In our final installment of “Behind the Scenes” at Next Page, we’re looking at Cassandra’s schedule which - finally - has become somewhat predictable. During the first few years of running the business, her days could easily be upended by a wary Facebook post or boundary-pushing client. Thankfully, she’s learned some things from that experience. It also helps that she has a rock star team by her side.
Here’s what her typical day working from home looks like:
7:00AM - Hit snooze on my alarm a few times…
7:30-8AM - Meditate and stretch
8AM -9AM - Make coffee, read or journal
9AM - 9:30AM - Read through emails, check Asana and Slack, Check comments on client social media pages
9:30AM - 2PM - Google Meet calls with clients and/or writing content
2PM - 2:30pm - Lunch
2:30PM - 5PM - Next Page admin work including preparing/organizing for the upcoming day
5PM - 6PM - Workout or walk the dogs
Go-To Tip: No work notifications when she’s not at her desk.
I really, really hate the idea that business owners need to be available all of the time. Especially when our phones really, really like us to be available - whether we are business owners or not. Our team set up a communications process which has worked well for us.
Emails = communication with clients
Asana (Project Management System) = communication between the team
Slack = for quick check-ins and confirmations
Text/Phone calls = Emergencies Only
This allows any of us to do personal errands, or go to networking events and not feel tethered to a possible issue that may arise. Do I check my email and/or Slack messages while I’m away from my desk? Sometimes. But I know that only true emergencies will come through via a call or text, which allows me to breathe easier and focus on where I am and who I’m with.
Want to learn more about setting boundaries, creating a healthy work schedule and more? Check out This Won’t Be Pretty: First Year Lessons for the Female Entrepreneur available on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore.