Walk Like Warriors

The One Thing We Forget as Female Entrepreneurs

Kelly Leardon — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:45:00 +0000

I recently had the perfect Monday – bright sunshine and a warm 84 degree day. It was the kind of day that called for a change of pace. So, I hopped in the car with my mom, drove toward her favorite greenhouse & nursery, and we spent some quality time together.

(Learn more about me here!)

It was pure bliss. And as we chatted in the car, a realization struck me: I don’t do this nearly enough.

The Trap for Female Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, one of the perks is the flexibility to take impromptu breaks during the day. But sometimes, I get so in the work-zone, I forget about that flexibility and don’t take advantage of it at all!

It becomes soooo easy to fall into the “just one more thing” trap, pushing off impromptu coffee or lunch dates, forgetting to sit outside and breath, skipping an iced coffee on the patio. It’s crazy! I left corporate for more flexibility but often repeat the same “corporate prison” when working for myself!

My Summertime Commitment

That’s why I’m making a commitment this summer: at least one afternoon escape per week. No emails, no deadlines, just enjoying the sunshine (or catching up on a good book in the shade!). I have committed to one afternoon a week when, unplanned, I just take off and go do something to take advantage of the summer.

I looooove spending time with people and this is often a go-to. But I’m finding now that I am coaching for 12-15 hours per week in Zoom, I also really love some quiet time to read.

Pssst – here are some of my favorite books for entrepreneurs!

Think this sounds like something you could get behind? Join me! It honestly takes a commitment to enjoying entrepreneurhood if you really want to see changes take place.

Can you block out a few hours this week to act like a teenager again and enjoy these lazy days of summer?

Ready to scale your business without sacrificing your personal life? You need to think about joining The Success Squad! This is how you can build your business in half the time it’s taking you right now. Doors open again fall 2024 – CLICK HERE to join the wait list. Space is extremely limited. Those on the VIP wait list get first access, 24 hours before everyone else.

Disclaimer: While Kelly is a certified business coach this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as financial advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace legal or financial advice. Always check with your own legal or financial team before trying or implementing any information read here. As an Amazon Associate Kelly also earns from qualifying purchases.

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Learn How to Enjoy Your Summer as a Busy Entrepreneur

Kelly Leardon — Thu, 09 May 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Summer is just around the corner and for many female entrepreneurs, this is a time of year we think about scaling back.

This year, I found myself reevaluating my summer plans. The truth is, I am losing a significant amount of money this summer. Whoa. Did that surprise you?

After some careful consideration and prayer, I made the decision to significantly scale back my business goals from June-August. The reason? My daughter heads off to college this fall. I have 3 months left with her at home. 3 months. That reality hit me hard.

Why This is So Hard if You’re a Entrepreneur:

As business owners, we’re passionate about what we do. It’s easy to get caught up in the “always on” mentality, especially when you love your work and your clients. But sometimes, the “right” decision isn’t always the easiest one.

This summer, I’m prioritizing time with my family. It’s the conscious choice that matters most to me right now. (Learn more about me here).

This, of course, doesn’t mean it’s the decision for everyone. I have several private coaching clients who are wanting to scale UP this summer. They are hoping to double or even triple their revenue in the summer months.

There isn’t a right way to do this. But there IS a wrong way to go through your summer as an entrepreneur. And that’s by not thinking about it at all and just pushing forward.

Psalm 90:12 tells us to number our days. If we want a heart of wisdom, we are to count the cost of what we’re doing and understand that time is fleeting. We can push or we can rest or we can do something in between. The important thing is to take the time to discern what is best for us and our businesses during the season we are in.

I love the book of Ecclesiastes even though it doesn’t get a lot of love in most Christian circles. But something I appreciate about it is its reminder to us that were are different times and seasons for our lives. Some women are in “empire-building” seasons in their business. Others are barely able to scrape 15 minutes together to focus on their business (often is happens in between diaper changes and snack time for little ones!).

When we take the time to slow down and think through the season we are in (literally – like in the summer I don’t want to work as much) as well as figuratively (I don’t want to be too busy working during my last few months with my daughter at home), we can make a conscious decision instead of end up doing something we later regret.

What about you?

Before the summer rush takes hold, take a moment to assess your own priorities. Think about the summer months and what makes the most sense for you in the season of life you’re currently in.

Make a calm, conscious decision about how you’ll spend your precious time. Then carve out the time and do it!

Cheering you on. Always.

Kelly

PS – Ready to take your Instagram game and small business to the next level? Join The Success Squad waiting list by clicking here. The Success Squad runs three times per year and includes live weekly coaching from me AND a beautiful digital course with lifetime access!

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Productivity Tips You Need for Working at Home

Kelly Leardon — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Are you tired of feeling like you’re constantly spinning your wheels as an entrepreneur, getting little done despite working all day?

It’s time to put an end to the productivity killers and embrace simple, effective hacks to supercharge your day.

Here are three easy productivity tips for small business owners that you can implement tomorrow:

Plan with Precision: Invest in a planner and jot down exactly what you need to accomplish and when. Assign tasks to specific time blocks to create a roadmap for your day. Having a clear plan can keep you focused and on track, minimizing distractions and procrastination.

I personally LOVE the Full Focus Planner. I have adult diagnosed ADHD and this planner is a life saver!

Harness the Power of Timers: Set a timer to establish boundaries around your work and free time. Not only does this technique help you stay disciplined, but it also helps combat Parkinson’s Law, the tendency for work to expand to fill the time available.

By racing against the clock, you’ll naturally work faster and more efficiently. My personal favorite that I use every day is here.

Unplug and Unwind: Challenge yourself to keep your phone in another room for at least three hours tomorrow.

Crazy, right?

You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you’re not constantly distracted by social media, emails, and apps. As busy female entrepreneurs, we face so many distractions every day. This simple act of disconnecting allows you to fully immerse yourself in your tasks, boosting productivity and reducing stress.

Remember, technology can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to productivity. Sometimes, going old school with pen and paper, a timer, and designated phone-free chunks of time can be the most effective way to get things done.

(Click here for more productivity tips for social sellers and small biz owners!)

Give these hacks a try and let me know how it goes! Here’s to a more productive and fulfilling day ahead!

PS If you’re ready to level up your efficiency even more, grab a copy of my free guide: Hyper Efficiency: 7 Strategies to Save You 12+ Hours/Week.

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3 Habits You Need to Add to Your Weekly Routine

Kelly Leardon — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Hey there, fellow entrepreneur, I see you.

You’re juggling countless tasks, striving for progress, and battling daily fires.

But you know deep down there’s a more efficient way to tackle your workload and weekly routine.

Well, buckle up because I’m about to share some key habits and strategies to help you crush this week like a pro .

1. Review Your Goals Regularly: It’s easy to set ambitious goals at the start of the year and then let them gather dust. I know, I know. We’ve all been there.

But here’s the truth: consistent goal review is the secret to success. You need to look at your goals. Often. Take a few minutes to revisit your quarterly goals. Research from the Dominican University of California indicates that those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.

So, don’t just set and forget—make it a weekly habit to reassess your objectives and course-correct as needed. I make this a part of my Work Day Start Up Ritual and it’s really helped me keep my goals at the forefront of my mind.

2. Schedule Time for Every Aspect of Your Business: Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels, bouncing from one task to another without making significant progress? Yep. You’re like most small business owners!

This is why I love focused theme days and task batching.

What does this mean? You set specific time blocks for each key area of your business, whether it’s marketing, client check ins, or planning your schedule. According to a survey by RescueTime, users who schedule their work in time blocks are a whopping 87% more productive. That’s pretty dang amazing.

So, streamline your workflow by theming your weekdays and watch your productivity soar. If you want a hand with this, I am in Instagram stories every single day (Monday through Friday) giving free coaching on how to theme your days as an entrepreneur.

3. Declutter Your Workspace: Now, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. That cluttered desk of yours is costing you valuable time and energy. A study by Brother International found that the average office worker spends a staggering 76 hours per year searching for misplaced items on their desk. Let that sink in. That’s insane!!!

So, take a few minutes to tidy up your workspace. Not only will it save you time in the long run, but it’ll also create a more conducive environment for focused work. What I mean is this: when I sit down to work with my desk alllll cleared out and a pretty candle burning, my brain knows: It’s go time.

Try it and see for yourself!

These tasks may seem minor, but trust me, they pack a punch. And the best part? They’ll take you less than 10 minutes to tackle this morning.

Remember, as an entrepreneur, every minute counts. By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you’ll reclaim control of your time, boost your productivity, and get closer to your business goals.

PS – Have you grabbed this freebie yet? Learn from the best , must-read business books!

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Avoid These 5 Mindset Mistakes That Hinder Female Entrepreneurs

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:17:58 +0000

Are you getting in your own way when it comes to money and success? It sounds crazy but sometimes we hold OURSELVES back from massive success in business.

Why do we do this? Because we are afraid. It almost always boils down to an underlying fear.

As a business coach, I have found some common fears female entrepreneurs struggle with. Let’s talk about them!

1. Fear of other people’s judgment.

You worry what that person from your old school (or Bible study group!) will think … or what your cousins or sisters might be saying behind your back.

Sis, get yourself in a circle of hype women. This is one of the best things I did for my business – and myself. I stopped hanging with the gossips and surrounded myself with other boss chics who are serious about leveling up.

This is important: you become like who you hang out with. So hang with women who cheer you on and boost you up.

2. Fear of money.

Have you ever heard someone say: “More money, more problems”? We think that having a bigger business means having bigger problems. I get that. But you know what is better? More money means more OPTIONS. More money means you can get top talent that will keep the “more problems” off of your plate.

3. Fear of losing it all.

You worry that even if you DO have what it takes to make it big once, there’s no way you can maintain it. This indicates you aren’t continually growing & learning. When you invest in yourself (typically with education & a business coach), your skills level up in relation to your business leveling up.

PS this is exactly what I teach you in the Success Squad. Are you on the waitlist?

4. Fear of success/Imposter syndrome.

If you find yourself asking: “Who am I to…?” you’re tripping yourself up over what you think you lack. The cure is to start serving & changing lives. And the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. It’s the fastest way I know to beat imposter syndrome.

Is this an area you struggle in? Then you need to read this blog post!

5. Fear of being seen as “all about that money.”

Only women struggle with this. Seriously. When I coach women they won’t even come out and say they want to make lotsa money. Do you know what they say? “I want freedom.” Why? Because it’s safer. More feminine. We worry what others might think of us if we boldly say: “I want to have a $1M/year business!”

It’s not wrong to want a lot of money in order to do a lot of good in the world. As a Christian business coach, it may surprise you that I WANT my clients to make piles of money. The motivator for me is that for every good, kind, lovely human I help reach 6-and-7-figures, it’s money they are taking away from the evil, horrible, bad people who are running a similar business. (Think: the ones who have private islands, private jets, trafficking humans – watch the news.)

So as for me? I want to Robin Hood that money right out from under them and empower my entrepreneurs to make it big. Because I know them. And I know the kind of good they will do in this world with that money. This is my own philosophical David & Goliath battle and spiritual war I am waging by helping my squad grow big businesses.

What do you think? Do any of these fears resonate with you? I would love it if you sent me a DM in Instagram and let me know what you think!

Need a good book to read while you’re sitting at the airport or on the beach? I’ve got you! Grab my my interactive list with 5 outside-the-box books that every business owner should read in 2024. Grab it here.

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The Ultimate Time-Saving Hack for Busy Entrepreneurs

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:59:40 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed as you dive into another workday as an entrepreneur?

I’ve got a simple yet incredibly effective hack that will transform your productivity game in no time.

It’s a small change that yields big results, and it’s so straightforward that you might be skeptical at first. (I get it! I would be, too.)

But trust me, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Here’s the secret: start by optimizing your physical workspace.

If you find yourself buried under piles of papers or surrounded by clutter—whether it’s dishes, random items, or even laundry—it’s time to make clearing your workspace a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Consistency is key. The more you make this a habit, the less time it will take each day.

A clean, organized desk not only helps you locate everything you need quickly but also sets the stage for laser-focused productivity.

As a certified Director of Operations and a certified professional organizer (yes, I went to that extent just to better serve my team of professional organizers at a previous company!), I can attest that a chaotic workspace is a silent thief of your time and efficiency.

After you have tidied and simplified your space, grab a favorite drink, light a candle (these tea lights are my favorite and they last forever!) and start your day feeling organized and ready to go.

Trust me, the time you invest in this simple task will pay off tenfold in increased productivity and a clearer, more focused mind.

Ready to reclaim your time and conquer your day like a boss? Start with a clean slate—literally—and watch as your small business thrives like never before.

Looking for more ways to make your daily routine more productive and efficient? Check out these posts!

Doors open again fall 2024 – CLICK HERE to join the wait list. Space is extremely limited. Those on the VIP wait list get first access, 24 hours before everyone else.

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How to Embrace Life’s Seasons: Insights for Female Entrepreneurs

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:48:58 +0000

To me, Easter marks some pretty big changes for us female entrepreneurs – the weather gets warmer, the kids get antsier for summer break, and we start to feel our schedules getting out of control with wedding & graduation invites, sports schedules, recitals, vacations, awards ceremonies, and school events.

Let’s talk about the way seasons affect you …

Because I’m a NERD, I love studying the different times of year and how they significantly impact business owners – especially female business owners. (Get to know me better here!)

It’s superrrrr important we learn to adjust and readjust our schedule every time seasons change (and I don’t just mean spring, summer, fall, and winter!).

What this looks like …

As women, we go through a lot of seasons every year. And if we don’t get realllll flexible and adjust quickly, we tend to get frustrated that what used to work, isn’t working anymore (square peg, round hole).

Let’s get practical …

I’ve found it helpful to take time to re-evaluate schedules, meal times, work blocks, bed times, fitness blocks, everything any time a season changes.

Here’s what I mean….

Maybe you need to start getting up 20 minutes earlier. Maybe you need to change the day of the week you run errands. Maybe you need to say “no” to some things you usually say “yes” to. Maybe you need to switch the time you have dinner as a family.

I promise you, Easter marks the start of some crazy-pants weeks ahead. If we’re prepared to be flexible and re-evaluate, it makes things soooo much easier.

Consciously make the decision to learn to adjust. What worked before might not work now. And that’s OK. Flexibility is one of our female super powers.

(Here’s a post where I give you permission to multitask your heart away!)

PS – Are you struggling to keep up with the chaos of entrepreneurship? Checkout 1:1 coaching and join the waitlist!

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5 Tips for a Work-Free Weekend as a Small Biz Owner

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:33:38 +0000

Are you ready to dive into a stress-free weekend with not one, but TWO full vacation days?

My life changed for the better when I started seeing the weekends as vacation days and not days to catch up on email or work on projects.

Instead of working on the weekends, I found ways to work more productively and with greater focus during the week so I could relax and be with family & friends on the weekend.

If you are ready to enjoy work-free weekends, you need these 5 tips!

Prioritize with Precision: Start your day by jotting down the absolute must-dos. Be ruthless in eliminating tasks that can wait until next week. One thing that can be helpful is to write down only your three most important (needle-moving!) tasks for the day and don’t work on anything else until those are complete. No email. No scrolling. No distractions until those are complete. You’ll immediately feel a major sense of accomplishment each and every day! Need more morning routine inspo? Check out this post.
Master the Snooze Button: Nope. Not your alarm clock! Utilize email management tools! Did you know you can “snooze” or boomerang an email to come back to you on a later date? You can even choose a specific time for it to come back into your inbox. This is a great way to move non-urgent emails to the following week. Spread out their return times to avoid a Monday morning flood of messages. Limit yourself to snoozing only the top 10 emails for next week to maintain control.
Delegate Like a Pro: Recognize that leaders delegate. Identify tasks that can be passed on and assign them accordingly. Skip the grocery shopping and opt for a delivery service. Have a virtual assistant confirm appointments. Have your family members add their OWN items to the grocery app. Remember, investing time in teaching someone else to handle tasks pays off in the long run. PS: part of delegating is using automations. Not sure where to start? Read this post!
Strategic Disconnection: Switch your phone to airplane mode and silence notifications on all work-related apps and messages. Dive into focused work during the week to clear your must-do list without digital distractions, setting the stage for a work-free weekend. Cal Newport has a wonderful book on the power of working undistracted. It’s called “Deep Work” and it profoundly changed the way that I work.
Establish Boundaries: Activate an out-of-office responder at 5 PM on Friday to signal the start of your weekend. Let colleagues AND clients know you’ll be available again on Monday, providing an alternative contact method for emergencies. Setting clear boundaries is key to enjoying uninterrupted downtime. I actually go the extra step of shutting down my computer, wiping down screens, vacuuming my office, and closing my door every Friday afternoon!

Bonus Tip: Avoid Hallway Ambushes! Whether that’s closing your office door or finding a quiet spot in a coffee shop, minimize distractions to maximize productivity.

Want some tips on making your home home both cozy AND productive? Read here!

Go ahead, embrace the weekend vibes and make the most of your well-deserved time off!

PS – Busy all day but no clue what you were busy doing? We’ve all been there. You were SO busy all day – you never slowed down! But … the weird thing is that when you fall into bed at night (exhausted), you seriously cannot remember what all you worked on.

I get it. I’ve been there. My suggestion?

You NEED 1:1 business coaching! I am now offering an 8-week Time Mastery Coaching Package! This will help you know what to work on and when … never fall into your bed wondering what you spent your time on again!

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Let’s Talk About the Proverbs 31 Woman

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:28:38 +0000

Alright, let’s have a heart-to-heart about the Proverbs 31 woman.

You know, the one who’s been held up as the epitome of virtue and domesticity for generations.

But somewhere along the line, we seem to have missed a crucial detail: she was a powerhouse of productivity and entrepreneurship. That’s right, she worked. (Right now a fundamentalist just passed out, poor thing.)

And not only did she work, but she excelled in her work, earning praise and admiration for her industriousness. Fancy word for she was super productive and efficient in the way that she worked.

So why have we allowed misconceptions to cloud our understanding of what it truly means to embody the Proverbs 31 woman in the modern age? Why do people continue to say, “She’s a true Proverbs 31 woman” only when the woman is a housewife?

Let’s set the record straight: being a Proverbs 31 woman does not equate to not working.

Nor does it mean you have to be chained to the kitchen sink or confined to 24/7 baking of bread. No, my friend, it’s time to bust through those stereotypes and embrace the full breadth of what it means to be a woman of virtue and strength.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a corporate executive, or a budding entrepreneur, your virtue is not defined by your employment status. What matters is that you are faithfully pursuing your passions, putting your faith first, and serving and loving your family well.

That’s the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman. She loved God. She loved her family. And she worked hard.

Let’s call a truce on the mommy wars, shall we? The last thing any of us need is to be caught in the crossfire of judgment and comparison. Instead, let’s lift each other up, recognizing that we are all on unique journeys with different callings and giftings.

To those who have felt marginalized or belittled because of their career aspirations or entrepreneurial pursuits, I hear you. I see you. And I’m here to tell you that you are a Proverbs 31 woman, too, if you are a woman who fears the Lord. That’s you, just as you are.

I want us to reclaim the true essence of the Proverbs 31 woman: a woman of strength, dignity, and wisdom, who fearlessly pursues her passions and endeavors with grace and determination.

And remember, I’m cheering you on every step of the way, whether you choose to work or not. Because at the end of the day, what matters most is that you are living faithfully – pursuing God’s will and not your own.

Feeling overwhelmed as an entrepreneur? If balancing work and family time seems impossible, you need to check out my 1:1 coaching programs that now offer an 8-week Time Mastery Coaching Package!

Not ready to for 1:1coaching? Checkout my free resources here!

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How to Do Multitasking the Right Way

Kelly Leardon — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 13:15:44 +0000

Let’s chat about multitasking, shall we?

It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s someone preaching the gospel of single-tasking, warning us about the perils of trying to juggle multiple tasks at once. But here’s the thing: multitasking isn’t all bad. In fact, when done right, it can be a real difference-maker for entrepreneurs.

So, buckle up, because I’m about to debunk the multitasking myth and show you how to harness this superpower like a boss.

First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception. Yes, it’s true that you cannot effectively multitask two cognitively demanding tasks at the same time. Trying to write a report while holding a conversation with your kiddo? Yeah, probably not going to end well. But here’s where the magic happens: there are plenty of tasks you can pair together to maximize your time and efficiency.

Here are some ideas to get your multitasking juices flowing:

Listen and Learn: Pop in those earbuds and crank up the volume on a business, self-help, or self-improvement podcast while you tackle household chores like cleaning or organizing. It’s like getting a double dose of productivity with every swipe of the mop.

Audio Education: Remember all those digital courses you bought with the best intentions but never found the time to complete? Queue up the audio versions and listen while you cook dinner or get ready in the morning. Learning on the go is a great way to dust off those sad digital courses stuck in the black hole of neglect and get through them quickly!

Drive and Dial: Turn your “windshield time” as I lovingly call it into a mobile office by taking calls from the car while you navigate the morning traffic or serve as Taxi Mom. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel—safety first, always.

Text Talk: Swap out lengthy emails for quick texts or Voxer messages to your team members. It’s a convenient way to stay connected and communicate on the go, whether you’re stuck in line at the grocery store or out for a walk with your furry friend.

Paws and Productivity: Speaking of walks, why not multitask your way through pet duty? Confirm appointments, catch up on Instagram stories on your biz account, or even record voice memos while you stroll around the block with your four legged bestie.

Grocery Getter: Hate waiting in line at the grocery store? Use that time to place your next grocery order online instead. Grocery pick up is one of my favorite modern day conveniences!

Walk and Talk: Finally, why not combine business with pleasure by taking a walk with your business bestie? Use the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and provide mutual support and encouragement. As the Bible says, iron sharpens iron. We have so many a-ha moments when talking our business through with someone else.

So, what’s your favorite way to multitask?

Whether it’s squeezing in a podcast during your morning workout or catching up on emails while you wait for your coffee to brew you CAN multitask!

(Learn more about me here!)

It’s not about doing more in less time; it’s about making the most of every moment and finding creative ways to maximize your efficiency.

Ready to save 12+ hours every single week?! Imagine waking up every day with peace, calm, and focus. Grab your free guide here!

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