Even the most passionate solopreneurs among us can get to a point where our energy is depleted and we need a break from it all. Today’s guest admits to being the Queen of Burnout, working so hard for her clients that she forgets to give herself a break.

Based in beautiful Knysna, South Africa, Carol Hampshire is a brand designer and business strategist with twenty years of experience running her own studio, Red Hot Designs. She added business mentoring to her resume ten years ago, with the intention of helping female entrepreneurs who are coaches, creatives and wellness consultants work smarter and play harder.

Two years ago, Carol hit a wall. She had taken on too much, she was losing her joy, and she could no longer deliver her best work. After a week away from her desk on a sailing trip to Turkey, Carol realized that she needed to create a business around her life, not vice versa. Today she shares her best advice on avoiding burnout, connecting with clients in the onboarding process, and allocating time away from the computer. Listen to understand why Carol makes it a point to learn what drives her clients and how to shift your business model as the need arises.

 

Key Takeaways

Carol’s key to consistent success

• Shift business model as environment, personal needs change

 

Signs of burnout

• Up early, finish late
• Race against clock
• Loss of joy
• Compromise quality of work

 

Carol’s tips to avoid burnout

• Enlist accountability partner
• Schedule time away from computer (e.g.: yoga class, walk dog, tea with friend)

 

Carol’s guidance around working with clients

• Take time to get to know them as people
• Connection eliminates confusion, brings out best work
• ‘Take on clients you would spend the weekend with’

 

The questions Carol asks new clients in onboarding process

• What is your core essence?
• What is your message?
• What motivated you to create the business?
• What are your unique talents?
• What makes you an authority in your field?
• What drives you?

 

Carol’s biggest challenges as an entrepreneur

• Allocating time to work on own business (update website, nurture Facebook group, ongoing marketing efforts)
• Devoting time to professional development

 

Carol’s shift to working as coach/mentor

• Came from within, passion to work with people
• Desire to offer insight to emerging entrepreneurs

 

Resources

Trello

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks PhD

 

Connect with Carol Hampshire

Website