Unplug to Uplevel

I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return. 

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire. 

British Virgin islands (BVI)

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently. 

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go. 

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude. 

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success. 

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.  

You Are the Secret Sauce

One of the gaps I see in coaching women business owners is the lack of a founder story. Your depth and experience are an opportunity to generate enthusiasm and credibility, and it’s a critical missing link when overlooked.

A founder story is your distinct background, how it impacts your skills and inspires new approaches - a valuable combination to your future clients.

As a solopreneur or business owner, sharing your unique story isn’t about ego; it’s about connection. Clients, partners, and investors want to hear your novel account as they decide whether to believe in you, to give you their time - and money. Before you talk about your product and race to schedule meetings, understand the significance of your journey. This narrative isn’t optional; it’s something to plan for and be proud to reveal. Can you articulate the path that led to your business?

Each of our individual stories is unique; however, here are essential steps as you build your founder message.

As a seasoned and savvy woman, you haven’t been on this earth for decades without learning any number of valuable lessons: the art of negotiation, service, persistence, follow-up, prioritizing, idea generation, communication, and bouncing back. I know your list is long. As the owner and CEO of your business, claim the skills that make you the perfect person to deliver your product or service right now.

These early weeks, when you have few, if any, paying customers, are about establishing credibility. Setting yourself apart. You want future clients to see that your business is an intriguing new option that benefits them in a meaningful way. Invite curiosity about your future plans - what will you do next? - via your compelling story.

Reflect on each milestone you’ve experienced, and detail how it makes you strong, knowledgable, and capable at this very moment. Write ten things you’ve accomplished, situations you’ve overcome, connections you’ve made, and skills you’ve acquired that led you to this moment in your business. Allow time for reflection and revisions in this process. Then, narrow your points into a brief yet powerful message.

One thing I remind business owners is that executives and organizational leaders hear from people making claims and promising the moon all the time. As a former Director of early stage funding programs, I’ve heard it all. Most of us can smell a fake story a mile away. Be genuine and deliver on your early goals and commitments. This will set you apart.

Each of you has an incredible story to tell if you take the time to reflect on it and document the lessons. Define why you are your secret sauce - a unique individual offering your specific craft or service. Be ready to share the story of you, and build excitement for what’s next.