Angela Sutcliffe Business Consulting

Did you really write that, Angela? Damn straight - because we only have a few more days until the end of the year - days to start wrapping things up and preparing fertile ground for 2021. In other words, follow up with everyone you've been meaning to follow up with. See how they are, see if there's any business to be had- or even to be referred, but finish the work. FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, AND FOLLOW THROUGH to the close.... (what did you think FU meant???? Hmmmmm?) #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

The question is, who's in charge? If you're jumping to answer texts, messages, emails at all hours of the day and night, weekends included, it's time to set some boundaries. If you don't, then everyone else is running your business instead of you. People will do what you tell them to do - in other words, smart, successful business owners know how to manage expectations.... I go offline on the weekend. It's not unusual for me to come back on Mondays to messages that start with "I know you won't get this until Monday ...". Mission accomplished. People know when to expect me to respond, and they're not offended if I don't give up friends-and-family time to respond. In fact, you need friends-and-family time - and quiet time for yourself - to keep on top of your game. And if anyone dis-respects you for wanting to devote your off-hours to family, they're probably not a customer or client you want to work with. What are your business hours? How quickly do you respond - same day, within 24 hours, asap? Do you work on weekends? Even Google My Business asks what your business hours are, and Facebook tells people if you're open or closed. Others expect it of you, expect it from yourself. Time to put up boundaries so you don't burn out. It's called managing expectations. And yes, people will do what you tell them to do, and be relieved they know how things work with you. #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

#AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

Well one thing is for sure, the current trend among non-retail business owners is "help me to get to the 18th because I'm just hanging on". Turns out we're a burned out bunch, especially those of us who have kept working through this pandemic, and haven't qualified for any government "paid time off". Decision overload, emotional overwhelm and compassion burnout have stalked us through 2020. And we're feeling it now. This has been the theme for my clients, and many of my col...leagues over the past two weeks. It's beyond time to close up shop, enjoy a Christmas hiatus and come back refreshed in the New Year. This holiday calls for Extreme Self-Care. As I tell my clients, if you're not healthy - if you're not 100%, neither is your business. Think about 5 "regenerating" things you can do for yourself over the next few weeks. Make a plan that will bring you back in January refreshed and ready to go again. 'Tis the season to take care of YOU. And if you thought it was just you, no it's not. Remember the old adage "slow and steady wins the race". It's time to step away from the hype and take care of yourself. New Year is almost here - and together we can find a plan that works for you. Until then, take care. #womanonfire #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success #AngelaMeansBiz

Overwhelmed? Not sure what to do next? No doubt about it, business has taken a turn over the past 9 months. A lot of people are singing the song of the "pivot", but the truth is that most entrepreneurs do not have a grasp of the very basics of business. If you've been flying by the seat of your pants, it's time to learn how business really works. It's time to know what to focus on, and what to let go of to get things on track and beat back the overwhelm that comes with so ...many decisions and so little information. How can I help? In as little as three hours, I can work with you so that you know what you need to focus on, give you the advice to help you make smarter decisions, faster, and get your business on track for 2021. Interested? Just message me and I'll tell you how that works. #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

Wow, what a wonderful testimonial. Thanks, Stacey Stewart of Star Brand Photography for these wonderful words. You've worked diligently throughout the whole of this year - and it's been rewarding to watch your business grow- in spite of the COVID shutdown. People who know me know that I only recommend businesses I can trust for quality - and for how well they're run, so I'm more than happy to say, you've got a World Class Business here, thanks to all that hard work.... If you would like the same experience as Stacey, as she says, her time has come to go it on her own, which leaves an opening for ONE MORE PERSON. Your business can be profitable, and a pleasure to own and operate too. It's a year of hard work, but what a reward waits at the end. Contact me if you want information on transforming your business into a a place where everyone wants to shop. If you think you're ready, I'm ready for you. #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

"Someday I'm going to have that vacation" "Someday I'm going to get a paycheque from this business" "Someday I'll be successful" SOMEDAY - SOMEDAY - SOMEDAY.... It doesn't have to be "someday", you have the power to decide when. What???? Indeed. Cost out that vacation, figure out how much money your business needs to pay you, define "successful". This is what we call sales targets - it's nothing magical. It's understanding that everything carries a price tag and, as a business owner, your job is to grow your sales so you can pay for what you want. Whether it only takes a few months, a year, or two, what this does is guarantee your "someday" happens. Don't let your somedays keep stringing you along until you discover it's never going to happen. Make it happen. It's in your grasp. #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #womanonfire

We honour those who fought for our freedom to be the best we can be. Thank you to all those who gave us a chance by giving up their lives. We remember you today.

Whenever I talk to someone who is overwhelmed by their business, I know that they're not paying attention to the money. Why? Because what your revenue, your expenses and your profit margins tell you is what parts of your business are working, and what you need to optimize. Overwhelm comes from not having a clue what needs to be fixed, and trying to do everything at once, rather than taking the time to analyze, and focus on the specific issues. Message me if you'd like to re...ceive your free copy of my money spreadsheet. It's the place all successful businesses start. #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success

Dear Angela: Since COVID I've found I've lost my motivation to build my business, or even to think about setting goals for next year. It seems that with everything changing, I have no faith in myself, or how I'm running my business - HELP. Dear You:... That's understandable. We've been knocked out of our orbits and grieving all we've lost with no foreseeable end in sight. That said, if this is going to be our new normal for possibly another year, then it's time to move on from what was and design what is and what can be. The first step? Get back into your pre-COVID routine. Get up at a reasonable time to prepare for work. Dress up as you did before, and show up, prepared to re-focus. Sure things may have changed in your marketplace and your business, but people are still buying - in fact, buying is about all people have left to entertain themselves these days, so don't blame the economy. Get up, dress up, show up, and then set small, realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Contact everyone you know to see how they're doing - genuinely. Knowing that others are waiting for, and welcoming, hearing from you will get you motivated. Listen to what they want and need, and see what you have to offer them - not to pitch them, but as a way of re-designing what you do. After that, plan your marketing campaign, roll it out, and measure the outcome. The best goals come from action, assess and adjust. Remember, a body in motion stays in motion ... so get moving. You can do this - it's time to get back to work! #AngelaMeansBiz #biz4entrepreneurs #biz4success