From Working Nights to Running Her Business on Her Terms: Evette’s Story

As a systems and productivity consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working with many entrepreneurs who are struggling to streamline their businesses. But few stories have been as inspiring as Evette Stobo’s journey from overwhelm to empowerment. Evette’s experience is a testament to the transformative power of implementing the right systems and mindset shifts in your business.

The Starting Point: Chaos and Confusion

When I first met Evette, she was the owner of The E Suite, a people strategy HR company serving small to medium businesses. Despite her years of experience and expertise, Evette found herself drowning in disorganization and inefficiency.

“We had no system,” Evette confessed. “Our organization was in our heads. We were just solving problems based on what had happened before, without any real structure.”

This lack of systems manifested in several critical ways:

1. Communication breakdowns between team members
2. Inconsistent client follow-ups
3. Difficulty tracking project progress
4. Overwhelm and stress for Evette and her team

Perhaps most tellingly, Evette admitted, “I was feeling like I was getting depressed because I was just like, how do I get out of this?”

The Root of the Problem: Fear and Resistance

As we dug deeper, it became clear that Evette’s challenges weren’t just about lacking systems – there was also a deep-seated fear of technology and change.

“Technology is not my friend, never has been,” Evette shared. This technophobia had led her to avoid implementing digital solutions, relying instead on memory and handwritten notes.

Moreover, Evette was struggling with imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence in her role as a business owner. She often approached client interactions as if she were still an employee, rather than the CEO of her own company.

The Transformation Process: From Resistance to Embrace

1. Identifying the Right Systems

Our first step was to explore various project management and communication tools. We didn’t just jump into the first option – we tested several systems to find the one that best fit Evette’s needs and working style.

“We looked at like four or five different systems,” Evette recalled. “You were able to say to me, ‘That won’t work. Here’s why. Let’s move on to the next one.'”

This methodical approach led us to choose Asana as the primary system for The E Suite. But more importantly, it helped Evette understand the ‘why’ behind each feature, not just the ‘how’ of using it.

2. Overcoming Technology Fears

To address Evette’s tech anxiety, we took a hands-on approach. Instead of just recommending tools, I guided Evette through the setup process, showing her how to use the systems in real-time.

“You walking me through took away the fear,” Evette explained. “You showed me that I can make mistakes in the system and it’s not going to bite me.”

This approach not only built Evette’s confidence but also ensured she could manage and scale her operations long after our work together was done.

3. Shifting from Employee to CEO Mindset

A crucial part of our work involved helping Evette step into her role as CEO. We focused on setting boundaries, prioritizing strategic work, and approaching client interactions with confidence.

“I’m able to feel more confident in knowing what we do,” Evette shared. “I know what I’m willing to do and what I’m not willing to do, and I’m able to focus on the work I like doing.”

This mindset shift had a profound impact on Evette’s sales approach and client relationships.

The Results: A Streamlined, Confident Business

The transformation in Evette’s business was remarkable:

1. Improved Communication: “We have daily meetings and then we have weekly meetings and we have bi-weekly meetings, but they’re not for an hour. They’re five-minute bites here and there to just sort of touch base.”
2. Efficient Project Management: “We’ve built a way when we start a project, we write down what the project is. It’s in the system… So over the next few months, we’re just adding to it.”
3. Increased Sales Confidence: “I haven’t gone on a call with a client and not sold because my confidence is different.”
4. Business Growth: “Over the last six weeks, we brought in a new client almost every week.”
5. Better Work-Life Balance: “I now have a very strict schedule. I built a schedule for myself. Um, and that schedule includes trying to be done work at five.”

Perhaps most importantly, Evette’s relationship with her business fundamentally changed. “It made me feel like I was running a company, not just working for someone,” she reflected.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Evette’s journey offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by their business:

1. Don’t fear systems and technology: The right tools can transform your business operations and boost your confidence.
2. Invest time in finding the right solutions: Test different options to find what works best for your specific needs.
3. Embrace your role as CEO: Set boundaries, prioritize strategic work, and approach client interactions with confidence.
4. Implement structured communication: Regular, brief check-ins can dramatically improve team alignment and efficiency.
5. Get comfortable with change: As Evette advises, “Don’t be scared of change. It’s going to happen anyway.”

Your Action Item

Inspired by Evette’s transformation? Here’s a simple exercise to start your own journey:

1. List your top three business challenges or pain points.
2. For each challenge, brainstorm one potential system or process that could help address it.
3. Choose one of these ideas and commit to researching or testing it in the next week.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. As Evette’s story shows, even small steps towards better systems and processes can lead to significant transformations in your business and your confidence as an entrepreneur.

Are you ready to transform your business from chaos to confidence? What’s one system or process you’re committed to improving this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Other Notes From This Episode

• Connect with Lauren @laurengconsulting on Threads and on Instagram.
• Watch this interview and other exclusive content from Lauren Glynn Consulting on YouTube.

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