This blog was originally sent as an email to my subscribers on June 30, 2021. This is an archive, so it’s possible some links are missing or expired. If you want me to deliver these emails directly to your inbox, click here to join my email list.
Subject: business broccoli
“Lainey, you cannot have a piece of cake until you finish the broccoli on your plate.”
Those words, uttered by my well-intentioned sister to my 5-year-old niece, are the beginning of a heart wrenching drama that would put Meryl Streep’s acting chops to shame.
I’ve watched this torture scene play out multiple times since I arrived back in Texas for a family wedding.
My niece tries valiantly to debate the logic of eating vegetables before dessert. When that fails, crocodile tears the size of walnuts roll down her cheeks. She pleads for mercy until her body collapses from the exhaustion of the struggle, splaying wildly across the dining room table.
Her agony is palpable. And there’s absolutely nothing I can do to save her.
This scene reminded me of how much I used to dread online marketing.
It didn’t matter if I was writing blog posts, marketing emails, or social media copy. I hated all of it.
Unsurprisingly, this was a massive problem. You can’t have a successful service-based business without creating content that positions you as an expert and inspires people to work with you.
Put another way, you can’t have your business cake (paying clients) without first eating your business broccoli (creating content).
So I gritted my teeth and created inconsistent, sub-par content for years. This cycle of dread–avoid–complain–begrudgingly create is one of the main stressors that lead to my infamous date with burnout.
Eventually, I discovered the key to loving my business broccoli was to create a brand that was an unapologetic representation of ME.
Creating a business based on your personality is one of my favorite topics… so you know I was thrilled when Annie Franceschi, Branding Expert and owner of Greatest Story Creative, invited me to be a guest expert on her show – “Branding with Friends.”
In this episode, I shared my 3 Tips for Creating a Burnout-Proof Business (hint: it has to do with naps, boundaries, and learning to love your business broccoli).
If you’re feeling uninspired by your business, overwhelmed by the pressure to create content, or resentful of your relentless schedule, you should check out my convo with Annie.
Hit reply and let me know which of my 3 tips was your favorite.
Talk soon,
Maegan
