How often do you work on your business instead of in it? When was the last time you spent more than an hour growing your business, planning for the future, or evaluating where you are?
It can feel like the stress of work of daily operations is always the most urgent and important thing on your schedule. But, the truth is, entrepreneurs who take the time to look at the bigger picture in their business, take responsibility for their future, and plan for their goals are the ones scaling and thriving.
Unless your business is going public or forming a legal entity, no one is going to give you the title “CEO.” But until you start acting like you’re the CEO, your business will likely amount to directionless services.
So, since no one else is going to, I’m making you CEO – right now.
What is a CEO day?
A CEO day is a day dedicated to maintaining, tidying, and growing your business. It doesn’t have to be an entire day. Some people plan a whole day, an hour a day, or a few hours once a week! It’s up to you. Experiment to find what works best for you!
Here’s some inspiration on scheduling CEO days:
“I do this every other Friday! It's so refreshing to work on the business – rather than only in the business. And it piles up less admin work, too.” -Rochi Zalani
“Right now, my primary client is on the west coast, and I'm on the east coast. So before I get started on their work, I do my own thing. And on days where work is thin, I pivot to my personal work.” -Kelsey Sanchez
“I started taking a weekly Chooseday (only work on things you choose to do) - no meetings, and no client work. It hasn't always gone perfectly, but I've used the time to create my first online course. Having a whole day set aside to do it means it doesn't get lost among client deadlines and daily life.” -Shea Karssing
“Every Sunday, my husband and I focus on outreach, meeting new people, as well as cleaning up administrative tasks!” -Annabelle Updegrave
Why take a CEO day?
CEO Days can revolutionize your business by providing you with the time to keep your business on the right track. It’s a dedicated container to complete those tasks that you keep kicking down the road. This is also a great time to evaluate and improve the way you’re running your business and prevent burnout.
What should I do on a CEO day?
During your CEO day, make sure you’re getting important tasks done like bookkeeping, scheduling, networking, and client management. But also make sure you have time to do some self-care tasks and continue educating yourself to grow your business. Here are eight ways you can dedicate time to your business on your CEO day.
Client Relationship Management
These little tasks really add up. Try consolidating your administrative management into your CEO day by doing things like:
● Invoicing
● Contracts
● Questionnaires (if you use them)
● Make sure anything you need from the client is ready to go for the week
● Research for upcoming projects
Bookkeeping & Budgeting
Out of sight, out of mind, out of control. That’s my motto when it comes to money, food, and organization. Staying on top of your books and budgeting all year will make tax time much less stressful.
Continuing Education
CEO days are a great time to take a course. You can improve your skills, work with a business coach, earn a new certificate, or learn more about business through your local community college. The possibilities are endless here.
System Improvements
The most efficient businesses have systems and protocols for almost all routine tasks. Here are some systems you might want to set up on a CEO day.
● Create style guides, formulas, or templates
● Create an automation in your CRM or email platform
● Get organized in a project management tool
● Update (or create) your marketing funnel
● Build new internal protocols or systems
Scheduling
We’ve all heard that old adage: “time is money.” But really… do you think about spending your time the same way you think about spending your money? Saving time is just as important as saving money. Why not build budgeting your time into your work systems the same way you budget your money?
Here are a few ways you can use your CEO day to budget your time effectively.
● Estimate time for tasks based on a time tracker
● Time block your schedule
● Set up meetings
● Put self-care on the calendar
● Add buffer time for procrastination – it’s part of the *process*
● Schedule your doctor appointments
Planning
We’ve already mentioned planning a bit in this list, but here are some more ideas for planning ahead. A proactive business will almost always do better than a reactive one. Planning is how we get proactive.
● Set goals and evaluate previous ones
● Iterate – make little changes to make your business better
● Check your revenue and time tracker to make sure you’re charging the right rates
● Plan a rates raise – if needed
● Line up new clients if needed
Self Care
The health of your business is directly connected to your personal well-being – especially if you’re a solopreneur. Dedicating some of your time to taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, can result in surprising gains in your business.
Here are some ways you can add self-care into your CEO routine.
● Personal development education – books, podcasts, courses, etc.
● Run errands or do chores
● Get some exercise
● Meditate, take a yoga class, or go for a mindful walk
● Prep a couple of meals for the week
● Take a nap
Business expansion
We all have them. Those tasks we kick down the road would totally help our businesses expand but just don’t fit into our schedules. Those are the things we need to *make* time for if we want to grow our businesses.
These are some commonly pushed-off tasks you could do on a CEO day.
● Update your website
● Get your branding done
● Edit your search console listing
● Get on top of whatever social media you’re using to get clients
● Ask for reviews
● Find a mentor or a coach
You may not feel like an executive, but you are one.
I want to hear from you! Will you be taking a CEO day? How will you add it to your schedule? Leave a comment and tell me about it!
Rachel has been a freelance writer for 6 years and a business coach for 4. She grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and carries the torch for the next generation. When she’s not writing, she spends her time adventuring in the outdoors, doing arts and crafts, and snuggling with her cat, Bonnie.
Find her on LinkedIn and her website.
Have you ever taken a CEO day? How have you reinvested your time back into your business?
Leave your thoughts and experiences below!