hi Reader,

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One minute you're deep in client work, the next you're answering what feels like 8 million emails, then suddenly remembering your website needs updating... and somewhere in there you're supposed to find time for marketing? (Insert gentle nervous laughter here...)

After working with solopreneurs every day, here's what I know for sure: being amazing at your craft is just the beginning. The real challenge? Managing all those other business pieces without completely burning out.

Let's talk about what actually works when you're managing everything yourself...

01. Setting Up Systems That Work

Most of us start with some kind of beautiful chaos - sticky notes everywhere, random apps downloaded at 2am, 8,000 Notion templates that you started with very good intentions thank you very much, and that dangerous little voice saying "I'll definitely remember that!" (Narrator: They did not, in fact, remember that. 🙈)

This works fine when you're just starting. But then your client list grows (yay!) and suddenly working from memory starts causing some... interesting problems.

Here's what actually helps:

• Create a simple client management process that basically runs itself - think welcome guides, project milestones, and communication schedules that don't leave you checking your inbox 24/7
• Build project templates you can customize in your sleep (no need to reinvent the wheel. seriously.)
• Set up file organization that makes sense to YOU and your own brain (forget those complex systems someone else swears by)

02. Making Time for Both Client Work and Business Growth

Client work has this sneaky way of taking over everything else. Your own business tasks keep sliding to that mysterious "someday" (which somehow never appears on any calendar I've ever seen).

What works better:

• Set specific hours for client work (and treat them like actual appointments)
• Block protected time for business development (even one morning a week makes a difference)
• Create clear boundaries around your availability (including automated responses explaining your schedule)
• Schedule regular planning sessions (even 30 minutes helps you stay on track)

Bonus tip: When you set clear working hours, clients actually respect them. I've seen it happen over and over - structure creates trust.

03. The Best Marketing Is Simple Marketing

Focus on what works:

• Share your actual client results (with permission!) - real examples beat generic advice
• Document your process (clients LOVE seeing how you work)
• Answer common client questions (turn those emails you write anyway into content)
• Build real connections with other business owners (some of your best referrals will come from these relationships)

The best part? It feels natural because you're just sharing your actual expertise.

Next Steps

Start with what bugs you most about running your business right now. What makes you sigh every time you have to do it? That's probably where you need a system first.

Look at:

• Client communications that keep slipping
• Project timelines that always run long
• Tasks you repeat that could be templated
• Time management that's more wish than plan

Small changes in how you run things make a big difference in how your business feels. And when your business runs better, you can focus on the work you actually love doing.

If you found this helpful, I've got other some past articles you might enjoy:

• ​How to Create SOPs That Actually Work for Your Business​
• ​Setting Boundaries in Your Business (Without Feeling Guilty)​
• ​The Anti-Burnout Blueprint: 5 Strategies for Entrepreneurial Balance​

And if you want a head start on getting organized, my Blog Post Tracking Template can help you keep your content organized without the overwhelm 👇

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Nifty Tidbit

Every week I share a Nifty Tidbit, a fun little trivia fact curated just for you. This week's Nifty Tidbit is about undocumented immigrants in the United States, because it seems relevant today more than ever (source).

Helping small business owners navigate marketing, business strategy, web design, and AI without the overwhelm. 15+ years of experience packed into practical templates and strategies you'll actually use.