{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F3b2472db-ee17-4c7f-8d51-755f85bc20f7","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"How To Go From Chaos To Calm In 5 Easy Steps with Katie Macdonald","description":"This week\u2019s interview is with Katie, who initially came on board my business as my virtual assistant. Now, she\u2019s so much more than that. As well as sharing our journey, we talk about how to find a VA for your own business. We cover 5 things that you can do within your own business to help improve your organisation, which is what Katie does for me on a day to day basis. The episode is a light-hearted and honest discussion about what I do well and what I am not so great at, making it another one of my favourite episodes so far. \r\nKey Takeaways Covered in the Podcast\r\n\u2022\tProject management platforms are perfect for a business hub, as you can see exactly what you\u2019re doing and when. Not only that, but it gives you confidence that you\u2019re on the right track. \r\n\u2022\tIf you can, try not to keep more than one notebook. Once you\u2019ve written your meeting notes down, transfer them into your business hub and project management platform. \r\n\u2022\tTry to keep everything in one place if you can. \r\n\u2022\tUse your calendar to dedicate time to certain tasks. Block it out and be as disciplined as you can. If you don\u2019t, overwhelm will start to kick in. \r\n\u2022\tIt\u2019s important to be flexible, but you need to be as strict as you possibly can. \r\n\u2022\tHave a daily or weekly review to look over everything. Look at where you are, what has slipped and what you need to look at in the following week. Not only that but think about what has gone well. \r\n\u2022\tYou need to get your business to a place where you can feel comfortable enough to leave. Whether it\u2019s for a day or for a two-week vacation, you can\u2019t be IN your business all the time. \r\n\u2022\tIf you want a team to give you the freedom to step away, start now. \r\n\u2022\tRecording your screen when you\u2019re carrying out important business processes is a great way to pass important training on to your team.\r\n\u2022\tIn order to achieve points 1, 2, 3 and 4, you need to build habits to make things stick. Whilst that means giving things time, it will be worth it in the end. \r\n\u2022\tDon\u2019t give your ideas and time away for free. \r\n\u2022\txx\r\nOne thing you need to remember above all else\u2026 \r\nUnless you have the foundations in place to make your business succeed, it won\u2019t work. You can have incredible ideas but without the systems there to back you up, chances are they won\u2019t come to light. \r\nHighlights you Simply Can\u2019t Miss\r\n\u2022\tIntroducing Katie - 02:56\r\n\u2022\tHow Katie Plays a Huge Park in my Business - 07:20\r\n\u2022\t#1 Build Your Business Hub \u2013 19:35 \r\n\u2022\t#2 Be Organised and Intentional About How You Spend Your Time \u2013 26:36\r\n\u2022\t#3 Stay in Control of Your Business - 32:44\r\n\u2022\t#4 Ensure You Have Systems and Processes in Place - 35:50\r\n\u2022\t#5 Build Habits to Make Things Stick \u2013 42:20","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/3184ab48-2eec-4cd7-b544-dc1733811965/czU5bzU4oxGLQIxSPt6_NQW_.jpeg"}