If you are in the United States, you have probably heard a lot of people talking about freedoms, seeing as how the 4th of July, our Independence Day, was yesterday. The word freedom means different things to different people, and we experience it in different ways. Which got me thinking more about freedom as a business owner.
You most likely started your business because you loved doing the tactical thing of your business. You probably hear the phrase “freedom in your business” and think it means sitting on a beach sipping on pina coladas. It can mean that, but it doesn’t always mean that.
What it does mean is doing what you want, when you want, based on your desires.
Unfortunately, many business owners feel trapped by the very business they created.
The reality is, business owners get trapped in working 60+ hours a week. Sometimes that is based off of the organizations need, but sometimes, and a lot of times, it is because you haven’t set up the organization to run without you. You think you have to be involved in the daily work, but you being involved in the weeds frustrates staff, takes more of your time, and leads to a loss of profit and productivity.
Let me tell you about a client of mine. When we first started working together, he was doing too much administrative work, too much correcting of his staffs work, and was feeling discouraged.
Was this the business he had always dreamed of?
Nope!
So what we have done, and will continue to do, is to simplify his business, create clarity in job descriptions, continue to develop the art of delegation to his staff, so he can continue to do the work he loves doing. He told me the other day that he is doing more of what he loves (the collaborative design work) and less of the work that drains him. That he is moving into his definition of freedom in his business and he is excited about his business again. He even told me the other day that he feels like he can take a day off to go ride his motorcycle with his good friend, something he didn’t believe he could do previously.
You can create a life you love, doing what you love, and doing what you want based on your desires and not only your business needs.
If you are feeling trapped in your business and not experiencing the freedom you want, here are the two ways we can work together.
- One-on-One: Ready to create a business that allows you the freedom you want? We are fanatical about our custom solutions and systems for your business. Our approach takes your industry, your unique disposition as a business owner, and your emerging definition of success, and we develop a unique to you plan to move you towards loving your business again. Click the link above to set up a call identify your goals, discuss your current roadblocks, and to ask any questions about working together.
- Business Scale Roadmap: This is for the business owner who needs help on what the next thing is to do, and the next 5 steps after that. You don’t need another social media course, email funnel, or sales strategy, but a plan specific to you and your business. You’ll gain clarity on where your business is at, create a plan, you’ll know what to do and what to ignore, along with the resources you need. In the end, you will take that plan and implement, saving you thousands of dollars and years of headache.
A third way, and I know I only said two, but sometimes I can’t help myself. If you are feeling stuck and are in need of resources, reach out. I am happy to point you in the right direction and even provide an asset of my own to help you move forward.
Client Story Time
I hope you and yours had a wonderful 4th of July. My family and I are spending some time near the ocean and cooler weather. We dodged the 110 degree heat and enjoyed 67 degree weather all day.
If you find you are feeling overwhelmed in your role as a leader or business owner, and need to gain clarity and a path forward, scheduling a First Steps Consultation may be your next best step. Sign up here.
Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?