You Need a Better Plan... Here it is.

You may be using tech, but you’re still human.

Forget the Silicon Valley hype. I built my business on my terms, not some VC's fantasy.

Cloud-based everything?

Sure, if it works for me.

But sometimes, a good old-fashioned spreadsheet is the key to keeping my people on track. Innovation is cute, but consistency reigns. I may not have a ping pong table or nap pods, but I have a community that is winning with clear communication and focused work.

We break the mold, but we break it on our own schedule and we are not investing in complicated strategies or expensive marketing campaigns.

Going digital as a small business leader in 2024 doesn’t have to be hard, especially with a practical plan. Make consistency work for you in the digital world.

1. Set goals that are true to you.

When you’re setting tech goals for your business, I recommend that make sure they’re true to you and your vision. Don’t just chase the latest trends because everybody else is doing it. I want you to think about what really matters to your business. Maybe you want to improve customer experience through a new app or you could be stuck on streamlining operations with better software. Whatever it is, make it personal and relevant to your unique situation. Trust your gut, and remember, it’s your business. Set goals that excite you and align with your aspirations. When you’re passionate about your goals, you’re more likely to achieve them.

2. Focus on the little things first.

Big dreams are fantastic, but the truth is staring up at a mountain can leave you paralyzed. That's why I focus on the foothills first. Break down your giant goals into bite-sized chunks you can knock out fast. Perfection is a myth, and chasing it just slows you down. It's about progress, not polish. Get things done, even if they're not perfect, and soon enough, you'll be scaling that mountain instead of begging God to move it.

3. Manage your time wisely.

Are you always feeling like you need more time?

Forget the "rise and grind" nonsense.

My function comes from strong coffee and a sunrise prayer session, not some 5 AM alarm clock. My schedule revolves around me, not the other way around. I make time for emails in the morning when my brain is sharp but leave afternoons for creative sprints when the world can fade away. Weekly team check-ins keep my people on track and monthly reviews are my chance to step back, breathe, and see the bigger picture. It's not about some rigid one-size-fits-all system; it's about building habits that work for me. Consistency isn't about forcing yourself into a mold, it's about making a routine that lets you do your best work.

4. Pick tools that make sense for your day.

The app store is a digital candyland, but trust me, ten different to-do list apps won't make you ten times more productive. In fact, it'll just leave you with a sugar crash of indecision. I keep it simple. I use one project management tool that I can navigate with my eyes closed, a note-taking app that syncs across my devices, and that's about it. Fancy features and endless customization options just clutter my brain. I choose tools that fit into my workflow. Less is definitely more when it comes to getting things done. My motto? Use what works and GET RID OF the rest. After all, my day isn't made by flashy tools new tech, it's about getting stuff done.        

5. Find a friend with similar goals.

Running a small business can feel like you're on a solo ride to the moon. Sure, the view might be incredible, but sometimes you just want a high five from someone who gets the struggle. This week that person for me is Tamiya Lewis . Those late nights rebuilding websites, the client emails that make you want to tear your hair out, and the sheer, unfiltered joy of finally cracking a problem are much better when you have someone to share it with. That's why I find my business besties whenever I can. We don't need fancy coworking spaces or fancy teas on tap. All we need is a shared understanding and a willingness to cheer each other on. We bounce ideas off each other, celebrate victories, and giggle over the inevitable roadblocks. It's not about competition, it's about fellowship. Finding someone who speaks your grind language is the ultimate business hack. It keeps you motivated, keeps you sane, and reminds you that you're not alone.

6. If things go wrong, don’t sweat it.

Tech is like a bad kid. It throws tantrums you never saw coming right in front of everyone at the grocery store. Let me tell you, freaking out won't fix a single grammatical error in a newsletter that took you three days to edit. Consistency doesn't mean being glued to a plan written in stone. It's about staying calm, assessing the situation, and being flexible in your approach. Just with the punches, tweak your strategy as needed, and keep swimming.

But hey, that's half the fun, right?

You learn to be resourceful, to think on your feet, and ultimately, become a more agile business owner. So, the next time tech throws a hook at you, take a deep breath, remember your plan (with a BIG dose of flexibility), and keep building your dream.

7. Trust the process.

I'm not gonna lie, running your own business can feel like flying a plane you just learned to build in your garage (Shoutout to Google and my Great-Great Grandaddy). Don't believe the YouTube gurus. It is constant work. There are moments of pure exhilaration, sure, but also white-knuckled panic when the engine sputters. That's why I schedule regular check-ins with myself. No fancy retreats or expensive consultants. Just lil ol me, a cup of Gatorade, and a pretty notebook if that's all I can do that day. I take stock of what's working, what's a total disaster (because let's be real, some things will be), and celebrate the tiniest of wins (those are the real gas that keeps my engine going!). This reflection time isn't about beating myself up. It's about course correction. It reminds me why I built this crazy contraption in the first place and helps me tweak the controls to stay on track toward that big, beautiful runway called "success." Trusting the process doesn't mean flying blind, it means taking a breath, checking the gauges, and enjoying the ride.

8. You may be using tech, but you’re still human.

Look, I get it.

We live in a world obsessed with instant gratification, with algorithms feeding us success stories overnight but the truth is, building something real takes time, sweat, and maybe even a few tears. Sure, you can use all the cool tech tools to stay organized, but at the end of the day, it's your brain and your heart that are driving this thing. Consistency isn't about superhuman powers; it's about showing up every day, even when your motivation dips. It's the quiet act of putting one foot in front of the other, mile after mile, knowing that each step takes me closer to my finish line. There will be days when the plan looks like gibberish, or a client text makes you want to crawl under your desk but that's when you'll remember why you started this journey in the first place. Being human means having wobbly moments, but it also means having the resilience to keep going. Because in the long run, it's the consistent effort, not the occasional stumble, that defines the path to success.

So, if you're struggling to stay on track, you're not alone! Share your tips and struggles below.

Let's build a community that lifts each other up in this digital jungle.

Need an accountability buddy or just a virtual cheerleader?

Shoot me a message!

Because together, we can do this digital thing in real life, one consistent step at a time.

Forever and Always,

Shay

Give your goals some air so they can breathe and grow with intention. Book a Shay Day.

Want to learn more about my journey?

Check out my other articles: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/welcome-fantastic-founders-shay-miles/

Don't forget to check out Dardee Deals LLC for more resources on building new support systems, creating resilience, turning up your productivity, and staying inspired on your journey. And if you're feeling extra frisky and you're ready to take your LinkedIn game to the next level, book a Shay Day with me today to learn how to improve your tech and keep your people happy.

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Want to level up your consistency game EVEN MORE??

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Established in 2007 by authors Tamiya D. Lewis, The Movement, LLC is a publishing and public relations company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Specializing in publishing services like book formatting, editing, copyrighting, and killer website creation, plus specialized services for entertainers.

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