Business and Balance,
and
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Heyy Reader,
"Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." --Bill Gates
When you get a bad review or someone is unhappy with what you provide, it's easy to feel like giving up. Especially if you're just beginning or starting something new in your business. Negative feedback is always hurtful, no matter how long you've been doing this.
Unfortunately, we're only human and we are going to make someone unhappy. So, what do we do?
We do our best. Every single day. And when we hear that someone is unhappy, we feel our feelings, take a deep breath, and determine what it is we can learn from the situation.
That's how we get better. That's how we make big moves in our business.
What are ways you are moving forward in your business this week?
🤝 LIFE HER PODCAST
LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR OPERATIONS
Finding time to do all the things in your business is tough. I know because I've been there, bestie. You're trying to grow your business, be amazing, take care of yourself, and handle ALL THE THINGS. It's almost impossible to do it all by yourself.
In this episode of the Life Her Podcast, I join host, Yvette Lloyd, to talk all things streamlining your business and operations. Check out the video and make sure you subscribe to the Life Her Podcast!
ON THE BLOG
FROM DAYDREAM TO DONE: THE 5-YEAR VISION THAT ACTUALLY WORKS!
Pop quiz: Where do you think your business is going to be in five years. Growing, thriving, and making bank or just stuck in the same old hustle wondering where the time went?
You went for the first option, right? The second option will most definitely make anyone cringe. But hey, don't panic cause I got good news in tow. You get to decide where your business is headed. The even better news? I've got a simple game plan to actually help you get there.
This week's blog post is all about mapping out a 5-year vision that isn't just some cute daydream but real, actionable strategy (uh, yes with steps that don't involve all the "manifesting" and hoping for the best).
Just grab your cup of coffee (or wine) and click on the button below to read the full blog post.
SUPERCHARGED SYSTEMS ANYONE?
SOPs DON'T BITE: LET'S BREAK IT DOWN
So, let's talk SOPs. Yeah, I know the
"Standard Operating Procedures" that seem so high up the ladder and "difficult". But hear me out, they're the secret sauce behind every smooth-running business and they're not difficult to create at all. Also, I'll share the recipe - the SOP template you can use, tweak, and make your own.
Before you get started, here's the fun fact you didn't know you needed. Having a proper SOP means less stress, and more consistency. Now, let's get to the good stuff.
Your SOP Template
SOP Title: Give it a name (e.g. Email Response Procedure)
Purpose: Why does this exist? (e.g. To ensure fast and consistent responses).
Steps:
Step 1: What is the first thing you do? (e.g. Open email inbox).
Step 2: Next Step? (e.g. Read email and decide which category it falls under).
Step 3: Third Step? (e.g. Reply with appropriate template response).
Step 4: What’s the final step? (e.g. Send and log it for follow up).
4. Tools Needed: What do you need to do this? (e.g. Email app, template files).
5. Who’s responsible: Who does this? (e.g. You, your VA, or your team).
6. Frequency: How often? (e.g. Daily as emails come in).
See? So easy. Just plug in your info and yes, you got yourself an SOP. Don’t let the paperwork scare you.
PS: Some SOP steps can be more than the example shown here. Just add steps as they are needed. Send a reply if you need more help.
MINI MINDSET MOMENT
ROUGH PATCH? MORE LIKE A DETOUR
So bestie, I know things can get and feel tough sometimes. You may be juggling through a million and one things or even dealing with a challenge that feels like it's never going to end. Here's an encouragement that always helps me when things get so heavy: This too shall pass.
Those rough patches are temporary. They may feel long, but for sure won't last forever and when they pass (which always happens), you'll most definitely be stronger and readier for whatever comes next.
Just take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and know that you got this, bestie. Take it one step at a time, one moment at a time, and before you know it, you'll look back and wonder how you ever got to worry in the first place.
You're doing great, even if it doesn't always feel like it. Keep going, one moment at a time.
CRUSH IT IN 60
YOUR PRODUCTIVITY COMEBACK STARTS HERE
To be very honest, it's not always the big stuff that throws us off. It's those tiny, nagging ones. The messy desk, the 100 unread emails (had to round it off, lol) and all that's in between. It has to be that one task we've been dodging like a blind date.
Just pick off one nagging task that's been on the back burner for far too long. Take just one hour to crush it. No "I'll handle it later" cause it's the code for never.
Inbox nightmare? Unsubscribe from 10 spammy emails right now.
Desk like a tornado got to it? Set that hour to clear stuff and tidy it up.
Dreading an awkward email? Write it, send it, and move on with your life.
It could be anything.
The end goal? Just win the hour and feel good. Those small wins definitely stack up and with time, you get more accomplished.
So, what's gonna be your one hour win today? Send a reply cause I'm ready to cheer you on.
DELEGATION INSPIRATION
TRUST ISSUES? TEST YOUR VA BEFORE THE BIG COMMITMENT
You've decided to hire a VA. That's an amazing feat cause you're about to boost your time, productivity, and definitely regain some sanity. Everything about your potential VA looks great on paper but you're still sceptical. You're worried about them actually showing up and getting stuff done. There's nothing wrong in that.
Before you commit, you can start with a small trial task or project. That's how I built my dream team of four amazing VAs for my agency. A simple test run helped me spot them and I'll share this tip with you.
A mini project lets you see:
Skills in action to back up the resume claims.
Communication style to see if they ghost or keep you posted.
Attention to detail to see if they're a lifesaver or even more headache for you.
How to run a smart VA trial:
Pick a real but low-risk task
Set clear expectations
Give a reasonable deadline
Review results and communication style
If it's a match, congratulations. You got your productivity sidekick. If not? Better to know now than later. You can always try again.
BOHANNON VIRTUAL SOLUTIONS RECOMMENDS
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I'm super psyched you're here, Reader! Thanks for reading these emails every week and hanging out with me :}
Talk Soon,
Sammy Bohannon
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