You Are the Bottleneck in Your Business – I’ve Been There, and Here’s How to Fix It

Running your own business is exhilarating, isn’t it? The thrill of creating something from scratch, the freedom to make your own choices, and the pride of watching it grow. But it can also be downright exhausting. I know because I’ve been there. Like so many solo business owners, I was stuck in a cycle where everything depended on me.

In a recent interview, Amanda Rae said something that hit me hard: “You create the bottleneck in your business.” And she’s absolutely right. Most of us don’t even realize it, but the biggest roadblock in our business is… ourselves. We become the problem because we try to do everything.

From managing client communication, onboarding, and billing to handling the service itself and bookkeeping – it’s all on our shoulders. That’s a lot to handle. It only works when you’re at your absolute best. But what happens when life gets in the way? When you’re tired, distracted, or simply have too much on your plate? Things slow down, mistakes happen, and you end up feeling overwhelmed.

But here’s the good news: There is a way out. I found it, and I want to share it with you.

Feeling Stuck In Your Business? You’re Not Alone.

When you try to do everything yourself, you’re creating a bottleneck in your own business. I know how frustrating that can be because I’ve felt it too – that sinking feeling of knowing you’re the one slowing things down, even though you’re working as hard as you possibly can.

It’s exhausting to keep all the plates spinning, to wonder if you remembered to send that follow-up email or invoice that client. It takes up mental space you can’t afford to lose. And you know what? It’s unsustainable.

For a long time, I thought this was just part of the grind. But it’s not. It’s a problem that has a solution, and I found it when I discovered automation. It’s what saved my sanity – and it’s what can save yours too.

Automation: The Key to Getting Your Life (and Business) Back

To truly grow your business, you need to step back and let automation take over some of the heavy lifting. That’s where 17hats comes in. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a lifeline for those of us who feel like we’re constantly stuck on the hamster wheel. Let me tell you about a few features that will change your life.

1. Automated Email Responses

How many times have you typed out the same response to an inquiry or follow-up email? With automated responses, you can stop wasting time on repetitive tasks. It’s a game-changer to wake up knowing that emails were already taken care of before you sit down at your desk.

2. Workflows

This is a big one. Workflows let you set up a sequence of automated actions, so you’re not stuck in the weeds, remembering every single detail. Imagine having a system that follows up with clients, triggers tasks, and keeps the process moving – even if you’ve had a long day or need to take a step back. It’s like having a virtual assistant, and it makes all the difference.

3. Automatic Document Email Reminders

Ever forgotten to remind a client about a contract, invoice, or important document? Yeah, me too. With automatic reminders, you no longer have to remember who to follow up with – 17hats does it for you. That small change alone will free up so much mental space.

4. To-Do Management

I used to keep a million sticky notes and lists scattered around my desk and office, trying to keep track of it all. But with 17hats To-Do Manager, you can clean up your workspace and keep all your tasks under one roof. Tasks are organized, deadlines are clear, and you can focus on the work that truly matters.

Getting Off the Hamster Wheel

Look, I get it – handing off control can feel scary. We become solo business owners because we’re passionate, driven, and want to do things our way. But there’s a difference between working hard and overworking yourself to the point of burnout.

I learned the hard way that the constant hustle doesn’t make you more successful. It just makes you exhausted. You don’t have to be the bottleneck. By using tools like 17hats, you can automate the little things that steal your energy, so you can focus on what really matters: building relationships, creating great work, and enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to create.

It’s Time to Get Out of Your Own Way

I know what it’s like to be the bottleneck in your business, to feel like you’re always falling behind. But you don’t have to keep running on the hamster wheel. 17hats can help you let go of the small stuff, so you can reclaim your time, your energy, and your passion. Another great tip is outsourcing some of those non-business related tasks – read Amanda’s blog about Outsourcing Stress.

You deserve to enjoy this journey. You deserve to feel free, not stuck. Let 17hats help you make the same transformation. Because trust me, the other side is so much better.

You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Let’s get out of our own way and build the businesses – and the lives – we truly want.