5 Things to STOP in 2021
Often times our New Year’s resolutions are focused on things we want to start doing…start going to the gym, start planning ahead, start this and start that but just as often the things that are really holding us back are the things we need to STOP doing. Specifically, for small business owners, here are my TOP 5 things WE have to leave in 2020.
NUMBER 1
You have to stop comparing yourself.
To other businesses, to your peers, to your competitors, to your family it doesn’t matter. The only thing we need to focus on is ourselves and our businesses. This next sentence is going to sound super cliché, fair warning. Anyone who is doing better than you doesn’t have the time to be judgmental of you and your business. Anyone who is not doing as well as you is likely looking up to you as a role model. Either way, your response is the same…hustle. Make a plan, stick to it and don’t let analytics bring you down. I know damn well this blog post isn’t going to TOUCH G’s 2000+ reads from last week but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable information. Listen, learn but never compare yourself. If you catch yourself doing it:
NUMBER 2
Stop procrastinating your financial organization.
Oh you don’t like doing taxes? Congrats, neither do the rest of us but being in denial isn’t going to keep them from sneaking up on you. Shamelessly, I am speaking to myself here. I am the number one culprit for procrastinating money related tasks. Who can blame me? I am a grade A right brain kid with ADHD…taxes can wait. BUT THEY CAN’T. Let’s make a vow right now to get ourselves organized, track our income and expenses and let’s just mutually get our shit together because in the long run it will make our lives so much easier in the end.
NUMBER 3
Stop accepting clients that don’t appreciate your work.
Look, times are tough, we get it. That doesn’t mean you should work with ANYONE. As a business owner providing a service—whatever that service may be—you have a right to be selective in who you work with. Your time is valuable and by taking on clients or projects that are not fulfilling, you may be making money but you’re likely spending your creative energy which holds value as well. Know your worth sis. If a client is not appreciating you, bossing you around, not crediting your work, STOP working for them, DROP their ass, and ROLL on out. It may not be fun to take the financial loss in the moment but your mental health will thank you and allow you to find clients who do appreciate and respect the VALUABLE service you provide.
NUMBER 4
Stop paying for services you don’t use.
I’m not always a huge supporter of #CancelCulture but in this case, let’s start slashing bills. There’s really not much to say on this topic other than you’d be surprised how much money you can save by simply auditing the services you actually use and what you can save on by utilizing free resources. This month, take a look at what is on auto-payment and audit which programs are most valuable to you.. for me, Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud are my absolute best friends but G and I have gotten by so far without Hootsuite by utilizing the Facebook Business portal. Another big culprit is PayPal who takes a percentage of you hard earned cash. Try using checks, bank transfers or even Venmo because those fees really add up over time.
NUMBER 5
Stop chasing clients.
I don’t know how loudly I can SCREAM THIS:
GET TF OUT OF PEOPLE’S DM’S.
If your service is valuable, the RIGHT client will come to you. Cold calling PNC’s (potential new clients) is a sure recipe for disaster. Speaking of NUMBER 3, this is a perfect way to attract unfulfilling clients. Instead, spend your time building your portfolio, putting forth marketing efforts, being genuine to yourself on social media, networking and collaborating. If you do this things, you will attract clients and THEY will chase YOU. It will take time. It will not come easy but it is the way to build long-term relationships with clients who value your service because YOU value your service. Also, there isn't a sane soul on this earth who wants you to cold call pitch them in their DM’s. Please just stop.
I feel like all of these are 110% achievable and if we can just cut them out of our life, I think we will not only be a lot happier, but I think we will find success in doing so! ‘Til next time,
Digitally,
SB✨
