my couch. Even now 4 months out from the accident, my schedule still allows me to make time for physical therapy in the middle of the day. The classic 10 days of sick leave would have never allowed me proper healing like this environment does. 

By embracing the power of 4-week vacations, we cultivate a work environment that prioritizes employee well-being, encourages innovation, and strengthens our small business as a whole. It is through this practice that we nurture loyalty, retention, and a culture of continuous learning. So, as small business owners, let us seize the opportunity to transform our organizations into places where our employees thrive, knowing that their vacations are not only beneficial for them but also v

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How Embracing Freedom of Time Unlocks Entrepreneurial Success

I want to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: The significance of creating a business that offers the freedom of time. 

As an author and speaker, I’ve come to realize that time is our most valuable resource. That realization is what prompted me to write Clockwork Revised and Expanded. I wanted to share how being able to mold our schedules to match our dreams and passions is an incredible gift. I want to share with you why time freedom is crucial, provide steps to create a business that offers it and highlight the remarkable results that can be achieved by embracing this model. Let’s get started!

Why

Time freedom matters:

Pursuing your passions: Time freedom allows you to devote yourself fully to what you love. It means being able to allocate time for hobbies, personal growth, and spending moments with loved ones – all while building a legacy business. Work-Life Balance: The pace out there is fast, isn’t it? This is why it’s so imperative to create a real work-life balance. It’s so vital to our well-being. When you create a business with time freedom, you can strike that balance, ensuring you have time for self-care, relaxation, and rejuvenation. (Psst – that big refresh makes you way more effective at work).Flexibility and adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and having the freedom to adapt to unexpected circumstances is invaluable. Time freedom empowers you to adjust your schedule to accommodate family responsibilities, personal emergencies, or simply to seize new opportunities that come your way.

How:

Create freedom of time: 

Define your passion and expertise: What makes your heart sing? Find a niche where your skills align with your interests. Remember, building a business around something you genuinely enjoy will make it easier to dedicate time to its growth.Set clear goals: Establish specific and measurable goals for your business. Outline what you want to achieve, both in terms of financial success and time freedom. This clarity is crucial for crafting a plan and staying focused. Leverage automation and delegation: If you read Clockwork you know this is a biggie. Leverage technology and automation tools to streamline impersonal and repetitive tasks. This will allow you to focus on more high-impact activities. Additionally, consider outsourcing certain tasks to freelancers or virtual assistants to free up your time for core business activities. Leaders should be working on the business rather than in it. Build and preserve profit: Create products or services that generate passive income, such as evergreen digital courses, e-books, or membership sites. Passive income frees up your time as it continues to generate revenue – even when you aren’t actively working. Cultivate scalability: Design your business model to scale efficiently. Focus on leveraging systems, processes, and teams to handle increased demand without requiring an equal increase in your personal time invested.  

The results:

Enhanced work-life harmony: With time freedom, you get a more fulfilling personal life while still making progress in your business. You’ll have the flexibility to be present for everything that matters to you. Increased productivity and creativity: When you have the freedom to manage your time, you can optimize your workflow and dedicate focused time to tasks that require your attention. This also allows for more creative thinking – yes, please. Expanded opportunities: Building a business with time freedom opens doors to the potential for collaboration, networking, and exploring new ventures. You’ll have the space to pursue partnerships, contribute to your community, and embark on projects that align with your values. 

Creating a business that offers time freedom is a major game changer. It enables you to design a lie that aligns with your passions and makes you, and your business more nimble and impactful.

Tell me in the comments – what have you done, or what will you do, to create more freedom of time in your business?

As always, I am wishing you tremendous health and wealth.

-Mike

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Is Your Small Business Changing? Embrace it!

Change is an inevitable part of life, and the same is true for small businesses. In fact, accepting and adapting to change is critical for the survival and growth of any small business. 

I know, though, that change can be challenging for many small business owners, especially when it comes to making big decisions that impact their operations. Fortunately, implementing small changes can be an effective way to boost your business without overwhelming your team or breaking the bank.

Why is it important to accept change in small business?

Stay competitive: The business world is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. By accepting change and implementing new ideas, you can stay relevant in your industry and meet the changing needs of your customers.Increase efficiency: Change can help you identify inefficiencies in your business and implement new processes or technologies that streamline your operations. This can help you save time and resources while improving the quality of your products or services.Adapt to market trends: Market trends can shift quickly, and it’s essential to be able to adapt to these changes to stay ahead of the competition. By embracing change, you can adjust your strategies to align with current trends and remain relevant in your industry.Foster innovation: Change can stimulate creativity and encourage innovation within your business. By embracing new ideas and approaches, you can inspire your team to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to old problems.

How to implement small changes to boost your business:

Listen to your customers: Your customers can provide valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Consider implementing small changes based on their feedback to improve the customer experience and boost customer loyalty.Invest in technology: Technology can help you automate processes, improve communication, and boost efficiency. Consider implementing small changes such as upgrading your software or investing in new tools to improve your operations.Improve your marketing: Marketing is critical for small businesses, and small changes to your marketing strategy can make a big difference. Consider implementing small changes such as optimizing your website for search engines or investing in social media advertising to increase your visibility and reach more customers.Streamline your operations: Small changes to your processes can save time and resources while improving the quality of your products or services. Consider implementing small changes such as delegating tasks more effectively, eliminating unnecessary steps in your processes, or improving communication within your team.Invest in training and development: Investing in the training and development of your team can improve their skills and knowledge, which can lead to improved productivity and quality. Consider implementing small changes such as offering online training programs or hosting regular team-building activities to foster a culture of learning and development.

Accepting change is critical for the success of any small business. By implementing small changes, you can stay competitive, increase efficiency, adapt to market trends, and foster innovation. Remember to listen to your customers, invest in technology, improve your marketing, streamline your operations, and invest in the training and development of your team to implement small changes that can make a big difference in your business.

 

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Kindness – The Key to Small Business Success

In the world of small business, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations. With so much to do and so little time, it’s not uncommon for kindness to take a backseat in our interactions with colleagues, customers, and partners. However, practicing kindness is essential to building strong relationships and creating a positive work environment.

This is why kind communication is one of our immutable laws, or as you may call them, core values. Here’s the approach that we endeavor to maintain:

Be a champion, cheerleader, and proponent for others. Small gestures have a big impact.Encourage each other’s strengths and have grace with our mistakes.Be kind and thoughtful when speaking to colleagues and customers.Talk about others as if they are in the room.

Let’s explore why kindness matters in small businesses, how it sometimes gets lost, and the steps we can take to keep kindness at the forefront of our everyday business interactions.

Why We Need to Practice Kindness in Small Businesses

Creates a Positive Work Environment

Kindness has a contagious effect. When leaders and team members practice kindness in their everyday interactions, it sets the tone for the entire work environment. When people feel valued, appreciated, and supported, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and happy at work.

Builds Strong Relationships

Small businesses rely on strong relationships with customers, partners, and vendors to succeed. Practicing kindness is an effective way to build and maintain those relationships. When people feel heard, respected, and understood, they are more likely to continue doing business with you and recommend your services to others.

Encourages Collaboration

Kindness fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition. When people feel safe and supported, they are more likely to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and work together to achieve common goals.

How Kindness Sometimes Gets Lost in Small Businesses

In the fast-paced world of small business, it’s easy for kindness to get lost in the shuffle. Here are a few reasons why:

Time Constraints

When there’s so much to do and so little time, it can be easy to prioritize tasks over people. This can lead to rushed conversations, short emails, and abrupt interactions that don’t leave much room for kindness.

Stress and Pressure

Running a small business can be stressful and overwhelming, and this stress can sometimes manifest as impatience, frustration, or negativity in our interactions with others.

Focus on the Bottom Line

Small businesses need to be profitable to survive, and this focus on the bottom line can sometimes overshadow the importance of kindness in our interactions with customers, partners, and colleagues.

Steps We Can Take to Keep Kindness in the Forefront of Our Everyday Business Interactions

Practice Active Listening

Active listening involves paying attention to the person speaking, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully. This can help us build stronger relationships with customers, colleagues, and partners, and ensure that everyone feels heard and understood.

Show Gratitude

Taking the time to show gratitude can go a long way in building positive relationships. This can be as simple as saying thank you, sending a handwritten note, or offering a small token of appreciation.

Foster a Culture of Kindness

As a leader, it’s important to model kindness in your interactions with others and encourage your team to do the same. This can involve setting clear expectations, providing training on effective communication, and recognizing and rewarding acts of kindness.

Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care

Small business owners and employees often wear many hats and work long hours. Taking breaks and practicing self-care can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and ensure that we have the energy and patience to be kind in our interactions with others.

Kindness may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on the success of small businesses. By taking the time to prioritize kindness in our everyday interactions, we can build strong relationships, create a positive work environment, and foster a culture of collaboration and support. Remember, kindness is more than good manners. By communicating kindly you develop trusting relationships – and that makes the opportunities endless!

Wish you health, wealth, and yes, kindness.

-Mike

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 



 

Small business owners and entrepreneurs like you have a lot on your plate. You’re responsible for managing all aspects of your business, from finances to marketing to customer service. Oh, and maybe you have a life outside of your business too!

With so much to do, it’s easy to overlook your own mental health. But here’s the deal – taking care of your mental health is essential for your well-being and the success of your business.

Mental health refers to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and behave. Mental health problems can impact your ability to function, both personally and professionally. Some common mental health issues include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Mental health issues can be especially challenging for small business owners and entrepreneurs, no matter how cool or level-headed you are. Running a business can be stressful, and mental health issues can exacerbate that stress. If left unaddressed, mental health issues can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even the failure of your business.

That’s why it’s important to prioritize your mental health as a small business owner or entrepreneur. Here are some tips to help you take care of your mental health:

Recognize the signs of mental health issues: It’s important to be aware of the signs of mental health issues, such as changes in mood, appetite, or sleep patterns. If you notice these signs, seek professional help.Practice self-care: Self-care is any activity that helps you take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.Seek support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking about your feelings can help you manage stress and cope with difficult situations.Set boundaries: As a small business owner or entrepreneur, it’s easy to work long hours and neglect your personal life. Setting boundaries can help you achieve a better work-life balance and prevent burnout.Prioritize sleep: Sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night to feel rested and refreshed.Practice mindfulness: This can come in many forms, and is up to you how you would like to practice. I began a gratitude list, and keep that visible near my computer so I see it every day. I also meditate. Since I began meditation, I see a transformation in my resilience and the way I approach challenges as well as the wins. Pick something that is meditative for you and add that to your daily routine – even if for five minutes a day.

In addition to taking care of your own mental health, it’s important to promote mental health awareness within your business. This can involve creating a supportive work environment, offering mental health resources to employees, and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

By prioritizing your own mental health and promoting mental health awareness within your business, you can help ensure the success of your business and the well-being of yourself and your employees. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your business.

Wishing health and wealth always.

-Mike

PS – Peer support has been an essential aspect of my entrepreneurship journey, so I created a mastermind group so you can benefit too. I’m hosting a One Day Mastermind this spring. Learn more here and make your own journey easier! -Mike

PSS – We entrepreneurs need to stick together! I have created courses and workshops to leverage the knowledge of entrepreneurs and share information to help you make the most impact in your small business. Check them out here.

 

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Earth Day 2023 – Why it’s Important for Small Business

Recycling, upcycling, thrift shopping, reusable everything. Our environment sustains humanity – and not just at home and in our own communities.

It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to recognize the importance of Earth Day and take action in their businesses. Here are a few reasons why:

Consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious
Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and are looking for businesses that share their values. In fact, a survey by Nielsen found that 81% of consumers worldwide feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurs can attract and retain customers who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Cost savings through sustainable practices
Many environmentally sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, reducing paper usage, and water conservation, can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. Entrepreneurs can leverage these practices to reduce their operating costs, which can help improve their bottom line and improve their financial sustainability.

Positive impact on the environmentEntrepreneurs have the power to make a positive impact on the environment through their business practices. By implementing environmentally sustainable practices, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or reducing waste, entrepreneurs can help mitigate the negative impact their businesses have on the environment.

Attracting talent
Younger generations are increasingly interested in working for companies that prioritize environmental sustainability. According to a study by Cone Communications, 64% of millennials consider a company’s social and environmental commitments when deciding where to work. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurs can attract top talent and create a positive work culture.

Remember, Earth Day is an important event for entrepreneurs to recognize because it not only promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, but also provides opportunities for businesses to improve their bottom line, attract customers, and create a positive impact on the world.

What environmentally sustainable practices are you implementing in your businesses to demonstrate a commitment to protecting the planet? Tell me in the comments!

Wishing you health and wealth always.

-Mike

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New Rule – Your Wellness Before Business

As small business owners, we often prioritize the success of our businesses over our own well-being. We work long hours, sacrifice our personal time, and often neglect our mental and physical health in the pursuit of growth and profitability. However, it’s important to recognize that we are first and foremost human beings, and our well-being should be our top priority. Otherwise, your bright light may burn out before you know it.

If you’re one of the naysayers who roll their eyes when you hear anyone say self-care, let’s break down why it’s so important:

Your well-being affects your businesses.
As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you cannot expect to perform at your best in your business. Your mental and physical health directly impacts your productivity, decision-making, and ability to handle stress. By prioritizing your well-being, you can actually improve your business’s success in the long run.

Burnout is real – and detrimental to your businesses.
Small business owners are often at risk of falling into the burnout culture due to the demanding nature of running a business. Burnout can lead to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and even physical health problems. Make sure you recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it before it negatively impacts you and your businesses.

Your well-being sets an example for your employees.
You are the leader and role model for your employees. By prioritizing your well-being, you demonstrate to your team members that taking care of yourself is important and can actually lead to better business outcomes. You can also create a culture of wellness in your workplaces by promoting self-care and prioritizing mental health.

Your well-being extends beyond your businesses.
You’re more than just a business owner. You’re partners, parents, friends, and members of our communities. By prioritizing your well-being, you can show up as your best self in all aspects of your life, not just in your business. This can lead to more fulfilling personal relationships, improved mental health, and a sense of balance and purpose.

Remember to recognize that we are human beings first and small business owners second. Prioritizing your well-being is not only important for your personal health and happiness but also for the success of your businesses in the long run. By taking care of yourself, you can improve your productivity, prevent burnout, set an example for your employees, and show up as your best self in all aspects of your lives. So, let’s make our well-being a priority and watch our businesses thrive as a result.

What are some ways you either maintain your wellness or will start implementing small habits now? Tell me in the comments!

Wishing you good health always.

-Mike

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5 Ways Keeping it Simple Scales Small Businesses

 



We’ve been chatting about our immutable laws a lot lately, or as you may call them, core values. We have them displayed around the office since visualization is so empowering, and one of our immutable laws is simplicity.

As the saying goes, “less is more,” and this can certainly be true in the world of business. Keeping things simple can be a powerful tool for increasing efficiency and profit, and it’s an approach that is often overlooked in our increasingly complex and fast-paced world.

Simplicity is not about cutting corners or reducing quality. Rather, it’s about eliminating unnecessary complexity and focusing on what really matters. Here are some of the ways that keeping things simple can benefit your business:

Increased efficiency

Simplifying processes and procedures can make them easier to understand and follow, which can increase efficiency and productivity. When employees are not bogged down by unnecessary complexity, they can focus on the tasks that really matter, and get them done more quickly and effectively. This also reduces the risk of inviting burnout culture in your company.

Reduced costs

Complexity can be expensive. The more complex your systems and processes are, the more resources you will need to maintain them. Simplifying can help you reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing waste, and streamlining operations.

Improved customer experience

Customers appreciate simplicity. If your products or services are easy to understand and use, they are more likely to be well-received by your target audience. By simplifying your offerings, you can make them more accessible to a wider range of customers, which can help you grow your business.

Increased agility

Simplicity can help you stay agile and respond more quickly to changing market conditions. When you have streamlined processes in place, it’s easier to make adjustments and pivot as needed. This can be especially important in fast-moving industries where the ability to adapt quickly can be the difference between success and failure.

Greater focus

When you simplify your business, you can focus on what really matters: your core values, your mission, and your customers. By eliminating distractions and unnecessary complexity, you can stay focused on your goals and priorities, and make better decisions as a result.

By simplifying processes and procedures, reducing costs, improving the customer experience, increasing agility, and maintaining focus, you can build a stronger, more successful business. So, take some time to assess your operations and see where you can simplify, and start reaping the benefits today.

Wishing you health and wealth always.

-Mike

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