The Mind Your Time Podcast | Time Management, Business Systems and Growth Strategies for Work-Life Integration

Shannon Baker | Business Operations Strategist

Are you always busy dealing with business problems and putting out fires? If your business operations are in chaos, it might be the root cause. It's time to do some housekeeping!In the weekly episodes, Shannon shares practical insights and strategies to help you clean up the back end of your business and create streamlined systems. By doing so, you can take control of your time and achieve sustainable growth without burnout.Shannon Baker is a virtual assistant turned business strategist and speaker. She uses over 20 years of experience managing small businesses and supporting C-Suite executives to help entrepreneurs build their business infrastructure. Her ultimate mission? To support your journey from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to becoming a confident entrepreneur.Ready to step into the shoes of a SheEO? Gain a crystal-clear perspective on both your life and business. Get prepared to use your time and energy on what truly matters to you!

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Episodes

A Spring Cleaning Guide for Enhanced Business Productivity
Feb 29 2024
A Spring Cleaning Guide for Enhanced Business Productivity
Get ready to banish the digital chaos holding back your business! Tune in to discover my ultimate decluttering strategies to transform a digital mess into a streamlined engine of productivity. Learn from real success stories, like Jodi, whose business growth accelerated after a simple Google Drive reorganization.Uncover the power of back-office systems and email templates as more than just time-savers—they're your secret weapons for consistency and a personal touch without the robotic feel.Tired of feeling the weight of digital clutter on your shoulders? Tune in for a “Spring Cleaning” solution that’s designed to reinvigorate your files and emails, setting your business on the path to efficiency. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a workspace that works as hard as you do.And for those seeking an ongoing strategy, the MY-T Society membership beckons. Join the journey of organization with me, and witness how a streamlined digital environment paves the way for unparalleled business success.Hit play to discover how you can spring clean your digital workspace and boost your productivity! Don't miss out on this game-changing episode!1:43 - Let’s talk about the impact digital clutter is having on your daily workflow 3:54 - Why you need to address these business challenges immediately6:30 - How I helped Jodi organize her business, freeing up time for growth and launching a podcast9:29 - How to get your inbox under control13:54 - An underutilized tool that will improve your efficiency in responding to emails18:38 - Some immediate benefits you can experience if you declutter your digital workspaceResources mentioned in this Episode:Episode 117 - How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi SilvermanEpisode 124 - Why You Need a Digital Filing System and How to Create OneEpisode 145 - Stop Using a Lack of Time As An Excuse and Start Streamlining Your Business Systems for Sustainable GrowthCheck out the Back Office AssessmentCheck out The MY-T Society MembershipLeave a Rating and ReviewChat with Me About the VIP Spring Cleaning DayFollow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
Simple Strategies for Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges
Feb 22 2024
Simple Strategies for Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges
Have you ever found yourself wondering how to navigate the twists and turns of entrepreneurship without losing your momentum or your mind?Well, you're not alone! Last week, we dove into the crucial topic of self-care in business. But this week, we're shifting gears and focusing on something equally important: navigating the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship.Join me as we explore the strategies and insights that can help you confidently steer your business through the twists and turns that come your way. From mindset shifts to resilience-building practices, we're covering it all.And stay tuned until the end, because I have an exciting resource to share with you that's designed to help you grow your business without feeling overwhelmed. 2:47 - How a solid foundation in your business supports the long-term success that you desire4:40 - How to deal with the transitions you will face as an entrepreneur5:28 - How mindset has an impact on your ability to deal with a transition or get stopped in your tracks7:20 - Some tough questions you need to answer honestly8:08 - The importance of SMART goals (but my definition is a bit different)9:18 - A valuable resource members of The MY-T Society Membership have access to that helps with goal setting and planning10:40 - How I’ve successfully dealt with challenges along my journey11:32 - The importance of being part of a supportive community Resources mentioned in this episode:Episode 140 - The Power of Self-Care in Business: How to Prioritize and Achieve Success on Your Own TermsEpisode 157 - Startup Strategy Series: Setting SMART Goals for SuccessEpisode 158 - Startup Strategy Series: Systems You Need to Work SmarterEpisode 159 - Startup Strategy Series: Crafting Your Path to SuccessEpisode 168 - The Power of Scaling Back to Achieve Clarity and Success in BusinessCheck out The MY-T Society MembershipGrab the audio masterclass “How to Grow Your Business Without Overwhelm”Connect with me on Instagram @the_shannonbaker
The Power of Scaling Back to Achieve Clarity and Success in Business
Feb 15 2024
The Power of Scaling Back to Achieve Clarity and Success in Business
Are you ready to embark on a journey of transformation with me? In today’s episode I spill the beans on my journey from the hustle-filled grind to living my dream full-time. Get ready to dive into the transformative power of clarity in business – it's a game-changer, trust me!Join me as I share strategies to help you establish a clear vision, nailing the right questions, and making every choice count. It's all about scaling back to leap forward, where doing less becomes the key to achieving so much more. Ever wondered how to replace your day job income with high-level retainer services? I spill the tea on the lessons learned from a year of juggling projects and making strategic decisions that landed me right where I wanted to be. Plus, we'll chat about the crucial role of networking, the power of referrals and how I was able to sign a new client with a crazy schedule.So, grab your cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, cozy up, and let's embark on this journey of growth and discovery together. Trust me, you won't want to miss this!3:10 What is clarity and how it relates to your SMART goals7:00 How I handled a hustle mode period in 20228:49 My process to create more clarity and set my goals11:58 How I was able to take on a new client with a full plate12:56 Learn more about the four pillars of clarity13:44 The mindset shift I had to make to focus on my goals15:49 What clarity means in business in simple words16:36 How a Discovery Call with me can help you make progress with this processResources mentioned in this episode:Episode 120: Life After Launch: Lessons Learned From This Labor of Love as a Small Business OwnerEpisode 151 - The 4 Pillars of Business Clarity You Need For GrowthEpisode 155 - What to Expect When You Book a Discovery CallEpisode 157 - Setting SMART Goals for SuccessConnect with me on Instagram @the_shannonbaker
How to Stop Being a Slave to Your Business
Feb 8 2024
How to Stop Being a Slave to Your Business
Have you ever found yourself drowning in the daily grind, wondering if your business is actually running you instead of the other way around? I've been there which is why today we're diving deep into the world of business systems, your ultimate secret weapon for taking control and achieving sustainable growth. Today I get real about what it takes to build a business that works for you, not the other way around. I share my mishaps behind the scenes and I spill the beans on the six core systems that can either make or break your entrepreneurial dreams.So, if you've been feeling the pressure during busy seasons or worrying about what would happen if you needed to step away from your business, this episode is your ticket to building a fortress of efficiency that can weather any storm. It's time to take control, supercharge your business, and embrace a future where you're the boss—not the other way around! 2:34 - What exactly is a business system?4:45 - The importance of systems to run an efficient business5:10 - The six core systems every business needs12:15 - What if you don't have any systems in your business?13:35 - Hear about Jodi's life after a back-office assessment and an organized Google Drive16:37 - Hear how a back office assessment and the resources inside The MY-T Society membership equipped Christa to DIY her business systems without having to search Google for the answersResources mentioned in this Episodeisode:Episode 117 - How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi SilvermanEpisode 124 - Why You Need a Digital Filing System and How to Create OneEpisode 125: How an Online Scheduler Will Help You Manage Your TimeEpisode 126: How to Provide the Best Customer Experience Inside and Outside of Your Small BusinessEpisode 129: An Effective Money Management Strategy for Small Business OwnersEpisode 130: Key Components You Need to Create a Sales & Marketing System for Your Small BusinessEpisode 131: Business Risk Management: Why Your Business Needs a Backup System and Emergency Preparedness PlanEpisode 157:  Setting SMART Goals for SuccessCheck out the Back Office AssessmentCheck out The MY-T Society MembershipLeave a Rating and ReviewLet’s connect online Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
Two Solutions to Help You Stop Being the Bottleneck In Your Business
Jan 18 2024
Two Solutions to Help You Stop Being the Bottleneck In Your Business
Ready to break free from the bottleneck holding your business back?You are your business's worst enemy! So in today's episode, we will discuss how you can build a business that thrives without you having to be chained to it around the clock. I understand the frustration of being a hindrance to your own success. That's why we're going to take off the kid gloves and talk about the importance of streamlining your workflows, investing in expert help, and the art of team building. Whether you're expanding your team or making long-term investments with positive ripple effects, this episode is your roadmap to success. Join me to unlock the door to a smoother, more efficient business that liberates you from constant demands. Stop scrolling and start thriving – let's break free from the bottleneck together! Tune in to see where to start.2:47 What happens when you are the bottleneck3:53 Where to start making changes when you want your business to grow6:32 Why building a team is not enough7:29 Two solutions that can help you remove yourself as the bottleneck 9:53 How a back office assessment will jump-start this transformation process11:38 How to make progress after booking a back office assessment13:05 The truth about removing yourself as the bottleneckResources mentioned in this episode:Episode 117 - How to Calm the Chaos In Your Back Office with Jodi Silverman Episode 127 - What Happens During a Back Office AssessmentEpisode 128 - How to Use An Action Plan to Strategically Prepare For Business GrowthLearn More About a Solo Power Assessment (Back Office Assessment)Learn More About the MY-T Society MembershipLeave a Rating and ReviewConnect with me on Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
How to Unlock Business Freedom with The MY-T Society Membership
Jan 11 2024
How to Unlock Business Freedom with The MY-T Society Membership
Ever dreamed of breaking free from the chaos and truly running your business on your own terms?Discover the transformative power of organization and systemization as I unveil the secrets to freeing up your time and scaling your business. In a candid conversation, I take you through my personal journey—from confronting fears and making pivotal investments, to the ambitious roll-out of a rebranded podcast, a membership, and an audio masterclass, all at once. It's a tale of bold moves and strategic shifts that have paid off, and I'm thrilled to guide you on a similar path of growth and freedom.This episode is more than just a story—it's an invitation to join The MY-T Society Membership, a resource I've intentionally created for entrepreneurs at every stage of the business journey. If you're tired of the disorganization that is blocking your growth and are ready to embrace a business model that works for you, this is your call to action. Let's transform the way you work, reduce the chaos, and find joy beyond the grind.Tune in and see how to start this transformative process.1:17 Why I decided a membership was a good choice for my business3:25 The purpose of The MY-T Society Membership4:35 Who the MY-T Society Membership is for7:55 What you get when you join The MY-T Society Membership10:26 What Christa Hutchins had to say about the My-T Society Membership11:20 A sneak peak at the resources inside of The MY-T Society Membership12:52 How you can benefit from The My-T Society MembershipResources mentioned in this episode:Episode 120 - Life After Launch: Lessons Learned From This Labor of Love as a Small Business OwnerLearn More About a Solo POWER Assessment (Back Office Assessment)Learn More About The MY-T Society MembershipConnect with me on Instagram @the_shannonbaker
The Impact of Strategic Planning Before Year's End
Dec 14 2023
The Impact of Strategic Planning Before Year's End
Do you want to make next year your best year yet? Don't wait until January to start planning and miss out on valuable opportunities. In this episode, podcast host Shannon Baker shares powerful insights to motivate you to start planning now and make the most of the coming year. Here are three things you'll learn in this episode: 1️⃣ The importance of streamlining your business operations and creating efficient systems to achieve sustainable growth.  2️⃣ How to set clear and SMART goals for your business, along with practical tips to stay motivated and celebrate progress.  3️⃣ The significance of building a supportive network, seeking accountability, and overcoming challenges like work-life balance and over-commitment. Don't miss out on this chance to prepare for success! Take action now by implementing one key takeaway from this episode, whether it's signing up for the free audio masterclass, exploring other related episodes, or joining the MY-T Society membership community. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 123: 6 Basic Systems Every Business Needs to Be Efficient and Profitable Episode 137 - 3 Simple Strategies You Need to Conquer Procrastination and Increase Productivity Episode 159 - Startup Strategy Series: Crafting Your Path to Success Grab the Free Audio Masterclass: How to Grow Your Business Without Being Overwhelmed Check out The MY-T Society Membership Leave a Rating and Review Let’s connect online  Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
Startup Strategy Series: Systems You Need to Work Smarter
Oct 26 2023
Startup Strategy Series: Systems You Need to Work Smarter
Welcome to the second episode of a three-part series on building a simple but solid business strategy as a start-up business owner. Today we're diving deep into the world of business systems and how they can be your secret weapon for achieving consistency and growth. Running a startup can be a wild ride, right? But, here's the thing: without a solid strategy and systems in place, you might find yourself in a whirlwind of chaos. We're breaking it down for you—what systems are, why they're crucial, and how you can create them even if you're a team of one with a tight budget. Discover how documented processes, the right tech tools, and delegation can be game-changers. Plus, we'll share valuable insights on selecting the right tools for your unique business needs and ensuring they grow with you. The episode is packed with actionable steps to get you started on the road to a well-oiled, efficient business machine. Ready to dive into the world of business systems? Grab your very own Biz Ops Checklist! Tune in to discover the power of systems and automation that could be your ticket to entrepreneurial success. Don't miss out on the chance to transform your startup journey. Hit that play button now and take the first step towards building a thriving business! Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 122 - How To Pick Your Tech Tools and Create Business Systems Episode 123 - 6 Basic Systems Every Business Needs to Be Efficient and Profitable Get the Biz Ops Checklist Leave a Rating and Review Let’s connect online  Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
What to Expect When You Book a Discovery Call
Oct 5 2023
What to Expect When You Book a Discovery Call
A common proactive consultants and coaches have is a discovery call. Most consultants use this call to strong-arm you into a service you may not need or even be ready for. But my approach when someone books a discovery call with me is different. Today I’m going to walk you through what to expect when you book a discovery call with me.  In this episode, you will: Find out why a discovery call is not just another sales call, and how it's designed to gather essential information about your business needs. Learn the criteria for booking a discovery call with me, including why I focus on helping purpose-driven women entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Understand how I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs, offering a customized plan to streamline your back office operations and achieve your business goals. If you've been hesitant about booking a discovery call, this episode will shed light on the process and help you make an informed decision. Take action today to move your business forward and streamline your operations with my expert guidance. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 120 - Life After Launch: Lessons Learned From This Labor of Love as a Small Business Owner Episode 123 - 6 Basic Systems Every Business Needs to Be Efficient and Profitable Episode 127 - What Happens During a Back Office Assessment Book a Discovery Call Learn More About a Back Office Assessment Leave a Rating and Review Let’s connect online  Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker
How to Repair the Quick Fixes and Improve Your Business Operations
Sep 28 2023
How to Repair the Quick Fixes and Improve Your Business Operations
Stop letting quick fixes block your business growth! Today we’re going to peer into the world of quick fixes in your business operations and why they are doing more harm than good.  What You'll Learn: The Downside of Quick Fixes: Those temporary solutions, like duct tape for your business, can lead to chaos and frustration. I'll spill the beans on why it's time to say goodbye to these Band-Aid fixes. The Power of Mindset Shifts: I share insights on how you can break free from the comparison game and embrace a personalized, long-term game plan that fits your unique business. Phases, Systems, and Growth: Learn about the four phases every business goes through and why a solid foundation is key to growth. Plus, we'll explore the importance of strategic delegation and investing in specialists to help your business thrive. Ready to remove the duct tape from your business operations and implement lasting solutions? Tune in now and get ready to supercharge your business growth! Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 123 - 6 Basic Systems Every Business Needs to Be Efficient and Profitable Episode 138 - Mastering the Art of Delegation: Overcoming Disorganization and Reclaiming Control of Your Back Office Episode 150 - Tips You Need to Know to Succeed at Strategic Outsourcing Episode 151 - The 4 Pillars of Business Clarity You Need For Growth Book a Discovery Call Learn More About a Back Office Assessment Leave a Rating and Review Let’s connect online  Follow Me On Instagram: @the_shannonbaker