Are You Being Controlled by Your Business?

The Wake-Up Call

Recently, I experienced the loss of a client. Upon inquiring about his decision to leave, he pointed out that my website, which used to rank among the top three in search engine results, had slipped. This revelation was a shock, prompting me to investigate. He was right.

I had been neglecting my business's online presence, failing to monitor my search engine rankings for months. I had been so engrossed in administrative tasks that I had little time left for the aspects of my business I enjoyed most: writing, researching, and marketing.

The Realization

Over the past year, I had been working longer hours, marketing less, and spending less time with my family due to my business commitments. I was trapped in a mindset that I couldn't afford software and services that could streamline my operations. My business was controlling me, not the other way around.

The Solution

One example of my inefficiency was the time I spent answering repetitive emails from site visitors. I decided to invest in two programs: a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) system and an autoresponder for instant answers to common queries.

The impact was immediate. I spent less time answering repetitive emails, and my site visitors received instant responses to their queries. The expense was well worth it and within my budget once I allocated funds for it.

The Transformation

Breaking free from the "I can't" mindset and asking, "Can I afford not to?" has brought numerous benefits. I now have more time for my family, less stress, and more time to do what I love: writing, researching, and growing my business.

Preventing a Repeat

To avoid falling back into old habits, here are some strategies:

• Keep things in perspective: Remind yourself why you started your business and revisit these reasons regularly.
• Prioritize: Ask yourself if what you're doing is the best use of your time and recognize when you need help.
• Evaluate: Regularly review your processes and consider if there's a better way to do things.
• Network: Seek advice and support from peers who may have faced similar challenges. Join discussion groups or networks with similar goals and challenges.

As for the client I lost, he returned. When I informed him of the steps I had taken to improve my search engine results, he was so impressed with my proactive approach that he placed another order. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: I must not let my business control me.