I know there are so many buzzwords in the online space telling you that you can build a business that gives you the #flexibility to make your own schedule, the #freedom to work from anywhere, and ultimately live the #laptoplifestyle. It’s the sexy side of starting your own business and working for yourself.

And honestly, it’s not wrong. These are goals I talk to my clients about all the time. It’s usually one of the main reasons we choose to make the leap from the stable 9-to-5 job with benefits.

Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say that building a business (let alone three) from the ground-up is easy. You know I’m not about quick-fixes.

Here’s What I Want for You

I want you to build a business that lights you up to the core and fulfills your greatest strengths and passions.

I want you to build a business that supports you and your family financially while being sustainable for growth and profitability in the long term.

I want you to build a business that makes you feel excited and motivated to get up and do the work you love and feel a sense of accomplishment every day.

I want you to build a business that aligns and supports your personal and professional goals and allows you to enjoy your life.

I want you to build a business that allows you the grace and flexibility to take time off when the unexpected happens and you need time and space away.

Just like I did…

From My Best Week in Business to a Week Unplugged

How quickly things in life can change...

A week ago today (as I write this), I was writing a new blog post, celebrating the crazy-amazing week I had just had in business securing my first $10K in one week with a glass of sparkling wine, fully soaking up the feeling of accomplishment. (Check out my blog post on the 5 Steps to Feel More Accomplished.)

I received the call the next morning.

My horse was laying down and didn’t want to get up.

After 18 incredible years with this spunky little pony named Raven, I met the moment I had to make the hardest decision of my life. As I never want to relive -- or hardly think about -- the day we had that day, I’ll spare the heartwrenching details. I knew this day would come. Yet, and of course, you still never expect it.

As much as I want to share everything I possibly can of all the memories and everything she had taught me since I was 12-years-old, here’s what I want you to take away from this.

As difficult as this week was, I couldn’t stop thinking about how incredibly grateful I was to have built, not just one, but three businesses that allowed me to take unexpected time away to focus on me and allow myself to grieve, sleep, eat junk food, and spend time with my little family.

Not So Long Ago...

I remember having to find someone to cover my shift when I needed to call in to work in my retail job, and even if I was sick, being asked to come in.

I remember working through piercing migraines, even when I couldn’t see, because I needed to get my projects done or be there to close the store.

I remember being told by my boss that I should be working instead of going to the hospital with my husband and family for my father-in-law’s open-heart surgery.

Let’s just say that these experiences laid the groundwork for why building businesses that allowed me freedom and flexibility were so important.

And this week was a huge test of that.

Honestly, in loving what I do and running three businesses, I do work a lot -- probably more hours than I ever did at a day job. But, when it matters most, I know I can step away.

When I’m sick, I rest.
When I’m tired, I sleep.
When I’m burnt out, I take time to relax and recharge.
When my family needs me, I’m there.

And seriously, I haven’t had a migraine in over TWO years now since leaving my day job over a year and a half ago.

This week, I decided to take time away and unplugged from my businesses that allowed me the flexibility and freedom to do so. I want to share with you a few key strategies to help you build a business that allows you to do it too.

3 Key Strategies to Build Freedom & Flexibility into Your Business

1) Build a Strong Relationship with Ideal Clients

I am, first and foremost, so grateful for my incredible clients who were so understanding and flexible with me during this time. One of the most important strategies I’ve built into each business is to define who your ideal client is, spend time making sure they are the right fit to work together, and continue to build a strong relationship of trust and expectations of both parties. Even though I unexpectedly needed this time away, it didn't mean that I no-showed on calls or ignored communications. Just as I expect my clients to communicate with me, I needed to show up and communicate with them. In return, I was able to reschedule and maintain this strong relationship with them.

The relationship you build with your clients sets the tone for, not only your time working together, but their willingness to continue to refer you to potential clients. I want to stress that this doesn’t mean you need to be a people-pleaser and say yes to their every need. In fact, the best relationship you can build with your clients (or anyone for that matter) includes showing up, communicating, and setting expectations and boundaries -- overall building trust and credibility with them. This way, when unexpected things come up, you don’t look flaky and they’re not worried if the work will actually get done. Instead, they are understanding, flexible, and happy to work with you.

2) Hire a Virtual Assistant

If you’re already thinking that you’re not ready or can’t afford to hire someone, I encourage you to hear me out before you skip this step. Most of you are solo-entrepreneurs, some of you are still very new to running a business, and many of you have probably never had to interview or hire someone for a job before -- I get it. Running a business as a solo-entrepreneur is exciting, difficult, and you definitely learn a ton in the process. Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) or someone to help you does seem like a huge endeavor and investment, but I want you to know, it’s actually way more accessible and affordable than you may realize.

One of the things I was able to do this week, that literally took me less than 5-minutes, was to send an email to my VA asking her to manage my social media accounts and engagement so that I could take the week unplugged, while still keeping my business actively running. Just because I needed to stop, didn’t mean my business had to. Especially after having my best week in business, I wasn’t going to let my business suffer while I took time away. This time, I didn’t have to just work through it anyway like I did in a day job, and more importantly, I didn’t have to do it alone.

Finding the right VA is key. I encourage you to be specific in what you’re looking for help with, ask for referrals and do your research, interview for personality fit (this is key), and be upfront with your budget and hours. I’ve been able to work with a few VAs on a project basis or an hourly rate with no long-term commitment. Start small and you can always increase projects, hours, and your budget as you go. (As a previous Manager and Human Resources professional, I’m happy to coach you through this process for your business.)

3) Build Your Relationship with Yourself as a Business Owner

When you’re first getting started in business, it’s common to struggle with imposter syndrome and questioning yourself if you really have what it takes to make it happen — especially since you’ve never started a business before and may not have much knowledge of business. Through the process, you learn to build trust with yourself as you prove that you can do it. One of the major areas I coach all of my clients is their Mindset. As a business owner, you have to work through various personal limiting beliefs that hold you back or you will continue to stay stuck in business. Part of this is building this new relationship with yourself as a business owner and realizing when you need to set boundaries for yourself or when you need to give yourself grace in your business. Because of the relationship I’ve built with myself as a business owner, I knew what I needed to do to communicate with my clients and VA so I could fully give myself permission to take time away without worry or guilt.

Over the years getting started in business, I remember evenings I would sit on the couch and feel guilty because I wasn’t working on my business. If this is you, know that this is one strategy you need to implement. Just as you work to build relationships and trust with your clients, you have to do the work to build the same relationship with yourself -- showing up for yourself, investing in yourself, doing the hard work, getting the results, and proving to yourself that you trust you can do this. Yes, this may take time. But when you’re able to set boundaries and expectations for yourself and follow-through, it’s easier to give yourself permission and grace when you need it most.

If you’re ready to build a sustainable and profitable business that allows you flexibility and freedom, I only have 1 spot left to work with me this month in my 1:1 Success Coaching Program.

If you know someone who needs to hear this, it would mean the world to me if you would share it with them!