Happy Sunday Reader!

As we start to start to get cozied up for fall, I wanted to share some reflections from these past few months that have been incredibly transformative for both me and my clients.

Life-proofing your business so that it can thrive even during unexpected times.

This summer, I was hit with my own unexpected interruption, and I’m so glad I was prepared before we had to make changes so I wasn’t trying to navigate life-proofing while it felt like everything was in chaos.

The quick version is, we received news that we were moving across the country with roughly six weeks’ notice. There was house-hunting, a week driving, a week closing, and moving out and into our new house.

And my business stayed stable and smooth with almost no interruptions.

The secret? 👉Well-honed systems and a capable team.

My clients also taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility this season. From unplanned family emergencies to well-deserved vacations, their businesses have also had both expected and unexpected interruptions.

I also assisted a client preparing for a 3-month maternity leave so she can enjoy her time with her baby without working.

So, here are some lessons in life-proofing your business:

1. Create a Crisis Plan: Unforeseen emergencies happen. Having a clear plan for who takes the lead in your absence can save you mental strain. If you have a team, designate a point of contact. In a past scenario, I swiftly informed my team when a client needed to step away. I communicated project statuses to the team and clients and rescheduled meetings, ensuring a seamless transition so she could be fully present to deal with her situation.
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2. Streamline with Systems: Systems are the backbone of a resilient business. They're not just about automation, but the clarity of processes that anyone can follow. Building a business that can operate smoothly without you is a crucial part of how you life-proof your business. I've been working closely with a client on maternity leave, structuring Asana and HoneyBook systems that empower her team to take charge in her absence.
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3. Solo Time-Off Strategies: Even if you're a solopreneur, you can take time off. Plan your projects around your breaks. For those on retainers, careful planning and communication can ensure that vacations don't disrupt your flow. If unexpected leave arises, clear communication is key. Clients who value your work will appreciate your honesty and resilience.
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4. Rock-Solid Contracts: Having clear contractual terms is your safety net. Contracts outlining potential disruptions due to emergencies or unexpected time-offs are crucial. They protect both you and your clients, creating a foundation of trust even in challenging times.

Remember that building a business capable of weathering life's storms isn't just a luxury – it's a necessity.

Let's continue to thrive, no matter what comes our way, and if you need support, book an Implementensive.

​​Where implementation meets intensive. The Implementensive™ is a two-hour sprint where we’ll go through all of your systems and operations, and implement any needed changes in real-time. You can also ask any questions related to your business's operations.

Til next time,

Liz

P.S. Need more tips when it comes to stepping away from your business? Click here to read 4 additional tips

This week's picks 📚 Currently reading: Defy the Night series (my 3rd series I'm waiting to have the next book come out on 😫) 🎮 Currently playing: Teeny Tiny Town, an iPhone app my husband got me hooked on. It’s a simple 5x5 block strategy game where you have to think several steps ahead… let’s just say it’s really addicting to play! 🤓 Thought of the week: Hard does not equal bad — a comment found in this thread​