Written By Susannah Caviness - December 31 2019
2019 was a .... doozy, huh?
We've loved getting to know so many of you this past year and seeing you take over the World! Tower Press doubled in growth this year, we had lots of ups and downs, personal victories, professional failures, and we're going into 2020 so damn excited. Here are some great, professional lessons the Universe taught me this year:
1. Outsource, delegate, build up your team:
One of my biggest mistakes was not doing this earlier in the year. I've always been a bit of a control freak, and by not letting go I was doing a huge disservice to myself and the growth of Tower Press. By bringing on a larger team at the tail end of this year, we made an additional $75K in revenue. My plate was freed up, we were able to service more customers, and each department has an expert at the helm!
2. Rest. Don't work more than 40 hours a week (if you can help it)
For years I was part of "hustle culture". Work 24/7, put a social life on the back burner, don't sleep.... in the end everything suffers (mostly your mental health). A few months ago, I wrote about the ways I combat burnout and taking care of myself and my brain has brought me so much peace. Get 8-9 hours of sleep every night, take days off when you want to. The world keeps spinning all the same! One of my favorite books on the subject is Jason Fried's, It Doesn't Have to be Crazy at Work.
3. Get a mentor
Unfortunately we live in a world where mental health services are a privilege instead of a right. If you're able to afford a therapist or business coach, having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Your friends and community can serve as mentors too! Sometimes all we need is people we can vent to or come to for advice. In 2019, I hired a business coach (shout out to Diane!) to help me deal with anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, and how to cultivate a productive and happy work environment. It's formed me into a better leader, better person, and better at handling my stress.
4. Write it out
My favorite purchase this year was a giant double-sided whiteboard on wheels. At our HQ, we are always bouncing ideas off each other and looking at data. We write our monthly goals out (large) so we can always see them. Sometimes all it takes to work out a problem is writing it out and talking it out. Utilizing journals and planners can help you stay on track and getting your feelings out on paper feels like a weight off your shoulders.
5. Challenges are opportunities.
Customer upset? It's an opportunity to show off your customer service skills or learn how to serve them better and listen to their feedback. Change in technology in your industry? It's an opportunity to learn a new skill set. We all experience setbacks and frustrations. It's easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, and just shut down. But every hurdle is a new way to see what you're capable of. You don't go into business for an easy road to success. Don't get discouraged by all the mess. Change your mindset into seeing these hurdles as an opportunity to be a badass.
Wishing you all a successful 2020!
xo
