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The #1 Problem Small Business Owners Face (And How to Stop the Madness)

The #1 Problem Small Business Owners Face (Remedy Inside)

April 22, 2025/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Are You Doing It All? It’s Time to Stop!

Let’s be real. Being a small business owner often feels like being trapped in a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole—emails, payroll, client fires, scheduling, marketing, and oh yes, actually delivering your service. This is the #1 Problem Small Business Owners Face (And How to Stop the Madness). You’re answering phones one minute, fixing tech glitches the next, and squeezing in invoicing at 10:45 p.m. with one eye open.

Sound familiar? Then you’re suffering from the biggest problem small business owners face:

Trying to do everything yourself.

And trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve ALL been there. Most entrepreneurs start as the technician, the doer, the magic-maker. But when you’re running the whole circus? Burnout is inevitable. You’re not building a business—you’re building a hamster wheel.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way.

Introducing Freedom by Design: How to Build a Business That Runs Itself

This isn’t just a course—it’s your roadmap out of overwhelm. Freedom by Design is our brand-new educational program built for business owners who are tired of being twisted, bent, and exhausted (more on that in a sec).

Inside Freedom by Design, we’ll teach you:

How to get out of the day-to-day grind
What systems and structure actually free you—not tie you down
How to build a business that serves you (not the other way around)

We don’t spill all the secrets in this newsletter (because that’s what the course is for), but here’s what we will say:

You cannot grow without letting go. And Freedom by Design shows you exactly how to do that—strategically, sustainably, and successfully.

Ready to break the cycle? Start by clicking here.

Wait—You’re Not Alone in This Crazy Journey

Meet our Podcast:

Join me, Leslie Spoor, and co-host Jeff Harrison (aka King of Digital Strategy), as we share real stories, blunt truths, and occasionally wildly inappropriate laughs about the wild ride of entrepreneurship.

This is not your average sugar-coated business podcast. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously relatable.

Tune in for:

Behind-the-scenes business meltdowns (and how we recovered)
Lessons from decades of growing, scaling, and surviving
And practical tips to keep you sane while you build your empire

Listen on Spotify or catch us on our YouTube Channels

(Search: Twisted, Bent and Exhausted Podcast)

The Bottom Line?

If you’re running on caffeine and duct tape, it’s time to reclaim your business (and your life).

Freedom by Design and Twisted, Bent and Exhausted are here to help you:

Work smarter
Lead stronger
Laugh louder
And finally, get the tools you need to stop doing it all alone

You built your business. Now let us help you build your freedom.

Start your journey by clicking here.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Twisted, Bent and Exhausted on Spotify or YouTube.

Here’s to working less, earning more, and sleeping better. You deserve it.

To your sanity and success.

View this newsletter as a video below:

Plan or Panic? Why Flying by the Seat of Your Pants Isn’t a Strategy

April 8, 2025/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Let’s be honest:

As small business owners, we all have those days where just getting out of bed feels like a monumental win.

Maybe you woke up feeling uninspired, drained, or overwhelmed. The to-do list is too long, your inbox is overflowing, and the coffee didn’t hit quite right. On those days, it’s tempting to just wing it—to go wherever the day takes you and hope for the best.

But here’s the question

Do you have a plan… or are you just reacting to whatever the day throws your way?

At Concierge Business Solutions®, we work with business owners who are incredibly talented, passionate, and driven—but not always disciplined. And that’s okay! Discipline can be learned, but it starts with having something to anchor to—a plan.

Flying Blind: The Risks of Working Without a Plan

Running a business without a plan is a lot like trying to drive cross-country without GPS. You might eventually get there, but you’ll take wrong turns, waste time, burn fuel, and end up a whole lot more stressed than you needed to be.

Sure, you can survive by operating day-to-day, putting out fires and answering emails as they come. But that’s not running a business—that’s surviving a business.

And when you spend every day just trying to survive, you never build momentum. You miss opportunities for growth, for streamlining, for scaling. And perhaps most importantly, you miss the freedom that probably inspired you to become an entrepreneur in the first place.

The Power of the Plan

Let me tell you about a week I remember all too well:

It was mid-summer, triple-digit heat, and I had more deadlines than hours in the day. One client changed their mind (again), another hadn’t paid their invoice, and a key employee called out sick.

I sat at my desk feeling completely defeated. My first instinct? Close the laptop. Walk away. Watch Netflix and try again tomorrow.

But instead, I opened my planner and looked at my top 3 priorities for the day—things I had written when I was clear-headed and focused.

I didn’t get through all three.
I got through one and a half.
But that one and a half task?
It pushed two projects forward.
It generated income.
It kept the business moving.

And the next day, with a little rest and a little momentum, I was back at it.

That’s the beauty of having a plan:

Even partial wins are still wins.

Plans Keep You Honest (and Accountable)

Without a plan, it’s far too easy to let yourself off the hook by saying or thinking:

“Maybe tomorrow is a better day to start.”
“When I feel more creative I’ll work on this project.”
“I’m too busy putting out fires.”

But when you have a plan—especially one you’ve committed to—you have something to measure against. You can say,

Yes, I did what I set out to do

No, I didn’t—but I know why, and I can adjust

That’s not failure. That’s strategic self-awareness. And it’s how successful business owners build sustainable growth.

Planning Is a Form of Self-Respect

Creating a plan is not just a business tool—it’s a form of self-respect. It says:

My time matters.
My goals matter.
I believe in what I’m building.

And don’t worry—your plan doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It should evolve, stretch, and bend with the seasons of your business.

At Concierge Business Solutions®, we’ve helped dozens of clients create living, breathing plans that provide structure without suffocation. Whether it’s through our coaching, our software management tools like Essential Elements™, or our operational independence training, Freedom by Design – Build a Business That Runs Itself, we help you go from chaos to clarity—one step at a time.

Don’t Let Perfection Stop Progress

If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to plan—stop. It won’t come.

Just start small:

Write down three things you want to accomplish this week.
Choose one part of your business to improve this month.
Schedule 15 minutes every Monday to outline your week.
And on the days when you don’t feel like doing everything? Do something.

Even one small, intentional step keeps you on the path forward.

Ready to Plan for Real Progress?

If your business feels like it’s running you instead of the other way around, let’s talk. We offer practical tools, coaching, and software designed specifically for small service-based business owners—like you—who are ready to get organized, stay accountable, and move forward with purpose.

Because when you trade in panic for a plan, everything changes.

For more information, a free software demo or to see our operational independence training, please reach out to us at LSpoor@conciergebusinesssolutions.com

Or, schedule an appointment to discuss how we can best assist you.

To your success (with a plan),

Leslie Spoor

Founder, Concierge Business Solutions®

Helping you work smarter, not harder

Why You Wouldn’t Want an ERP System for Your Business

January 29, 2025/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Let’s face it—running a business is stressful, chaotic, and often overwhelming.

And isn’t that part of the fun?

Who needs a system to make things easier when you can juggle endless tasks manually, miss deadlines, and burn the midnight oil just trying to stay afloat?

If you’re considering implementing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system like Essential Elements™, let’s explore why you might not want to do that.

1. You Love Being Overwhelmed

Picture this: you’re trying to locate an important client file, but it’s lost somewhere in the depths of your email inbox or buried in a stack of papers on your desk. The clock is ticking, the client is waiting, and your stress levels are skyrocketing. An ERP system would have that file stored securely in a centralized location, accessible in seconds.

But where’s the fun in that?

Chaos keeps your adrenaline pumping, right? If you thrive on that sense of urgency and enjoy searching for needles in haystacks, then an ERP system isn’t for you.

2. Who Needs Efficiency?

Your team spends hours every week manually entering data, reconciling spreadsheets, and double-checking calculations. Implementing Essential Elements™ would streamline these processes, automating repetitive tasks and reducing human error. But isn’t inefficiency part of your business culture?

After all, why finish work early when you can keep everyone at their desks well past closing time? Efficiency might lead to happier employees and more productive days, but that sounds suspiciously like progress.

3. Manual Processes Are a Badge of Honor

Do you enjoy piecing together reports from multiple systems?

Maybe it’s a point of pride that your financials require hours of manual calculations and cross-checking. Essential Elements™ integrates everything from time tracking and billing to client management, allowing for real-time reporting with the click of a button.

But wouldn’t it feel like cheating to let technology do the heavy lifting? If your spreadsheet wrangling skills are a source of personal validation, stick with the status quo.

4. Transparency? No Thanks

An ERP system offers a clear overview of your business at any given moment. Essential Elements™, for example, provides insights into your financials, employee productivity, and project statuses, empowering you to make data-driven decisions.

But maybe you prefer the thrill of not knowing. Flying blind keeps things interesting, doesn’t it? Why bother with transparency when you can make decisions based on gut feelings and hope for the best?

5. Growth Is Overrated

You’ve built your business from the ground up, and it’s doing fine. Sure, you’d like to grow, but implementing an ERP system might make that growth too easy. Essential Elements™ eliminates bottlenecks, improves resource allocation, and supports scalability.

But why expand smoothly when you can experience the growing pains of outgrowing your current processes?

Struggling to meet demand and scrambling to onboard new clients are rites of passage, right?

6. Collaboration Is Overrated

Your team works in silos, and you like it that way. An ERP system fosters collaboration by providing a unified platform where employees can share information, track progress, and communicate seamlessly.

But who needs seamless communication when misunderstandings and duplicate work can add a bit of excitement to your day? If you think “teamwork makes the dream work” is overrated, an ERP system might cramp your style.

7. You Prefer Reacting Over Planning

8. Client Satisfaction Is Overhyped

A happy client is a loyal client—or so they say. Essential Elements™ enhances client satisfaction by streamlining communication, ensuring deadlines are met, and providing accurate billing.

But maybe your clients enjoy the unpredictability of your current processes. Who needs consistency and reliability when you can offer the thrill of uncertainty?

9. You Can’t Imagine Life Without Stress

Stress is a part of running a business, and maybe you’ve come to accept—or even enjoy—it. Implementing an ERP system like Essential Elements™ could reduce your stress by simplifying your operations, improving accuracy, and giving you more control over your business.

But a stress-free life sounds boring, doesn’t it? If chaos is your comfort zone, an ERP system might just ruin everything.

10. Work-Life Balance Is Overrated

Imagine being able to step away from your business without worrying about whether things are running smoothly. Essential Elements™ gives you the tools to automate tasks, delegate responsibilities, and maintain oversight, even from a distance.

But do you really want to take a vacation without checking your email 10 times a day? If you enjoy being tethered to your business, an ERP system might give you too much freedom.

In All Seriousness…

Of course, these points are tongue-in-cheek. The reality is, most businesses do benefit immensely from implementing an ERP system. Essential Elements™ was designed by a Lifestyle Manager to help business owners like you regain control, improve efficiency, and achieve greater success—without sacrificing your sanity.

By centralizing your processes, automating repetitive tasks, and providing real-time insights, Essential Elements™ allows you to focus on what matters most: growing your business, delighting your clients, and enjoying your life.

If you’re ready to ditch the chaos and take your business to the next level, we’d love to show you how Essential Elements™ can help.

Schedule a demo today and see for yourself why you do want an ERP system for your business.

Thinking About Throwing in the Towel? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get a ‘Real Job’

December 10, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Thinking About Throwing in the Towel? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get a ‘Real Job’

If you’ve ever been an entrepreneur for more than five minutes, you’ve probably hit that wall—the moment when you look at your to-do list, your dwindling bank balance, and your mounting stress, and think, “Why did I ever think this was a good idea?”

It’s a breaking point, and suddenly the 9-to-5 job you swore you’d never take starts to look strangely appealing. The predictable hours, the steady paycheck, the chance to clock out and leave your work behind at the end of the day—what’s not to love, right?

But let’s be real here. You know deep down that you’d last about a week in a “real job” before you were climbing the walls, frustrated by bureaucracy, and daydreaming about the business you walked away from. If you’ve ever found yourself in this position, you’re not alone. As entrepreneurs, we go through cycles of loving and hating what we do. The good news? There are ways to get back on track and fall in love with your business all over again.

Why a 9-to-5 Job Isn’t the Answer

When you hit that low point, it’s easy to romanticize the idea of working for someone else. It seems like a relief to leave the worries of payroll, marketing, client retention, and administrative nightmares to someone else for a change. But let me share a little secret: entrepreneurs don’t fit into a corporate mold. We’re wired differently.

1. You’re Used to Making the Rules

Remember why you started your business in the first place? You wanted the freedom to make decisions, to set your own schedule, and to follow your vision without someone breathing down your neck. Going back to a traditional job means giving up control, being told what to do, and asking permission for every little thing. You’ll be rolling your eyes during meetings and muttering, “I could do this better” under your breath before you know it.

2. You Thrive on Variety and Challenges

Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers. We get bored easily if we’re not being challenged. The predictability of a 9-to-5 job might seem like a welcome change at first, but once the novelty wears off, you’ll miss the variety and excitement of running your own business. When you’re in charge, every day brings a new problem to solve or a new opportunity to chase. It’s exhausting, sure, but it’s also exhilarating.

3. You Can’t Ignore Your Inner Voice

I’ve seen it time and time again. An entrepreneur hits a rough patch, decides to give up, and takes a “real job” out of desperation. Six months later, they’re miserable, starting to dream up new business ideas on their lunch break, and wondering why they ever left in the first place. You can’t shut off the entrepreneurial drive. It’s in your DNA. Even when it feels hard, the pull to create something of your own is stronger than the lure of a steady paycheck.

How to Fall Back in Love with Your Business

So, if the corporate escape plan isn’t the answer, what is? How do you get out of this rut and find your passion for your business again? Here are some strategies that have worked for me and my clients over the years.

1. Take a Step Back and Look at the Big Picture

When you’re knee-deep in the daily grind, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started your business in the first place. Remember your initial vision—the excitement you felt about building something from the ground up. Take a day (or a week, if you can) to step back, unplug, and reconnect with your purpose. One of my clients did exactly this. He was feeling burnt out and frustrated, ready to throw in the towel. I told him to take a weekend off, leave his phone at home, and spend some time doing the things he loved outside of work. By the end of it, he had clarity, new ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose.

2. Outsource the Tasks You Hate

One of the fastest ways to fall out of love with your business is to spend all your time on the parts you hate.

When I was first starting out, I did everything myself—bookkeeping, invoicing, newsletter creation, you name it. I was working 36-hour marathons and getting more frustrated by the day. It wasn’t until I hired a bookkeeper and outsourced my newsletter formatting that I got a taste of what freedom felt like.

Suddenly, I had time to focus on what I enjoyed—growing the business, coaching clients, and creating new programs.

If you’re stuck doing all the admin work, it’s time to delegate.

Trust me, the cost is worth the peace of mind.

3. Reconnect with Your Clients

When you’re bogged down with paperwork and putting out fires, it’s easy to forget why you’re doing this in the first place—your clients. Take time to reach out and check in with a few of them. Ask for feedback. Hear their success stories.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling disconnected is to read through client testimonials or case studies. Seeing the tangible impact our services have had on their businesses reminds me why I started this company and reignites that fire.

4. Set New Goals and Challenges

Sometimes, burnout isn’t about being overwhelmed—it’s about being underwhelmed. If your business has plateaued, it might be time to shake things up with a new project, product, or service. Set a big, audacious goal that excites you.

I did this with the launch of our software, Essential Elements™. It was a huge undertaking, and there were moments when I wanted to quit, but the challenge of building something innovative kept me going. Now, seeing how it’s transformed our clients’ businesses makes every sleepless night worth it.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. When you’re struggling, it helps to have a circle of fellow business owners who get it. Find a mentor, join a mastermind group, or simply connect with a friend who understands the ups and downs of running a business.

One of my clients was ready to give up until she joined a peer group of entrepreneurs. Hearing their stories of struggle and success reminded her that she wasn’t alone, and it gave her the motivation she needed to keep going.

Does Your Business Enjoy Operational Independence?

September 3, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

We just returned from an incredible trip to Africa, and it was truly the vacation of a lifetime!

We explored South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, visiting breathtaking places like Motobos National Park, Chobe Game Reserve, Victoria Falls, and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Over our 12 days on the continent, we embarked on several safaris and boat rides, even spending one night in a tent under the stars.

We were incredibly fortunate to witness the Big Five (elephant, lion, water buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard) in their natural habitats. Spotting a leopard is particularly rare due to its elusive nature, but we were thrilled to see not just one, but two leopards together!

How was I able to enjoy such an extended time away from my two businesses? Because both operate with what’s known as Operational Independence.

What is Operational Independence?

It is the ability of a business to function effectively without the owner’s constant presence and it is indeed a quantifiable measure of success, as it reflects how well the business is structured and managed.

Here’s how this measure of success can be quantified:

Operational Independence Score:
- Time Away: Measure the length of time the owner can be absent from the business without negatively impacting operations. This could be quantified by tracking the number of days or weeks the business operates smoothly without the owner’s direct involvement.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Maintenance: Evaluate whether critical KPIs, such as sales, customer satisfaction, and employee productivity, remain stable or improve during the owner’s absence. If the business meets or exceeds these KPIs, it indicates strong operational independence.
Delegation and Management Structure:
- Management Effectiveness: Assess the effectiveness of the management team or key employees in making decisions, solving problems, and leading the business in the owner’s absence. This can be measured through performance reviews, decision-making success rates, and overall business performance during periods of absence.
- Systems and Processes: Evaluate the robustness of business systems and processes. A well-documented and automated system allows the business to run smoothly without the owner. This could be quantified by the extent to which operations are standardized and the ease with which employees can follow procedures without needing the owner’s input.
Employee Empowerment and Satisfaction:
- Employee Empowerment: Measure the extent to which employees feel empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their roles. This could be assessed through employee surveys or the frequency of decision-making by non-owner employees.
- Turnover Rate During Absence: Track whether employee turnover rates increase when the owner is away. A stable or reduced turnover rate can indicate that employees are confident and capable of managing their responsibilities independently.
Customer Experience Continuity:
- Customer Satisfaction During Absence: Monitor customer feedback specifically during the period when the owner is away. If customer satisfaction remains high or improves, it suggests that the business is resilient and customer-facing operations are not dependent on the owner.
- Customer Retention Rate: Track whether there is any change in customer retention rates when the owner is absent. Consistent retention rates indicate that the business has strong customer relationships and reliable service delivery.

The ability for a business to operate successfully without the owner being present is a strong indicator of the business’s maturity, resilience, and sustainability. It demonstrates that the business has solid systems, a capable team, and well-established processes, all of which are key to long-term success.

You don’t have to be tied down by your business. One of the great advantages of becoming your own boss is gaining the freedom to enjoy the leisure time you need to protect your mental health and happiness—without being chained to a time clock.

If your business hasn’t yet achieved Operational Independence, Concierge Business Solutions® can guide you in building the foundation to get there.

Building a company is a noble pursuit, showcasing your tenacity, persistence, and focus. But life is too short not to enjoy it fully!

For more information or to schedule an Operational Independence consultation, reach out to us at 760.898.9604 or by sending an email to: info@conciergebusinesssolutions.com.

Posts

The #1 Problem Small Business Owners Face (Remedy Inside)

Are You Doing It All? It’s Time to Stop!

Trying to do everything yourself.

Inside Freedom by Design, we’ll teach you:

Wait—You’re Not Alone in This Crazy Journey

Meet our Podcast:

You built your business. Now let us help you build your freedom.

To your sanity and success.

Plan or Panic? Why Flying by the Seat of Your Pants Isn’t a Strategy

Do you have a plan… or are you just reacting to whatever the day throws your way?

The Power of the Plan

Plans Keep You Honest (and Accountable)

Planning Is a Form of Self-Respect

Don’t Let Perfection Stop Progress

Ready to Plan for Real Progress?

Why You Wouldn’t Want an ERP System for Your Business

Thinking About Throwing in the Towel? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get a ‘Real Job’

Thinking About Throwing in the Towel? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get a ‘Real Job’

Does Your Business Enjoy Operational Independence?

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Tag Archive for: how to run a business

Posts

Are You Doing It All? It’s Time to Stop!

Trying to do everything yourself.

Inside Freedom by Design, we’ll teach you:

Wait—You’re Not Alone in This Crazy Journey

Meet our Podcast:

You built your business. Now let us help you build your freedom.

To your sanity and success.

Do you have a plan… or are you just reacting to whatever the day throws your way?

The Power of the Plan

Plans Keep You Honest (and Accountable)

Planning Is a Form of Self-Respect

Don’t Let Perfection Stop Progress

Ready to Plan for Real Progress?

Thinking About Throwing in the Towel? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get a ‘Real Job’

Sign up for our newsletter!

Site Links

Our Services

Contact Information