(Picture:Carl J Cox, upcoming $4M Strategies podcast episode)
Strategy 4 Saturday Blog (<4 minute read)
The Irony
Ironically, I recorded a blog/video/podcast on vacation, while discussing ways to create more freedom as a business owner and entrepreneur. Some may say, you are hypocritical for writing about that topic while you are working, noted. However, the good news, my business was limited over this particular 5-day trip. My Director of Ops was responding to my email. Our teams were delivering on the services that we deliver.
Yet, for many business owners, taking a vacation is a nightmare. If they bill hourly, a Disney vacation pass added to their inability to log client hours, becomes a stressful and expensive day. Checking your email everytime you go around the corner is not relaxing. Taking phone calls from employees and clients, brings you right back to the office that you were trying to get any from. It sometimes begs the question, why did we get into business for ourselves to begin with?
Let’s not consider the significant others’ frustration that we are not spending time with them. That does not make Monica happy. (Please read Lost at CEO for that reference.)
(Picture:Lost at CEO)
3 Ways to Create More Freedom
Many business owners and entrepreneurs aim to achieve freedom through their business ventures—freedom to make decisions, take vacations, and enjoy life on their own terms. Yet, far too often, business owners find themselves trapped in their work, working harder and making less than they had hoped. The good news is that effective leadership strategies can help unlock the freedom you’re after. Based on an upcoming episode of the $4M Strategies podcast, here are three proven tactics to help you build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
1. Time Block for Freedom
It may seem counterintuitive, but the key to freedom is structure. Time blocking is an effective tool to ensure you’re focusing on what matters most. As a senior leader, you’re often pulled in multiple directions, but by scheduling time to handle the critical aspects of your business, you prevent distractions from consuming your day. When every hour has a purpose, you maximize productivity and prevent chaos.
2. Move Beyond Hourly Billing
For many service-based business owners, hourly billing feels like the only option. However, this model ties your income to your time, limiting your freedom. The solution? Shift to value-based packages. Offer different tiers of service, ranging from basic to premium, with clear deliverables. This approach not only detaches your income from time but also gives clients more options. Create high-value packages that can scale your business without you needing to clock every hour.
3. Hire an Accountability Coach
Senior leaders often have the knowledge and expertise to run their business but lack external accountability. That’s where an accountability coach comes in. A coach can help guide you through important decisions and hold you responsible for meeting your goals. When you have someone in your corner who understands your business and can provide strategic insights, you gain the clarity needed to lead effectively—and avoid getting lost in the daily grind.
These three strategies are simple yet powerful. By time blocking, shifting your billing model, and getting external accountability, you can create a business that not only thrives but also provides the freedom you deserve.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can create freedom in your business, check out the $4M Strategies podcast.
(Picture: $4M Strategies™ logo)
Podcast Schedule:
The $4M Strategies™ theme for the week is Effective Senior Leadership.
- Mon, 9/16 – Carl J Cox
- Tues, 9/17 – Jothy Rosenberg
- Weds, 9/18 – Cameron Herold
- Thurs, 9/19 – Elena Agaragimova
- Fri, 9/20 – Brian Bogert
- Tues, 9/17 – Jason Cutter
- Thurs, 9/19 – Branden Cobb (Re-release)
