Running an online business, especially as a busy entrepreneur, can be incredibly rewarding. But let’s be honest—it can also be draining if you’re unaware of the hidden energy leaks that slowly sap your time, focus, and well-being.
As an Online Business Manager, I’ve seen how these leaks affect productivity, a sense of fulfilment, and alignment with values.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, constantly playing catch-up, or just not as productive as you’d like, your business may leak energy in ways you haven’t considered.
Even simple to-do tasks that have been on your mind for a while, like updating your outdated IG bio or declining a ‘can I pick your brain’ request, can impact your energy as they sit in the back of your mind waiting to be actioned.
Let’s chat about some of the most common energy leaks and how to address them so your business runs smoothly, and you feel more energised and aligned.
The Manual Labor Trap: Inefficient Systems and Processes
Signs: You find yourself doing the same tasks repeatedly, your desk is buried in paperwork, and you’re always playing catch-up.
Impact: Precious time and energy are wasted on repetitive, mundane tasks that could be automated, streamlined or delegated, leading to burnout and decreased productivity.
Solution: Conduct regular audits of your systems and processes to identify inefficiencies. Invest in automation tools and project management software like Dubsado and ClickUp to streamline workflows and free up your time for higher-value activities. Outsource tasks that deplete you are someone else’s zone of genius – win-win!
The Boundary Blur: Work-Life Imbalance
Signs: You’re constantly checking your phone after hours, saying yes to every project or request, and feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Impact: Blurry boundaries between work and personal life can lead to exhaustion, stress, and resentment.
Solution: Establish clear work hours, set boundaries for client communication, and practice saying “no” to projects that don’t align with your goals or capacity. Protecting your time and energy is essential for showing up fully for the tasks and people that matter most.
The Juggling Act: Overcommitment
Signs: Your to-do list is a mile long, you’re constantly rushing to meet deadlines, and you’re sacrificing quality for quantity.
Impact: Spreading yourself too thin dilutes your effectiveness, leading to lower-quality work, missed deadlines, and increased stress.
Solution: Prioritise tasks based on importance and alignment with your business goals. Delegate or outsource when possible, and avoid overloading your schedule. Focus on delivering exceptional results rather than simply checking off boxes.
The Time Bandit: Poor Time Management
Signs: You procrastinate, get distracted easily, and work on less important tasks instead of the big stuff.
Impact: Wasted time and energy, hindering progress towards your business goals.
Solution: Complete a time audit to know exactly where your time is spent. Implement time management techniques like time blocking or the Pomodoro Technique. Determine when you do your best and most creative work and focus on high-impact tasks during these peak energy hours. Create a ‘perfect-week’ schedule that provides structure, maximises productivity and minimises wasted time. Be sure to include time for breaks and movement.
The Goalpost Mover: Unclear Business Goals
Signs: You’re constantly changing direction, unsure of your next steps, and feeling lost in your business.
Impact: Scattered efforts, wasted time and energy on non-essential activities, and lack of focus.
Solution: Set clear, actionable goals aligned with your vision and regularly review and adjust as needed. A well-defined roadmap keeps you on track and ensures that every action contributes to your business growth.
The Client Chaos: Ineffective Client Management
Signs: You’re constantly fielding the same questions, onboarding new clients is a nightmare, and you’re struggling to manage expectations.
Impact: Wasted time and energy on managing clients inefficiently, leading to frustration for both you and your clients.
Solution: Create standardised onboarding processes, use CRM tools to manage client communication, and set clear expectations from the start. This improves client satisfaction and frees up your time to focus on growing your business.
The Meeting Marathon: Unproductive Meetings
Signs: You spend countless hours in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere and leave feeling drained instead of energised.
Impact: Time and energy are drained by meetings that could be more efficient or handled through other communication channels.
Solution: Only schedule meetings when necessary, keep them short and focused, and always have a clear agenda and action items. Use a recording tool like Loom to share more complex information with your client without having to jump on a meeting. Or use a messaging tool like Slack to communicate quickly and efficiently. Meetings should drive progress, not hinder it.
The Self-Care Snub: Neglecting Self-Care
Signs: You’re constantly on the go, skipping meals, and ignoring the signs of burnout.
Impact: Poor physical and mental health can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
Solution: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, including regular breaks, exercise, and mindfulness practices. Treat your well-being as an essential part of your business strategy—because it is.
The Values Disconnect: Misalignment with Core Values
Signs: You’re feeling unfulfilled in your work, taking on projects that don’t excite you, and experiencing inner conflict.
Impact: Working on tasks or projects that don’t align with your core values can drain your energy and reduce your overall satisfaction.
Solution: Regularly reassess your business activities to ensure they align with your values and long-term vision. Focus on projects and clients that resonate with your purpose. When your work is in harmony with your values, it energises rather than depletes you.
The Communication Breakdown: Unclear or Poor Communication
Signs: You’re constantly clarifying misunderstandings, feeling like no one is on the same page, and experiencing project delays due to miscommunication.
Impact: Energy is wasted on clarifying misunderstandings and redoing work due to unclear communication.
Solution: Work on improving your communication skills by being clear, concise, and direct. Use tools like project management software to centralise communication and ensure everyone is on the same page. Clear communication prevents confusion and keeps projects on track.
The Lone Ranger: Not Delegating Enough
Signs: You’re trying to do everything yourself, feeling overwhelmed, and struggling to find time for strategic tasks.
Impact: Taking on too much yourself can lead to burnout and prevent you from focusing on high-level, strategic tasks that require your attention.
Solution: Identify tasks that can be delegated to team members or outsourced, and trust others to take on these responsibilities. Focus on the tasks that truly require your expertise. Delegation isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a powerful way to scale your business effectively.
Your energy is the lifeblood of your online business. By identifying and addressing these common energy leaks, you’re taking a proactive step towards a more efficient, fulfilling, and sustainable business. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making small, consistent changes that lead to significant improvements.
Schedule a complimentary consultation here to discuss your unique challenges and goals. Let’s work together to transform your business and your life.
