As a solopreneur, it’s easy to feel that every waking moment should be dedicated to building your business. One of my Bulletin readers asked: “How can I be busy all week but have no results to show for it?” This one resonates deeply with small business owners including celebrants, freelancers, and consultants. You’re pouring energy into social media, attending networking events, and meeting venue managers, yet enquiries remain elusive. What’s going wrong?
The key lies in understanding how you’re investing your time and evaluating whether those activities align with your goals. Let’s dive into some practical ways to shift from being busy to being effective.
1. Define Clear Goals
Before you evaluate your activities, ensure you have clear, measurable goals. Instead of saying, “I want more enquiries,” define exactly what that looks like:
- How many enquiries per month?
- What type of ceremonies (weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies)?
- What geographical area are you targeting?
With clear goals in place, you can measure the success of your efforts. For example, if you’re aiming for five enquiries a month and are only getting one, you know it’s time to reassess.
2. Audit Your Current Activities
A time audit can be a game-changer. Over the next week, track everything you do for your business. Write down how much time you spend on each activity, whether it’s creating social media posts, attending networking events, or visiting venues.
Once you have this data, evaluate:
- Impact: Which activities directly contribute to your goal of generating enquiries?
- Effort: How much time and energy does each activity require?
- ROI (Return on Investment): What tangible results do you get from each activity?
For example, you might realise that you’re spending hours tweaking Instagram posts but aren’t seeing engagement. Conversely, a 10-minute conversation with a venue manager might lead to a new partnership and client referral.
3. Evaluate Your Social Media Strategy
Social media is essential for visibility, but it’s also a common trap for solopreneurs. Ask yourself:
- Are you on the right platforms? If your target clients are couples planning weddings, Instagram and Pinterest might yield better results than Facebook or Bluesky.
- Are you providing value? Inspirational content, tips, and showcasing past ceremonies are more likely to engage your audience than generic posts.
- Are you engaging? Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about building relationships. Respond to comments, interact with followers, and engage with local venues and vendors online.
Social media should be a tool, not a time sink. If it’s not working for you, consider outsourcing or reducing your time commitment.
4. Network with Intention
Networking can be incredibly effective—but needs to be done strategically. Instead of attending every event, choose ones that connect you with your ideal clients or referral partners.
- Are you building relationships? Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. Focus on meaningful conversations and follow-ups.
- Are you targeting the right groups? If you’re a celebrant specialising in weddings, joining wedding industry groups or local bridal expos might yield better results than generic business networking events.
Evaluate whether the time you spend networking translates to real leads or collaborations. If it doesn’t, it might be time to shift your approach.
5. Partner with Local Venues Strategically
Visiting venues is a smart move, but it’s important to make these visits count. Instead of simply introducing yourself, consider:
- Offering a resource, like a guide to choosing the perfect celebrant, to leave a lasting impression.
- Collaborating on a styled shoot to showcase your services at their venue.
- Staying in touch—building relationships takes time, so follow up with venue managers periodically.
Your goal is to position yourself as the go-to celebrant for their clients.
6. Test, Measure, and Adjust
Once you’ve audited your activities and adjusted your approach, test your efforts over a month or two. Use simple metrics to measure success:
- Are you receiving more enquiries?
- Are your social media posts getting higher engagement?
- Are your networking efforts leading to referrals?
If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. The beauty of being a solopreneur is that you can adapt quickly.
7. Protect Your Time
Finally, remember that being busy doesn’t always equal progress. Protect your time by:
- Setting boundaries around your work hours.
- Prioritising high-impact activities.
- Scheduling downtime to recharge—burnout won’t help your business.
Conclusion
It’s frustrating to feel like your hard work isn’t paying off, but the solution often lies in shifting your focus. By reviewing how you’re spending your time, aligning your activities with clear goals, and continuously testing and adjusting, you’ll transition from simply being busy to being productive.
Remember, success as a solopreneur isn’t about how much you do—it’s about doing the right things. When you invest your time wisely, the enquiries will follow.
If you’d like some help to assess how to be more effective in your business, Coaching could be a step forward. If you’d like to explore this option, book a FREE twenty minute session with me today.