Self-Care and Hiring Help: Christmas in July Prep Week 5
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It’s the final week of our “Christmas in July Prep”! As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business. In this last week of the series, let’s talk about self-care for business owners and hiring help.
So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s dive in!
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Prioritize Self-Care
Running a handmade business can be exhilarating, but it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. By incorporating self-care into your routine, you’ll maintain a healthy work-life balance and perform at your best.
Here are a few self-care tips to plan for now:
a. Schedule “Me Time”
Block out dedicated time for self-care activities on your calendar. Treat it as an essential appointment! Whether it’s a bubble bath, a yoga session, reading a book, or simply going for a walk, prioritizing this time will rejuvenate your mind and body. Add it to your calendar now!
b. Connect with Fellow Makers
Building a support network of makers like you, who understand the unique challenges of running a creative business, can be incredibly beneficial.
You can look for and join local business associations or attend networking events. There are also online communities to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Bloom has a thriving Facebook community, and it’s free!
Deciding When to Hire Help
As your business grows, there may come a point where it becomes necessary to bring in additional hands. Please recognize that you can’t do it all on your own.
Think about the tasks that don’t require your personal touch and consider outsourcing them. These tasks could include hiring a virtual assistant for administrative tasks, a social media manager, or even a fulfillment service to handle packaging and shipping.
If you find yourself constantly stretched thin, working long hours, and feeling overwhelmed, it clearly indicates that you could benefit from extra assistance. Burning yourself out won’t do your business any favors.
Bringing someone on board can help you improve efficiency and ensure the high standards your customers expect.
Hiring help can also allow you to explore new avenues and take your business to new heights. There’s a phrase for business owners: “Work ON your business, not IN it.” Having help gives you the time you need to do just that.
Finding the Right Help
When it comes to finding the right help for your handmade business, there’s a lot to go over. Start with these tips:
Define the Role: Determine the specific tasks and responsibilities you need assistance with. This definition will help you identify the skills and qualities required in a potential hire.
Leverage Your Network: Tap into your existing network of friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs. They might know someone who would be an excellent fit for your business. Recommendations can be a reliable way to find trustworthy help.
Online Platforms and Freelancers: Explore online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where you can find freelancers or remote workers specializing in various fields. These platforms often provide reviews and ratings from previous clients, helping you make informed decisions.
Interview and Test: Once you’ve identified potential candidates, interview them to assess their skills, compatibility, and enthusiasm for your business. Consider assigning a small task or project to evaluate their capabilities and ensure they’re the right fit.
Don’t wait until November to look for help! You will need more time to interview and train someone. Determine the earliest you can hire (based on how much you can afford to pay), then set a target date.
Ideally, you’ll want time to interview and select a new hire and time to train them. You will also need time to review your state’s hiring process, employment laws, etc. Doing that now will help you move quickly if you decide to bring someone on board.
Self Care and Hiring Help – Christmas in July Prep Week 5
As a handmade business owner, your success hinges not only on the effort you pour into your craft but also on taking care of yourself and recognizing when it’s time to bring in reinforcements.
By incorporating self-care practices and making strategic decisions about hiring help, you’ll find the balance necessary to flourish during the holiday season and beyond.
Remember, you’re the heart and soul of your business, and nurturing yourself is essential for its long-term success.
This concludes our Christmas in July Prep Series! Be sure to go back and read the other articles. If you follow along with each of them, you will be SO happy when the holidays come around. Good luck!
Analyzing Last Year’s Success – Week 1
Planning for Holiday Sales Success – Week 2
Start or Improve Your Online Store – Week 3
How to Do a Social Media Audit – Week 4
If you want to build a sustainable, profitable online business, I invite you to check out my signature course, The Marketing School for Makers! It is an A to Z guide to getting you online, with more traffic and sales for your craft business.
Doors open in January 2024, but you can get on my VIP email list now. I’ll be hosting free workshops and sending detailed information about the course. You don’t want to miss it! Click or tap here to join the list today.
