Name:
đź“Ť Cork, Ireland
I help solopreneurs and SMEs streamline their processes for growth through support and automation. I also act as treasurer for my residents association and Mom on duty for my children's sporting activities. When I'm not supporting the operations of other businesses to thrive, you can find me walking our family pet Frankie, at the side of a pitch, or watching some TV.
What moment or experience inspired you to start your business? What was your vision at the beginning?
It took the Covid pandemic to push me into starting my business. I had watched others build and grow, and knew that working as a full-time employee alongside family commitments wasn't sustainable. I wanted more and wasn't feeling fulfilled in the job I'd spent 15 years doing. I started slowly and built the business into what it is today. Trying new things and working in other people's businesses lit me up, and I knew this was what I was meant to do.
What does a typical day for you look like?
I start my morning with a cup of tea and catch up on the news before getting the children ready and dropped to school. Once I've walked our dog, I open the laptop, check my schedule, and look at all the emails that have come in from clients so they can be prioritized. Then, I block out my working day with tasks that need to be completed and get straight to it. I always do my focus work in the morning as that is when I'm most productive, whether it's tech research, workflow testing, or detailed scheduling. I take breaks after each block of work, which can be anywhere from 2-4 hours, to walk, get some water, or grab a snack. Before I finish for the day, I check to see if anything urgent has come through and provisionally plan the schedule for the following day.
What unique routines or habits do you believe contribute to your success?
I'm a morning person and get a lot of my more intensive work done during that time. Problem solving is a passion of mine, and when something I'm working on proves tricky, finding the answers is where I excel and find enjoyment. I think very logically and have always been able to see issues that could come up ahead of time and find solutions to deal with those possibilities. Having a family and a strong community behind me drives me every step of the way.
What's your workstation setup?
My desk is quite minimalist and located in an upstairs room in our family home. I have two screens side by side and a journal to write in throughout the day. There's a motivational quote placed under the large screen to my right. I also have a large sand timer that counts 30-minute slots to help me visualize where I am during my time blocks. I have one award I achieved last year, still waiting to be hung, but it's a reminder of how far I've come on this journey.
Where do you go to look for inspiration?
Walking helps clear my head, and I am lucky to have a large park nearby, Tramore Valley Park, which I can visit whenever I need.
What core values drive your business, and how have they shaped your path?
It's hard to choose just one core value, but curiosity has played a big part in where I am now. I love learning and using that knowledge to help others. Seeing how people operate their businesses and being able to solve problems they're having is very motivating. We're just one person in a huge world, and knowing we have the opportunity to make a difference is what drives me.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Finding systems and processes that allow others to build and grow their businesses in a way that works for them is empowering. I have a strong community of business owners I can turn to for advice and help whenever I need it, so I never feel alone. Knowing that the service I provide can benefit so many is humbling.
What’s a challenge you’re currently working on in your business?
Working as a solopreneur is always how I've wanted to run my business. I outsource where required but have never wanted to grow a team. Currently, I'm trying to market some courses I've created and curate ideas for more to help earn a passive income while also growing my audience. The goal is to earn more while working less.
What music do you listen to while working?
I don't listen to music while working, but I sign up for masterclasses and play them in the background as I work.
What’s one piece of advice someone gave you that you’ll never forget?
You don't know what you don't know, and you won't know what you're capable of until you try.
Any advice for ambitious professionals in your field?
Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to try new things. Consistency is key.
What shortcuts are you eyeing next on World of Shortcuts?
Unleash Calm for my dog Frankie, Pinterest Jumpstart for growing my audience, and The Sustainable Socials for Introverts Toolkit to help balance social media without burnout.
