How To Keep Your Small Business Profitable

 
The 3-Day Workweek Podcast with Cailen Ascher - 2020-04-22 - Keep Your Small Business Profitable.jpg
 
 

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Like so many of you, I’m feeling first hand the effects of COVID-19 spreading across the globe -- and the fear and uncertainty that’s spreading with it.

I’ve been a Business Coach for 5 years and an entrepreneur for 12 years. And, I feel so fortunate that my 3-day workweek has helped me (relatively easily) transition into my new role right now as homeschooling mom and business owner.

After over a decade running my own business, I know the importance of shifting with the times in order to continue to grow, and I’m seeing that now more than ever before.

People who are resisting what is happening are suffering and so are their businesses. People who are accepting what is happening and pivoting accordingly are uncovering new and exciting opportunities for business growth.

If you’re feeling stressed about the future of your business, I hope that today’s podcast will help you to see the potential that is available to you now, and always.

In today’s episode all about how to Keep Your Small Business Profitable, I share…

  • The #1 thing you need to prioritize right now in order to thrive (not just survive)

  • Examples of businesses, both big and small, that successfully pivoted in order to profit

  • What to lean on right now in order to grow (psst...it’s something you already have!)

  • 1 thing you can do today to help your business

P.S. I’m hosting a brand new FREE Masterclass on May 5th that outlines 5 Steps to Help Your Business Thrive During a Crisis. If your business has taken a hit because of coronavirus, and you’re afraid that it won’t recover, this masterclass will give you not only clear steps to take, but also hope :-) Save your seat here.

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links + resources mentioned during this episode

  • LISTEN to The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes for more tips, strategies, and resources on creating your own 3-Day Workweek!

  • GET STARTED by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide using the form below!

 

Tools for Coaching Your Clients During Coronavirus

 
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If your situation is anything like mine, having scheduled session times with clients right now is challenging since school and childcare are non-existent.

So what are we to do? Put working with clients on hold until who-knows-when? Say “no” to people who want to (or need to) work with us right now more than ever?

No. Certainly not.

I want to share some tools and strategies with you that will help you to continue to serve your clients but in a flexible, feel-good way that accommodates your (and their) schedule right now.

Instead of trying to sit down for regular sessions with clients, perhaps try switching to “coaching on-demand”. You can use a tool like Voxer (phone app) to have an on-going back and forth with clients so you can coach them on-the-fly. Or you could use Loom (desktop) to create custom tutorial videos or video trainings for them.

Another thing to consider is that everyone’s time is feeling tight right now. Instead of trying to schedule 60min for a session, why not offer “Jam Sessions”, as I call them. These are 20min micro-coaching sessions that fit much more easily into a busy day. And, I’m always amazed at how much potency there is in a quick 20 minutes with someone when they show up focused and ready. Try it out!

Lastly, if you’re someone who loves connecting with your clients or community via Facebook Live, but are having a tough time being consistent with it. Why not pre-record some videos on Be.Live and then drip them out to your Facebook Group? Your community gets the benefit of your regular content, and you can pre-record and pre-schedule them to save you time.

I hope these ideas are useful to you -- and who knows, you might like some of these options so much that they become a regular part of your business moving forward!

Let me know in the 3-Day Workweek Facebook Group which tool you’re most excited about trying out or if you have any follow-up questions. I’d love to connect with you there!

Psst...I created a brand new mini-program, Simplify Your Schedule, which is designed to help you streamline your schedule and make the most of your limited time right now so that your business can continue to grow and thrive even in the time of coronavirus, and you can bring more balance back to life + work. And, I’m offering a 90% discount right now so you can get the support you need. Grab Simplify Your Schedule here for just $33 (and save $264!!!)

Cailen Ascher - Clarity Confessions Podcast - Show Notes.png

links + resources mentioned during this episode

  • LISTEN to The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes for more tips, strategies, and resources on creating your own 3-Day Workweek!

  • GET STARTED by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide using the form below!

 

How to Grow Your Business in the Time of Coronavirus

 
The 3-Day Workweek Podcast with Cailen Ascher - 2020-04-08 - How to Grow Your Business in the time of Coronavirus.jpg
 
 

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Life looks very different than it did a few weeks ago, and I thought it might be helpful to share some of my thoughts about how to thrive as a small business in the time of coronavirus.

I know many of you are feeling a great deal of uncertainty right now when it comes to your business’ future, but I want to remind you today what is in your control so that you find some peace of mind and clarity moving forward.

I’m sharing…

  • 3 things you should be prioritizing right now to feel calm and in control

  • What you should STOP doing immediately if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed

  • Where to get the support you need if you’re feeling down about your business

If you’re looking for help to streamline your schedule and make the most of your limited time right now so that your business can continue to grow and thrive even in the time of coronavirus, I have a special treat for you!

We created a brand new mini-program called Simplify Your Schedule that will help you bring more balance back to life + work. And, we’re offering a 90% discount right now so you can get the support you need. Grab Simplify Your Schedule here for just $33 (down from $297)

This episode is just 20 minutes long because I know life is full right now. Give it a listen, and then pop into the 3-Day Workweek Facebook Group and share your top takeaway or ask any follow-up questions you might have. I’d love to connect with you there and continue the conversation.

Cailen Ascher - Clarity Confessions Podcast - Show Notes.png

links + resources mentioned during this episode

  • LISTEN to The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes for more tips, strategies, and resources on creating your own 3-Day Workweek!

  • GET STARTED by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide using the form below!

 

How to Get Work Done with the Kids at Home

 
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A lot of you have been asking me, how do I get work done with the kids at home?!

I feel ya. Even though I have a 3-day workweek, in order to actually work on those days my girls are at school or we have childcare -- but not right now. 

So, I wanted to share with you the things that I’m doing that are working and allowing me to get some work done -- though definitely not as much as before. This is a real lesson in prioritization!

In this FB Live, I cover…

  • How I’m scheduling my days now the girls are at home

  • How my husband and I are handling childcare + working as a united front

  • What’s changed for me + my business 

  • Why we decided to put a pause on some projects 

  • My best tip for getting through the day the small kiddos + getting some work done too

And, before I leave you, I wanted to share something that I’m really excited about!

Starting tomorrow we’re going to be offering 5min daily practices to help you Cultivate Calm in life + business during these uncertain times.

As an entrepreneur, you are your business, so if you are in a place of uncertainty or fear right now, we want to support YOU -- the woman behind the business.

In order to do that, I’m creating a series of 5min daily practices to help you ground + center yourself and plant seeds for growth, both personally and professionally.

This is unlike anything I’ve created before, and I’m really excited to bring it to you during this time of global uncertainty. I’m drawing on my years of coaching, 11+ years of yoga practice + teaching and my favorite personal practices, like meditation and journaling, to bring you something holistic and supportive when you need it the most. 

Our vision is to support you mind, body and soul with practices that run the gamut from mindset meditations to simple scheduling tricks -- all with the aim of helping you Cultivate Calm in life + business.

Cultivate Calm is rolling out tomorrow via email to our entire community because I know it will do wonders to support you and keep you steady amidst all this unpredictability. (Don’t worry, if you don’t want to receive the daily Cultivate Calm emails, you can easily opt-out.)

In the meantime, join the 3-Day Workweek Facebook Group, if you’re not already a member because we’re going to house the replays of the Cultivate Calm practices there.

Let’s Cultivate Calm, together!

P.S. Have a friend or two who would benefit from the daily Cultivate Calm practices? Share this link www.CailenAscher.com/CultivateCalm with them, so they can join us. Thank you! 

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  • LISTEN to The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes for more tips, strategies, and resources on creating your own 3-Day Workweek!

  • GET STARTED by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide using the form below!

 

COVID-19: What I’m doing for myself + for you

 
The 3-Day Workweek Podcast with Cailen Ascher - 2020-03-18 - COVID-19.jpg
 
 

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I know that this is probably the 1,000th thing you’ve received with COVID-19 in the subject line, but I felt it necessary to write this because it’s something that we’re all dealing with.

I feel very fortunate that I have a business and lifestyle that can transition in this uncertain time. My 3-day workweek has made it pretty easy to step-up and take over childcare/school responsibilities since neither of those are available to us right now.

My husband is working 100% remotely now too, so we’re trading time so that each of us gets a couple hours a day to work when needed. But needless to say, even my 3-day workweek has been significantly shortened to just a couple of hours on a couple of days. It’s a real lesson in prioritization!

We’ve decided to do at least 2 weeks of no contact with the outside world. We’re staying in, having groceries delivered and even cancelled the house cleaner (though we did offer to keep paying her so our decision doesn’t affect her family). 

Luckily, our house sits on a bit of land, and we have a big backyard with a swing set for the girls. I feel truly blessed that even while social-distancing, we can still get outside for sunshine, walks and play time. That’s a sanity saver, and I feel for those of you who don’t have that option.

On the business side of things, I’ve cancelled my Uplifted™ Mastermind Retreat, and we’re hosting it virtually instead. We’re putting some projects and promotions that suddenly felt tone-deaf on temporary hold, and I’m brainstorming lots of ideas about how to support you, your business and your family during this time.

With that said, I wanted to share with you an idea that came to me yesterday…

My team and I are putting together a supportive series of 5min daily practices called Cultivate Calm that we’re going to start rolling out in the next few days. Each day for the next couple of weeks (we’re actually not sure how long yet!) you’ll receive a short 5min audio or video from me with a simple practice that will help to ground and focus you both personally + professionally during this unpredictable time. If you want to start receiving these FREE 5min practices when they’re ready, click here to join Cultivate Calm.

Lastly, if you have any questions or a request for specific content that I can create for you, let me know. I would love to hear from you so that I can continue to create content that really helps. <3

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  • LISTEN to The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes for more tips, strategies, and resources on creating your own 3-Day Workweek!

  • GET STARTED by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide using the form below!

 

How I Manage 2 Kids + 6-Figure Business without Overwhelm (plus free meditation!)

 
The 3-Day Workweek Podcast with Cailen Ascher - 2020-03-04- How I Manage Two Kids and a 6-Figure Business Without Overwhelm.jpg
 
 

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Nobody is perfect. Believe me, my life (even though I feel tremendously blessed and fortunate) still has its ups and downs. There are still things I wish I could change about myself, my parenting, my business, etc. etc. etc.

But, all that being said, when looking back at who I was 5+ years ago, I’m pretty proud of myself for how far I’ve come.

I used to be pretty very tightly wound. I had (and, let’s be honest, still sometimes do) a quick temper and was very impatient -- especially with myself. I was always in “striving” mode. I was always reaching (and rushing) for more, better, faster. Stress, struggle, striving -- that was what I thought it took to be “successful”. I never felt good enough. I was always waiting for the future when things would be “better”. 

Operating like that didn’t feel good.

When I first became a mom over 5 years ago, something woke up inside of me. A desire to do things differently. A desire to slow down, savor more, be more present. With that awakening also came the start of my 3-day workweek.

My 3-day workweek, day by day and week by week, began to show me that I could work less, stress less and still expand. It began to show me that hustle wasn’t essential for success (thank goodness!).

Now, I cannot imagine working full-time hours. I cannot imagine pushing myself to the brink in the pursuit of “success”. 

Yes, I still have my moments when I have to remind myself to slow down and appreciate right where I’m at at this very moment (not always an easy thing to do), but more often than not, I find that my pace naturally moves (a bit) slower. Which feels really good.

This slowing down didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken me a number of years to smooth the edginess I used to feel so very often. But, it is something worth pursuing. 

If you’re a mom like me, you know already that your kids are always asking you to slow down. They move at a slower pace -- if you don’t believe me, just try to get their shoes and coats on and get out the door :-) Kids are great at being present, and they are asking you, too, to be HERE now. Time is irrelevant to them. They honor their inner rhythms. And, the simplest way to slow down and feel instantly less overwhelmed is to simply honor their request. Put down your phone. Go outside. Swing on a swing. Read a book together. Look into their eyes. Just be with them. Right now. Feel your breath. Feel your body. Sink into this moment. (You can also do this with your partner or pet or by yourself!)

If you’re currently struggling with overwhelm and feeling like there isn’t enough time and you simply can’t slow down, I challenge you to STOP. Just for 1 minute. Take a few deep breaths. Look at your surroundings -- really see them. And notice that all that stuff that you’re rushing after doesn’t bother you so much when you arrive in the present moment.

Today on the podcast, I am sharing a quick meditation to help you release overwhelm and feel more present and peaceful.

Want to save your free seat for my special masterclass that’ll be rolling out in January 2021 — The 3 Step Method for Building a Success Online Business?! Click the button below to save your seat.

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  • Want more tips, strategies, and resources for creating your own 3-Day Workweek? Subscribe, rate, and review The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes

  • Join the #3DayWorkweekMovement by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide by completing the form below!

 

Join the Get Clients Challenge!

 
The 3-Day Workweek Podcast with Cailen Ascher - 2020-02-12 - Join the Get Clients Challenge.jpg
 
 

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I know how frustrating it can be to craft a beautiful offer -- an offer you know will solve your ideal client’s biggest problems -- only to put it “out there”, and no one seems interested. Crickets.

It’s totally frustrating, deflating, disheartening and makes you question your business and yourself.

The problem is too many of us are operating under the illusion that “if we build it, they will come.” In the early days of my business, I was totally baffled as to why people weren’t finding me and buying my stuff. I can help people with this -- but where are they?!!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that in the supersaturated online world in which we operate. If we have something of value to offer, it’s not enough to just put it on your website, post in a few Facebook Groups and send an email or two, we need to put it directly in front of our ideal clients on a regular basis.

So, how do you do that?

You need an efficient and cost-effective strategy -- an outreach machine -- that will constantly chug along and deliver you warm leads into your business (even if you’re only working 3 days a week, like me!).

And THIS is precisely what I’m going to be sharing with you during the Get Clients Challenge that is kicking off on Monday, February 17th. During this “mini” challenge (it’s just 3 days long!), I’m going to be covering my favorite strategies for attracting clients into your business on a consistent basis.

Better yet, these strategies will work even if you are brand new in business and don’t have a big (or any!) list yet, and they take just minutes a day to implement.

If you’re ready to stop wishing and hoping for clients and are ready for a proven system to get high-end clients moving into your business, join me for the Get Clients Challenge, and we’ll dive into this together!

P.S. Want to build an “outreach machine” to attract clients to your business? Join me for the Get Clients Challenge! We start on Monday :-)

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  • Find more information about Success Made Simple™ Academy here!

  • Want more tips, strategies, and resources for creating your own 3-Day Workweek? Subscribe, rate, and review The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes

  • Join the #3DayWorkweekMovement by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide by completing the form below!

 

Get Your Partner to Support Your Business [My husband joins me on the podcast!]

 
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For the first time ever my husband, Craig, is joining me on The 3-Day Workweek Podcast!

During this special episode we talk about the many entrepreneurial endeavors I’ve delved into over the last 12 years, how our relationship changed and grew as I built my business, and what Craig actually thought when I kept changing my business. 

We also answered questions that you submitted like:

  • How do you get your spouse to understand what it means to be an online coach

  • How to get your partner’s support

  • How to talk about finances when your business isn’t profitable yet

  • How to talk about investing in your business

  • How to establish boundaries and expectations for uninterrupted work time

P.S. I’m rolling out a brand new masterclass in January 2021 called The 3 Step Method for Building a Successful Online Business. If you want me to save you a seat — it’s free! — simply click the button below :-)

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  • Find more information about Success Made Simple™ Academy here!

  • Want more tips, strategies, and resources for creating your own 3-Day Workweek? Subscribe, rate, and review The 3-Day Workweek Podcast on iTunes

  • Join the #3DayWorkweekMovement by grabbing your FREE 3-Day Workweek Guide by completing the form below!