WEBVTT
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This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:25.039
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here.
00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:26.960
Right now, with you.
00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:30.399
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast.
00:00:30.559 --> 00:00:32.159
Let's get started.
00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:36.320
Hi, and welcome back.
00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:37.759
I'm Jennifer Britton.
00:00:37.840 --> 00:00:41.439
Thanks for joining us for the FlowFlex Skill Podcast.
00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:50.880
In our last episode, I sat down with Valerie and you heard her story about building momentum in her first year of business.
00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:58.479
Today I want to tackle a question that's really at the heart of everything that we're going to be exploring in this podcast.
00:00:58.799 --> 00:01:04.480
Why does a business of one, why does a solopreneur need an operating system?
00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:11.439
If you are one, you know that there is so much that grabs our attention every day.
00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:18.799
I've spent the last 20 years plus working with solopreneurs and microenterprise of all kinds.
00:01:19.040 --> 00:01:25.200
Here at our business, Potential Realized, I've worked with coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, professionals.
00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:42.480
Prior to that, in my former world of work, when I was leading teams throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, I worked a lot with microenterprise, small-scale Bs, cottage style industry, as we used to call it in those days.
00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:52.079
And what I know is that for solopreneurs today, for microenterprise, we don't lack talent, we don't lack vision.
00:01:52.239 --> 00:01:55.359
However, we often lack a system.
00:01:55.760 --> 00:02:01.439
There are so many balls that we are juggling, and there is so much to do.
00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:15.120
My guess is if you're a solopreneur or small business like myself, you're working hard, you're serving clients, you're doing great work, but you're constantly asking, what should I focus on next?
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:18.960
What is actually moving the business forward?
00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:24.159
Why do I feel like I'm busy, but maybe not always productive?
00:02:24.319 --> 00:02:26.800
And how can I create more momentum?
00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:36.479
These are pretty strategic business questions, and larger organizations have entire teams and dashboards dedicated to it.
00:02:36.800 --> 00:02:45.360
The challenge for us as microenterprise, as solopreneurs, is we may not have access to those resources.
00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:50.879
Our challenge is often how do I get everything done at the end of the day?
00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:53.280
And really, where should I put my attention?
00:02:53.520 --> 00:03:05.680
And that's where this podcast, the FlowFlex Scale book, and the entire operating system, including the Navigator app, are things that can support you as a solopreneur.
00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:13.840
Intentionality, discernment is absolutely critical in today's world of work and world of business.
00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:27.360
So a few years ago, eight years ago now, actually, the year that Coaching Business Builder came out, I started running something then known as the Coaching Biz Growth Lab, CGBL for short.
00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:40.080
And I had the opportunity to build on decades of business coaching work that I had done for post-secondary organizations, government-funded programs, under our umbrella here at Potentials Realized.
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:50.000
What I've noticed over the eight years of running that program, which eventually became FlowFlex Scale, the 90-day lab, is that everyone comes for a different reason.
00:03:50.240 --> 00:04:00.560
One person needs more visibility, another person wants more structure, another business owner wants to create a new offer, another one might be focusing on launch.
00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:11.439
Many times, though, regardless of industry, regardless of type of business, regardless of size of business, a lot of the same issues emerge.
00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:15.120
Focus, consistency, confidence.
00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:28.319
At the surface, it might sound like these are really different issues, but after working with hundreds, if not thousands, of business owners in the last 20 plus years, there are patterns that have emerged.
00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:32.560
And the same themes keep showing up time and time again.
00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:53.759
Whether you're AI enabled or not AI enabled, whether you were a digital business or a mortar and brick business, even with time is changing and technologies changing, solopreneurism and sustainable solopreneurism, sustainable business growth still is about sustainable business growth.
00:04:53.920 --> 00:05:00.240
It is about being strategic, it is about discernment, it's about offering great products and services.
00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:05.120
I know that business owners of all kinds need stronger foundations.
00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:08.480
We need to be better at being flexible.
00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:13.519
For many, six years ago, 2020, it was like we've got a pivot.
00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:15.759
And then many were surprised we've got to pivot again.
00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:17.680
And oh wow, what's this AI thing?
00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:18.879
We got to pivot again.
00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:25.680
My guess is that our ability to be agile and to flex is going to continue to morph and grow.
00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:27.920
That's why it's not just a flow formula.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:30.720
And it's not just the flow flex formula.
00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:33.360
In fact, it's flow flex scale.
00:05:33.759 --> 00:05:42.800
Because as a business of one, I do believe, at least the entrepreneurs and the professionals I get to work with, impact is not equal size.
00:05:43.040 --> 00:05:46.800
And we can scale in lots of different ways.
00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:56.800
So this is a little bit of the backstory to where FlowFlex Scale began and really why it is an evolving operating system for solopreneurs.
00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:00.079
Because what I know is that everyone needs something a little bit different.
00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:01.920
We're all wired differently.
00:06:02.160 --> 00:06:09.199
And a one pathway process is not going to meet everyone's needs.
00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:13.680
Business ownership, business success is not a one size fits all.
00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.240
It is our unique path.
00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:29.360
My hope is that this podcast, along with the FlowFlex Scale book and our related programs, is an opportunity to help you understand who you are, what matters most, and where to focus next.
00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:36.079
At the heart of all the things you'll hear me talk about here and read and flow flex scale, it is about flow.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:39.360
It's about really zooming into your foundations.
00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:45.199
It's getting clear on flex and what flex means for you, your ability to adapt.
00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:54.240
For years, I recruited members to teams in high pressure, high visibility, high impact roles.
00:06:54.560 --> 00:07:09.519
One of the things I knew, which was critical for success in any role, whether I was hiring a GIS specialist, a doctor, an educator, the thing that really is hardest to develop is our ability to adapt.
00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:12.000
And that's why it is flex.
00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:14.959
The heart of this model is our ability to adapt.
00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:17.759
How do we grow that as an entrepreneur?
00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:20.879
Well, that's really what all of this body of work is about.
00:07:21.120 --> 00:07:23.360
And finally, it's about your growth.
00:07:23.519 --> 00:07:27.680
And scaling, as I said earlier, it's not just one pathway.
00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:31.759
For someone, scale does mean hiring a team at some point.
00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.240
For others, it may mean hiring an agent and enabling AI.
00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:40.399
For another, growth might mean building a business and selling it.
00:07:40.480 --> 00:07:42.240
It might be about succession.
00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:44.560
There are many, many different pathways.
00:07:44.879 --> 00:08:01.199
And really, the opportunities and challenges that we see today, and I believe we will continue to see, because we've seen them over the last 30, 40 years, is that most business opportunities and challenges connect with the flow, flex, and scale.
00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:15.199
So as you're going to hear as we continue to move down this podcast pathway, and if you pick up a copy of the FlowFlex Scale book, there really are nine catalysts that underpin these three dimensions.
00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:30.399
Under Flow, as we're going to see with different guests here at the podcast, it's about DNA, building your unique abilities, it's about looking at your conversations and your relationships, as well as the solid business foundations.
00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:40.720
A business that has no foundations is going to be weak in an arena of ongoing change and speed.
00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:46.080
And this is where many times, as you'll hear from our guests, you know, we don't have to do it alone.
00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.759
We may work with agents.
00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:50.720
We may be doing ongoing learning.
00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:55.519
Being able to keep ahead of the curve is a challenge.
00:08:55.840 --> 00:09:00.879
Being able to keep so many balls in the air is a challenge and also an opportunity.
00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:09.039
And so Flex helps us look at productivity, our relationships, which might include subcontractors or formal team members.
00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:16.399
It's also about getting things done, getting things into practice, and sometimes speeding up that process.
00:09:16.559 --> 00:09:20.879
It's also about discernment and being able to say yes and no.
00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:25.519
Under scale, we are going to be exploring things like your products and programs.
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What do you offer?
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Is it a product?
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Is it a service?
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How do you make it stand out?
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And that takes us to visibility and marketing.
00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:37.919
Standing out in today's ecosystem is absolutely essential.
00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:43.919
Standing out and being known and being found is a rapidly changing landscape.
00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:46.480
So we're talking about some of this.
00:09:46.799 --> 00:09:50.240
And finally, looking at your business acumen.
00:09:50.399 --> 00:10:02.639
My hope is that this inspires you, and some of the guests that I bring here inspire you to, you know, learn more, collaborate more, reach out for the resources that are going to help you with the blind spots.
00:10:03.679 --> 00:10:07.440
We want to build intentional, future-ready businesses.
00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:10.480
And there are a lot of things that are headwinds.
00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:12.720
AI is changing how we work.
00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:16.799
Markets are changing, client expectations are changing.
00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:26.639
The question is not only how do I do more, but often for those of us that are solopreneurs, how do I focus on what matters most right now?
00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:31.679
Solopreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the busiest.
00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:34.559
They are often the most intentional.
00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:39.200
So you'll hear that term mentioned a lot here at the podcast.
00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:49.039
I'm really excited about not only where the book is, where this podcast is going, but how this is being embraced by businesses of all kinds.
00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:53.440
And when I say businesses, I really should actually say by the business owner.
00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:56.399
Because as solopreneurs, we are our business.
00:10:56.559 --> 00:11:10.879
As much as we want to distance ourselves in early days and even as we grow through the decades, our capability, our capacity often influences how much we grow and again, how much impact we have.
00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:13.519
Growth does not always equal impact.
00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:33.519
My goal here as a podcast co-host is to give you opportunities to peel back the layers of who you are, who your business is, to help you understand more about who you are, help you identify what matters most, and also support you in gaining clarity on your next step.
00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:40.399
In today's business context, we aren't in the old days of being able to look six years down the road.
00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:42.559
Even six months is a stretch.
00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:48.879
And so my commitment here is what is one thing you can be doing and putting into practice this week?
00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:54.320
I also want to plant the seed for you to think about when are you working on your business?
00:11:54.559 --> 00:12:04.080
I think one of the reasons why my business is still around is because we have been, I have been offering coaching services to so many businesses of all kinds.
00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:11.919
Left to our own devices, we will rarely earmark the time needed for our work.
00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:25.200
In fact, over the last six years, the virtual co-working sprints that I've been hosting this year under the 26 for 26 banner are one of the most fun projects that I have enjoyed hosting.
00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:30.399
It was back in 2021, those virtual co-working sprints that brought a book here.
00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:34.399
Many of you might know Reconnecting Workspaces over the finish line.
00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:41.840
It's what's enabled me to really update and create FlowFlex Skill as something that is 2026 worthy.
00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:50.559
Again, it's not just a book, it's a podcast, it's a movement, it's a support, it's a hub for people like you as solopreneurs.
00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:55.519
Working the summer, I hope to be saying very soon that the app will be ready.
00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:59.279
In fact, many of you are aware that the heat map is now ready.
00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:06.159
So I'm gonna leave you with a bit of a momentum move because in business it is about keep on moving.
00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:12.080
And I wanted to share with you three words reflect, assess, and act.
00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.039
R-A-A.
00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:16.080
Reflect, assess, and act.
00:13:16.399 --> 00:13:20.399
I want you to think today about what's working in your business right now.
00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.480
What is working well?
00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:25.360
What energy does that give you?
00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:28.639
Now, second question, assess.
00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:31.360
What area needs the most attention?
00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:36.159
And we'll ask you this simply flow, flex, or scale.
00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:42.559
And as a coach, I want to take you to the final A, which is act.
00:13:42.960 --> 00:13:45.679
Which area needs most attention?
00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:47.200
And what action?
00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:49.840
One action can you take this week?
00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:51.919
Not 10, but one.
00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:59.919
One conversation, one improvement, one deep work block, one decision, one outreach.
00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:09.279
Because as I've been saying now since 2018, daily steps and consistent action create momentum.
00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:15.679
I have seen that now in hundreds, if not thousands, of professionals that I've had the privilege to work with.
00:14:15.840 --> 00:14:18.799
And I know that I've had the privilege to work with thousands.
00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:27.440
In our next episode, we're going to continue to go deeper into the different catalysts and activators of FlowFlex Scale.
00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:36.639
I hope that you're going to enjoy this journey, be inspired by this journey, and as always, think about how you can put this into practice.
00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:40.480
One thing, one step, one action.
00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:44.399
Be well, everyone, and thanks for joining us today.
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.039
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:25.039
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here.
00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:26.960
Right now, with you.
00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:30.399
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast.
00:00:30.559 --> 00:00:32.159
Let's get started.
00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:36.320
Hi, and welcome back.
00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:37.759
I'm Jennifer Britton.
00:00:37.840 --> 00:00:41.439
Thanks for joining us for the FlowFlex Skill Podcast.
00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:50.880
In our last episode, I sat down with Valerie and you heard her story about building momentum in her first year of business.
00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:58.479
Today I want to tackle a question that's really at the heart of everything that we're going to be exploring in this podcast.
00:00:58.799 --> 00:01:04.480
Why does a business of one, why does a solopreneur need an operating system?
00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:11.439
If you are one, you know that there is so much that grabs our attention every day.
00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:18.799
I've spent the last 20 years plus working with solopreneurs and microenterprise of all kinds.
00:01:19.040 --> 00:01:25.200
Here at our business, Potential Realized, I've worked with coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, professionals.
00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:42.480
Prior to that, in my former world of work, when I was leading teams throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, I worked a lot with microenterprise, small-scale Bs, cottage style industry, as we used to call it in those days.
00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:52.079
And what I know is that for solopreneurs today, for microenterprise, we don't lack talent, we don't lack vision.
00:01:52.239 --> 00:01:55.359
However, we often lack a system.
00:01:55.760 --> 00:02:01.439
There are so many balls that we are juggling, and there is so much to do.
00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:15.120
My guess is if you're a solopreneur or small business like myself, you're working hard, you're serving clients, you're doing great work, but you're constantly asking, what should I focus on next?
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:18.960
What is actually moving the business forward?
00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:24.159
Why do I feel like I'm busy, but maybe not always productive?
00:02:24.319 --> 00:02:26.800
And how can I create more momentum?
00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:36.479
These are pretty strategic business questions, and larger organizations have entire teams and dashboards dedicated to it.
00:02:36.800 --> 00:02:45.360
The challenge for us as microenterprise, as solopreneurs, is we may not have access to those resources.
00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:50.879
Our challenge is often how do I get everything done at the end of the day?
00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:53.280
And really, where should I put my attention?
00:02:53.520 --> 00:03:05.680
And that's where this podcast, the FlowFlex Scale book, and the entire operating system, including the Navigator app, are things that can support you as a solopreneur.
00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:13.840
Intentionality, discernment is absolutely critical in today's world of work and world of business.
00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:27.360
So a few years ago, eight years ago now, actually, the year that Coaching Business Builder came out, I started running something then known as the Coaching Biz Growth Lab, CGBL for short.
00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:40.080
And I had the opportunity to build on decades of business coaching work that I had done for post-secondary organizations, government-funded programs, under our umbrella here at Potentials Realized.
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:50.000
What I've noticed over the eight years of running that program, which eventually became FlowFlex Scale, the 90-day lab, is that everyone comes for a different reason.
00:03:50.240 --> 00:04:00.560
One person needs more visibility, another person wants more structure, another business owner wants to create a new offer, another one might be focusing on launch.
00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:11.439
Many times, though, regardless of industry, regardless of type of business, regardless of size of business, a lot of the same issues emerge.
00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:15.120
Focus, consistency, confidence.
00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:28.319
At the surface, it might sound like these are really different issues, but after working with hundreds, if not thousands, of business owners in the last 20 plus years, there are patterns that have emerged.
00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:32.560
And the same themes keep showing up time and time again.
00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:53.759
Whether you're AI enabled or not AI enabled, whether you were a digital business or a mortar and brick business, even with time is changing and technologies changing, solopreneurism and sustainable solopreneurism, sustainable business growth still is about sustainable business growth.
00:04:53.920 --> 00:05:00.240
It is about being strategic, it is about discernment, it's about offering great products and services.
00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:05.120
I know that business owners of all kinds need stronger foundations.
00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:08.480
We need to be better at being flexible.
00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:13.519
For many, six years ago, 2020, it was like we've got a pivot.
00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:15.759
And then many were surprised we've got to pivot again.
00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:17.680
And oh wow, what's this AI thing?
00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:18.879
We got to pivot again.
00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:25.680
My guess is that our ability to be agile and to flex is going to continue to morph and grow.
00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:27.920
That's why it's not just a flow formula.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:30.720
And it's not just the flow flex formula.
00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:33.360
In fact, it's flow flex scale.
00:05:33.759 --> 00:05:42.800
Because as a business of one, I do believe, at least the entrepreneurs and the professionals I get to work with, impact is not equal size.
00:05:43.040 --> 00:05:46.800
And we can scale in lots of different ways.
00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:56.800
So this is a little bit of the backstory to where FlowFlex Scale began and really why it is an evolving operating system for solopreneurs.
00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:00.079
Because what I know is that everyone needs something a little bit different.
00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:01.920
We're all wired differently.
00:06:02.160 --> 00:06:09.199
And a one pathway process is not going to meet everyone's needs.
00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:13.680
Business ownership, business success is not a one size fits all.
00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.240
It is our unique path.
00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:29.360
My hope is that this podcast, along with the FlowFlex Scale book and our related programs, is an opportunity to help you understand who you are, what matters most, and where to focus next.
00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:36.079
At the heart of all the things you'll hear me talk about here and read and flow flex scale, it is about flow.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:39.360
It's about really zooming into your foundations.
00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:45.199
It's getting clear on flex and what flex means for you, your ability to adapt.
00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:54.240
For years, I recruited members to teams in high pressure, high visibility, high impact roles.
00:06:54.560 --> 00:07:09.519
One of the things I knew, which was critical for success in any role, whether I was hiring a GIS specialist, a doctor, an educator, the thing that really is hardest to develop is our ability to adapt.
00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:12.000
And that's why it is flex.
00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:14.959
The heart of this model is our ability to adapt.
00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:17.759
How do we grow that as an entrepreneur?
00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:20.879
Well, that's really what all of this body of work is about.
00:07:21.120 --> 00:07:23.360
And finally, it's about your growth.
00:07:23.519 --> 00:07:27.680
And scaling, as I said earlier, it's not just one pathway.
00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:31.759
For someone, scale does mean hiring a team at some point.
00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.240
For others, it may mean hiring an agent and enabling AI.
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For another, growth might mean building a business and selling it.
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It might be about succession.
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There are many, many different pathways.
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And really, the opportunities and challenges that we see today, and I believe we will continue to see, because we've seen them over the last 30, 40 years, is that most business opportunities and challenges connect with the flow, flex, and scale.
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So as you're going to hear as we continue to move down this podcast pathway, and if you pick up a copy of the FlowFlex Scale book, there really are nine catalysts that underpin these three dimensions.
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Under Flow, as we're going to see with different guests here at the podcast, it's about DNA, building your unique abilities, it's about looking at your conversations and your relationships, as well as the solid business foundations.
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A business that has no foundations is going to be weak in an arena of ongoing change and speed.
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And this is where many times, as you'll hear from our guests, you know, we don't have to do it alone.
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We may work with agents.
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We may be doing ongoing learning.
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Being able to keep ahead of the curve is a challenge.
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Being able to keep so many balls in the air is a challenge and also an opportunity.
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And so Flex helps us look at productivity, our relationships, which might include subcontractors or formal team members.
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It's also about getting things done, getting things into practice, and sometimes speeding up that process.
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It's also about discernment and being able to say yes and no.
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Under scale, we are going to be exploring things like your products and programs.
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What do you offer?
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Is it a product?
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Is it a service?
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How do you make it stand out?
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And that takes us to visibility and marketing.
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Standing out in today's ecosystem is absolutely essential.
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Standing out and being known and being found is a rapidly changing landscape.
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So we're talking about some of this.
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And finally, looking at your business acumen.
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My hope is that this inspires you, and some of the guests that I bring here inspire you to, you know, learn more, collaborate more, reach out for the resources that are going to help you with the blind spots.
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We want to build intentional, future-ready businesses.
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And there are a lot of things that are headwinds.
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AI is changing how we work.
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Markets are changing, client expectations are changing.
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The question is not only how do I do more, but often for those of us that are solopreneurs, how do I focus on what matters most right now?
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Solopreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the busiest.
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They are often the most intentional.
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So you'll hear that term mentioned a lot here at the podcast.
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I'm really excited about not only where the book is, where this podcast is going, but how this is being embraced by businesses of all kinds.
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And when I say businesses, I really should actually say by the business owner.
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Because as solopreneurs, we are our business.
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As much as we want to distance ourselves in early days and even as we grow through the decades, our capability, our capacity often influences how much we grow and again, how much impact we have.
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Growth does not always equal impact.
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My goal here as a podcast co-host is to give you opportunities to peel back the layers of who you are, who your business is, to help you understand more about who you are, help you identify what matters most, and also support you in gaining clarity on your next step.
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In today's business context, we aren't in the old days of being able to look six years down the road.
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Even six months is a stretch.
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And so my commitment here is what is one thing you can be doing and putting into practice this week?
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I also want to plant the seed for you to think about when are you working on your business?
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I think one of the reasons why my business is still around is because we have been, I have been offering coaching services to so many businesses of all kinds.
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Left to our own devices, we will rarely earmark the time needed for our work.
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In fact, over the last six years, the virtual co-working sprints that I've been hosting this year under the 26 for 26 banner are one of the most fun projects that I have enjoyed hosting.
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It was back in 2021, those virtual co-working sprints that brought a book here.
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Many of you might know Reconnecting Workspaces over the finish line.
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It's what's enabled me to really update and create FlowFlex Skill as something that is 2026 worthy.
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Again, it's not just a book, it's a podcast, it's a movement, it's a support, it's a hub for people like you as solopreneurs.
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Working the summer, I hope to be saying very soon that the app will be ready.
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In fact, many of you are aware that the heat map is now ready.
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So I'm gonna leave you with a bit of a momentum move because in business it is about keep on moving.
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And I wanted to share with you three words reflect, assess, and act.
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R-A-A.
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Reflect, assess, and act.
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I want you to think today about what's working in your business right now.
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What is working well?
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What energy does that give you?
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Now, second question, assess.
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What area needs the most attention?
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And we'll ask you this simply flow, flex, or scale.
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And as a coach, I want to take you to the final A, which is act.
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Which area needs most attention?
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And what action?
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One action can you take this week?
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Not 10, but one.
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One conversation, one improvement, one deep work block, one decision, one outreach.
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Because as I've been saying now since 2018, daily steps and consistent action create momentum.
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I have seen that now in hundreds, if not thousands, of professionals that I've had the privilege to work with.
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And I know that I've had the privilege to work with thousands.
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In our next episode, we're going to continue to go deeper into the different catalysts and activators of FlowFlex Scale.
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I hope that you're going to enjoy this journey, be inspired by this journey, and as always, think about how you can put this into practice.
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One thing, one step, one action.
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Be well, everyone, and thanks for joining us today.
