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Finding Proof with Dr Tess Crawley

Finding Proof with Dr Tess Crawley

By Dr Tess Crawley

Welcome to Finding Proof with Australian psychologist and business mentor, Dr Tess Crawley.

What is getting in the way of you achieving your business goals? Are you feeling stuck? Do you fear about what others think of you? Does doubt stop you from taking action? Do you need to find proof that you are strong as wish you were?

I can help.

Welcome to the Finding Proof podcast. I am your host Dr Tess Crawley and I am on a mission to help you find the evidence you need to make the next courageous leap in your business.
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Ep. 56 - My Top 3 Tips for Survival as a Business Owner

Finding Proof with Dr Tess CrawleyApr 10, 2019

00:00
18:28
Ep. 82: NURTURE YOUR TEAM - Staffing Stress

Ep. 82: NURTURE YOUR TEAM - Staffing Stress

Staffing stress? You’re not on your Pat Malone!

Many of you have recently brought on your first staff members, and I hear you. YOU. ARE. STRESSED.

Building a team can be a truly exciting and rewarding time in any business, but it often comes with traumatic growth on the part of the business owner. This isn’t because you’re a bad leader or a bad business owner …

You’re a great “technician” (skilled clinician, in the case of most of my clients), with no training on how to recruit and retain staff or how to build a great team culture.  You’re so great at what you do, that you’ve built a wonderful reputation and are now swamped with work. That’s why you’ve recruited staff to help out.

Trouble is, you can’t sustain your usual work load AND manage your team. Something’s gotta give!

And that triggers fear. Big time.

Clients mean dollars. Fewer clients means fewer dollars. How will you afford to reduce your client load so you can support your team?

What if I told you that most of my business coaching clients move from this state of fear and end up in a place where they not only see fewer clients themselves, but their practices generate MORE revenue to support business sustainability?

What if I also told you that a mark of a successful business is when the business owner is paid a salary but is not the primary source of revenue?

These are things we’re not taught how to do at uni.

I remember my early days of practice ownership, bumbling about in the dark, figuring it all out by trial and error (or more accurately, error and error!). I’ve gone from traumatic growth to consolidated stability to strategic growth over the years.

It’s no accident that my clinic’s team culture was recognised as a finalist in the Allied Health Awards last year. Or that we’ve been awarded contracts worth over a million dollars.

Team culture, team stability, and team ambassadors all feed into business success and reduce burnout risk for you and your team … And it’s all achievable, without having to resort to dark magic!

I’m running some training on exactly these concepts … And here’s where you can find out all about it:  https://bit.ly/NurtureCourseInfo

Remember, we all learn how to do this, hopefully you’ll avoid some of the mistakes I made early on!

Much love,

Tess x

May 24, 202208:09
Ep. 81: EXCITING NEWS! In-person events are back!

Ep. 81: EXCITING NEWS! In-person events are back!

Why exactly am I so excited? Well some of it is a secret for now, but here’s what I can tell you … EXCITING NEWS! In addition to new online courses (announcement coming next week), I’m putting together a series of in-person events in Melbourne!

It’s been such an incredibly long time since I’ve been able to run workshops, and I can’t wait to get back into that space again.  I’m planning something incredibly spoiling … think stunning views, expert catering, and a whole day of indulgence (which is how I think of time spent working ON our businesses instead of IN our businesses).  If you keep your eye out, you might see a sneak peak of the venue when I inspect it next Wednesday!

What’s coming? … Workshops and working days … I’m planning at least a couple of events for the second half of this year. At least one will be a training day (think CEO Mindset on steroids) and at least one will be a working day (think No Quarter on speed!). They’ll be priced at around the $440 per head mark for a one-day event, and $880 for a two-day event. There’ll be a maximum of 20 people per event. 

SO … if you’d like to be added to the waitlist for these events (I know you want all the details, be patient!), shoot a little email to my assistants Jess & Josie (hello@tesscrawley.com.au) to be first in line for a place at the table (literally) … we’ll add you to the priority list once all the details are on hand. I am genuinely so excited to be back in the room with you (and to meet some of you for the first time). The very thought of it makes my heart sing! 

Much love,

Tess x

May 02, 202209:54
Ep. 80: A Sound Static Diary Enables You to Meet Your Goals and Self-Care Needs

Ep. 80: A Sound Static Diary Enables You to Meet Your Goals and Self-Care Needs

This week I’ve been speaking about this with my Like A Boss members (in BIG detail) and also introduced the concept to my No Quarter members. The key issues everyone is weighed down by seem to be: (i) A need to work “smarter-not-harder” after our past brutal couple of years; (ii) The need for several changes to how their businesses function in order to achieve this (time management, fee structure, recruitment, etc); and then (iii) complete overwhelm at how much work needs to be done with so little time and energy.  

But here’s what’s a given … no one will achieve anything if their diary doesn’t have dedicated time set aside each week for them to work on these things. Hence the diary reshape. And that triggers a cascade of fear: 

What if I can’t afford to take that time away from income generation? (Cue: fee structure discussion) 

What if my clients can’t get their preferred appointment time if I take time away from client work? (Cue: discuss guilt-induced over-availability)

What if my team think I’m slack for not seeing enough clients? (Cue: discuss the role of being the boss)

Most business issues can be addressed in an orderly structure fashion when we have time to focus on them. But time doesn’t grow on trees. We need to TAKE it. We need to make it happen.  So, have a look at your typical week. Identify how many hats you wear each week (business owner, client service provider, partner, parent, etc) and make sure there is a structure within your diary to support you to reliably be able to know which hat you’ll be wearing when, AND when you’ll reliably have time to work on your business (and no, NOT at 11:00 at night or on weekends!).  Meanwhile, please be gentle on yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Much love, Tess x

Instagram: @dr.tess.crawley

Facebook: Dr Tess Crawley

Twitter: @TessCrawley

www.tesscrawley.com.au

Feb 03, 202210:52
Ep. 79: What's it like to be a Member of Like a Boss?
Nov 09, 202110:43
Ep. 78: Mental Health Awareness Month - TIP#6 - YOUR GO-TO TOOLKIT
Oct 07, 202102:10
Ep. 77: Mental Health Awareness Month - Tip#5 - TIME BANDITS

Ep. 77: Mental Health Awareness Month - Tip#5 - TIME BANDITS

One of the main stressors in modern life is not having enough hours in the day. Trying to juggle working from home and remote learning for those of us in lockdown magnifies the problem. It stirs up the background noise of stress around getting things done at all (let alone on time).

How’s your email inbox looking?

What about your bills?

How are you juggling remote schooling?

I find the biggest time bandits in my day are common to most people:

* Distraction (including constant interruptions)

* Procrastination (including social media)

* Perfectionism (not getting anything finished unless it’s “good enough”, or not starting because it “can’t” be good enough)

* Overwhelm (too much to do, no idea where to start)

What to do?

Use apps to simplify your day AND remove any apps from your line of sight that will interrupt your flow

* Electronic shopping lists

* Voice messaging and voice-to-text apps

* “Hide” interrupting apps (social media, email, etc) off the front page of your phone (in a folder is best) … even better, remove them from your phone completely if you’re brave

* Use Google plug-ins like the Facebook “newsfeed eradicator” so you can’t doom scroll when you’re working

* Pomodoro apps like “Focus” to keep you focused (cos there’s nothing like a deadline, right!)

Structure your week into blocks so you can be focussed on certain things on certain days (this is my absolute sanity saver). Make sure you add uninterruptible time. I have a day each week where nothing is allowed to be booked in, so I’m free to think, plan, focus, or even (gasp) take a day off.

Take control of your time in simple ways to feel organised and less overwhelmed. This will help you balance your time at work and at home … even in lockdown!

Best wishes,

Tess x

p.s. If you need help with your mental health, my team at The Crawley Clinic (Melbourne and Launceston) can help - www.thecrawleyclinic.com.au - as can our colleagues at Crawley House - www.crawleyhouse.com.au

Oct 06, 202107:54
Ep. 76: Mental Health Awareness Month - Tip#4 - FATIGUE

Ep. 76: Mental Health Awareness Month - Tip#4 - FATIGUE

“Why am I so tired all the time?” This is a question I hear all the time at the moment … and one I often ask myself! You might have seen media articles talking about ‘fatigue’ and ‘languishing’, but what’s it all about? And why can’t we just “pick ourselves up by the bootstraps” and soldier on like we used to? 

Well, let’s stop for a minute and think about all the things we’ve been dealing with for the past couple of years … and don’t forget to include the 2019 bushfires. We’ve not had a break since.

* Bushfires

* National lockdown

* Work from home

* Remote Learning

* Closed borders

* Lack of proper holidays

* Rolling lockdowns

* Vaccine rollout

* Delta

* Inability to plan

* Protests

* Interrupted education

* Earthquake

* Interrupted goals

* Uncertainty about the future

Think of your coping resources as being like water in a bucket … the impact of even one of the things we’ve had to deal with over the past two years will poke a hole in the bottom of that bucket. Now imagine that before you have the ability to repair that hole and refill your coping bucket, each of the other stressors from the past two years starts poking holes in your bucket. What happens to your coping resources?

They run out of course!

And this is the key with the fatigue we’re all feeling. We’ve not had the opportunity to stop the holes being poked in our coping bucket, let alone repair the damage and fill that bucket back up! We’re at risk of burnout on a grand scale.

What do we do about that?

* Take mini-breaks each day

* Get fresh air when you can

* Focus on the things within your control and let go of the things you have no influence over

* SELF-COMPASSION big time - you’re doing your best

* Pick your battles

* Get professional help if you need it AND don’t forget a medical check up (I know from personal experience that this fatigue is NOT helped by low iron levels!)

Be kind to yourself and remember … Rest IS doing something.

Best wishes,

Tess x

p.s. If you need help with your mental health, my team at The Crawley Clinic (Melbourne and Launceston) can help - www.thecrawleyclinic.com.au - as can our colleagues at Crawley House - www.crawleyhouse.com.au

Oct 06, 202106:43
Ep. 75: Mental Health Awareness Month Tip#3 - NORMALISE & VALIDATE

Ep. 75: Mental Health Awareness Month Tip#3 - NORMALISE & VALIDATE

We all need to feel seen and heard, especially when times are tough. We need to know that when we’re struggling, others see our pain. This provides validation that what we are experiencing is real. We also need to know that our reaction to difficult times is not “crazy”, but a normal response that anyone in the same situation would also experience. This helps normalise our response and take some of the self-judgement out of the equation.

As mental health professionals normalising and validating peoples emotional experiences is a common aspect to our work with clients. It’s not a ‘treatment’ but an important element to laying the foundations for treatment to be effective, because it helps build trust. A fundamental component of the therapeutic relationship.

What if you can’t someone who’ll provide that normalisation or validation for you? Then it’s time to take a step back and provide that for yourself.

How? It involves a big dollop of self-compassion, and consciously tapping into viewing your situation through the eyes of others (not in a critical way, but in a more objective way) … How would your favourite teacher, best friend, respected colleague feel if they were in your shoes? How long is the list of things you’re trying to juggle right now? Would you expect others to be able to juggle that load without dropping any balls?

Normalise your feelings by gently reminding yourself that others experience what you’re going through and need help too … Do NOT minimise the impact on yourself just because “others have it tougher”. Remember, it’s all relative.

Validate your feelings by gently reminding yourself that it’s okay to feel stressed in stressful time, or sad about sad things, or anxious during times of uncertainty.

Be gentle with yourself. These are abnormal times, and big feelings are to be expected.

And of course … it’s normal to need help with overwhelming feelings too.

Take care,

Tess x

p.s. If you need help with your mental health, my team at The Crawley Clinic (Melbourne and Launceston) can help - www.thecrawleyclinic.com.au - as can our colleagues at Crawley House - www.crawleyhouse.com.au

Oct 04, 202107:04
Ep. 74: Mental Health Awareness Month TIP#2 - RESET & REFRESH

Ep. 74: Mental Health Awareness Month TIP#2 - RESET & REFRESH

One of the easiest things we can do to improve the moment we are in (which can have the added benefit of refreshing our mood) is to grab a reset minute. What’s that? Something super simple that creates a pattern-interrupt when you’re in a bit of a mood fug.

Even something as simple as changing your posture or vocalising can do it.

* If you’ve been sitting at your desk and feel your forehead  stuck in a frown, stand up and give yourself a bit of a shake. It will reset you physically and refresh you mentally.

* The same with vocalising - Been working silently for a while? Sing. Or yell. Or just speak out loud.

On a technical level changing our posture or vocalising activates different part of the brain than when we’ve been sitting silently in a fug.

Two of my favourites are super simple:

* Kylie Minogue (or any dance-inducing music) plus dancing like a lunatic

* Singing like an opera singer on steroids … ANY song that comes to mind I will turn into an aria. Van Halen? Yep. Due Lipa? Sure.

* Both of these work on two fronts: Posture shift and Vocalising PLUS both make my family laugh (which ALWAYS improves my mood)

My top tip for reseting and refreshing if you can’t be a complete lunatic - and this is one I frequently encourage my clients to do:

* Sit in a sunny spot (in your lounge room, in your garden, doesn’t matter where) and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee (etc)

This involves a posture shift (you’ve moved from wherever you were), a dose of Vitamin D from the sun (and some fresh air if you’re outside), and another great mindfulness trip - savouring the moment.

So, when you find yourself stuck in a mood you don’t want, or in a work-from-home fug, try these little reset and refresh hacks to shake the cobwebs loose and push your mood closer to the direction you’d like it to be in.

Remember, you can choose your mood, but sometimes you need to pull out the big guns. This is a good one.

Now excuse me while I finish my coffee in the sun.

Have a great day!

Tess x

p.s. If you need help with your mental health, my team at The Crawley Clinic (Melbourne and Launceston) can help - www.thecrawleyclinic.com.au - as can our colleagues at Crawley House - www.crawleyhouse.com.au

Oct 03, 202108:12
Ep. 73: Mental Health Awareness Month TIP#1 - GROUNDING
Oct 01, 202105:30
Ep. 72 A CEO Mindset During Uncertain Times - Elevate 2021 Podcast Interview Series

Ep. 72 A CEO Mindset During Uncertain Times - Elevate 2021 Podcast Interview Series

It was so exciting to be interviewed by the wonderful Gerda Muller about the forthcoming Elevate 2021 conference, where I’ll be speaking on the topic of #CEOMindset. Can’t wait! 

Elevate 2021 is the Private Practice Success Conference for Allied Health & Mental Health Professionals scheduled for 15th & 16th September 2021. Details at: www.elevateconference.com.au/2021

Jul 22, 202140:53
Ep. 71 End Of Financial Year Tip: Relationships

Ep. 71 End Of Financial Year Tip: Relationships

The new financial year provides a great opportunity to spend time identifying and then nurturing important relationships to your business. Neighbours, clients, referrers, and staff … these are all relationships that contribute to the viability of your business. Look after them.

Ways to nurture important relationships:

A handwritten thank you card

Cross-referring to professional colleagues

Maintaining good communication

Marketing in ways that enhance knowledge and communication (not just sell, sell, sell).

Now is a good time of year to identify these relationships and touch base. (And it means you won’t get lost in the sea of Christmas cards at the end of the year!)

Jul 05, 202104:21
Ep. 70 End of Financial Year Tip: Finances

Ep. 70 End of Financial Year Tip: Finances

MONEY... We all drop the ball sometimes!

This time of year gets us laser focussed on what’s been coming into our businesses, and more confrontingly, what’s been going out.

We are forced to pay close attention to some truths about our businesses that we might not like. Perhaps we’ve been a bit stuck in a comfort zone with regards revenue streams. Or perhaps we’ve fallen into some bad spending habits. *ahem*

Whatever it is, you need to know this:

a) It happens to all of us

b) It doesn’t mean you’re a failure

c) Help is available

d) Now’s the time to make a plan

And when I say make a plan, we’re not just talking about “I promise not to buy so much stationery” … Your plan should include such things as regular meetings with your accountant, getting clarity around your budget, revenue forecasting, AND reductions in unhelpful expenditure (and so on).

I’m here to tell you I STILL drop the financial ball sometimes.

Which is why I’m always so grateful for the support team I have around me. They help me pick that ball right back up and start running with it again!

Jul 01, 202109:48
Ep. 69 End of Financial Year Tip: Performance

Ep. 69 End of Financial Year Tip: Performance

PERFORMANCE … When talking performance indicators, most people assume Key Performance Indicators - and then link these to punitive measures to curb underperformance. I’d like you instead to think of two types of performance indicators:  Key Performance Indicators and CUSTOMER Performance Indicators.

Key Performance Indicators can be things like:

- Number or referrals/enquiries per month.

- Number of conversions (initial appointments attended or first sales)

- Retention rates (number of sessions attended before client drops off)

- Average session fee for appointments

- Average sale amount

Go over these for each month and check for trends. These can be trends for staff performance, trends for “hot” or “cold” business months, and so on. Try to identify what’s driving the trends you identify. (Obviously taking Covid19 into account.)

Customer Performance Indicators can be things like:

- First impression on the phone

- Satisfaction with email responses

- First impression when entering your premises

- Satisfaction with getting their needs met by your business

It’s almost impossible for small businesses to get an accurate reflection on customer performance indicators, so I think it’s really important for business owners to touch base with what it might feel like to be a new customer/client/referrer to your business - try seeing it through their eyes. For example, is your phone answered by a human or an answering machine (my pet hate) or not at all?? Is the entry to your premises grubby or warm and welcoming?

Take time at regular intervals throughout the year to check in on all of these performance indicators.

Jun 30, 202105:59
Ep. 68 End Of Financial Year Tip: Marketing

Ep. 68 End Of Financial Year Tip: Marketing

Have you avoided marketing this past financial year? Too busy? Like, literally TOO BUSY? Scared it’s going to cost you time and money? I’m here to tell you all that is nonsense.

Many business owners tell me they don’t want to engage in marketing because they’re scared to have to turn business away. What does this tell us? They need to recruit, right? But there’s no staff to be found! And around and around they go.

Here’s the thing. Marketing your business isn’t just about generating more business. It’s about establishing a meaningful and relatable presence in the community. This means that your business becomes a trusted part of the landscape, a service that your community grows to know, like, and trust.

And this reaps benefits in … you guessed it … recruitment!

So, if you’re desperate for staff and you don’t have a presence on social media (for example), how are these magical staff going to find you? And why would they choose you over the thousands of others in the same boat as you? You’re scared you’ll have to compete on money, but you can’t afford that. So you keep drowning in too much business, too little time, and not enough help. It’s the businesses that potential recruits feel they know (via social media mostly) who have the edge in this market.

Marketing helps in so many areas of your business and it doesn’t have to be overly time-consuming or difficult.

The easiest thing in the world is to do a one-minute livestream each day talking about your day, talking about your team, showing people what you do, telling them a funny story, or walking them around your premises.

One. Minute.

The only thing stopping you is you. Sure it will feel weird the first few times, and then suddenly it won’t feel weird anymore. It will become a quick and easy part of your day, and you’ll soon learn how to repurpose those little videos for extra content. All of it authentic. All of it letting your ideal staff, clients, or referrers get to know you better.

No more excuses please.

Jun 29, 202105:44
Ep. 67 CEO Mindset and Failure

Ep. 67 CEO Mindset and Failure

“What if I fail? What if I don’t have all my shit together? I’m the boss, I should have all the answers!” … And other nonsense we tell ourselves.

I was interviewed today by my buddy, Gerda Muller, and we got talking about business failures and how this relates to adopting a CEO Mindset. What I said to her might surprise you.

Jun 28, 202106:55
Ep. 66 What Did I Learn From My PICKING OUR BUSINESS BATTLES Survey?

Ep. 66 What Did I Learn From My PICKING OUR BUSINESS BATTLES Survey?

Huge thanks to the more than 60 people who completed my survey (it’s still open if your keen).

Key issues for most people:

Time Management

Staffing

Marketing (this was very telling!)

Delegation

Revenue Streams

So what am I doing about it?

Luckily I’d already started putting together my CEO Mindset training program, which covers all these issues, and a bit more!

Tess x

Jun 26, 202117:03
Ep. 65 CEO Mindset Training Snippet

Ep. 65 CEO Mindset Training Snippet

Today I launched my CEO Mindset training, which will run in July (2021). What is a CEO mindset though?

Here's a snippet from a video I recorded in 2019 where I explain the CEO mindset concept.

Since this was filmed, I've moved to Melbourne, sold one of my practices, started a third business, and employed more people to help me grow in each of my businesses ... all things I predicted as early as 2018, a classic example of strategic CEO-style visioning!

Whatever your vision for your business, the content we'll cover in the CEO Mindset training program will see you taking strategic steps forward towards bringing that vision into reality.

In this six-week live online training, we will tackle some of the biggest issues I'm asked about by business owners like you.

* Time management

* Staff recruitment and retention

* Marketing

* Money Mindset

* And much more!

Most importantly, when you walk away from this program you'll find that you start thinking more strategically, just like the visionary CEO that I know you are!

Sessions are recorded in case you can’t attend live.

Cost is $497

Sessions start on July 29 at 1:00pm (Melbourne time)

Jun 23, 202104:54
Ep. 64 How To Set Your Fees

Ep. 64 How To Set Your Fees

I was asked a great question this morning from someone launching a new practice. In summary the question was this: “How do I know when to set my fees at the same rate as others?” There are so many factors that go into fee setting, but the first thing you need to factor in is your own money baggage.

Do you feel “worthy” to charge the same as your colleagues?

Do you feel you “deserve” to earn a decent living from your labours?

Do you feel that you “should” put the financial welfare of others before the viability of your business? (That’s a BIG question, I know).

Where did you money attitudes come from? Family? Peers? Colleagues?

It might be time to understand what an “industry standard” means, why it’s important when it comes to setting your fees.

1. Understand what your industry’s recommended fee is, and what it’s based on

2. Don’t undercut your colleagues

3. Don’t diminish the value of your profession

Here are some other things I want you to think about, journal on, or get some coaching around:

1. How do you feel gratitude towards those who charge more and those who charge less than you?

2. How do you match your fees to your values WITHOUT going broke?

3. What are the unforeseen money disasters lurking if you DON’T start as you mean to finish? (Remember, it’s harder to raise your fees than to set them appropriately in the first place).

4. BE CAREFUL whose opinions you listen to.

Jun 02, 202125:13
Ep. 63 You’ve already got all the training, knowledge, and skills you need.

Ep. 63 You’ve already got all the training, knowledge, and skills you need.

You’ve already got all the training, knowledge, and skills you need. All you need to do is trust in that, and share it!

We all worry about “getting it wrong” sometimes. But the reality is you have conversations within your area of expertise every day. So why is it so hard to do the exact same thing with an audience?

Scared of embarrassing yourself? Maybe.

Scared of being judged? Probably.

List all the reasons you’re an authority in your field:

Years of training

Money spent on professional development

Years of experience

Number of people helped

And so on...

Now tell me again why you’re scared you’ll say something dumb.

See? There’s no truth to your fears. So stop letting fear call the shots.

And if anyone judges or criticises you for sharing your expertise freely, send them my way! I’ve got your back!

Have an amazing evening,

Tess x

p.s. Keep your eyes peeled for some behind the scenes footage this weekend while I have the privilege of hanging out with some of my Like A Boss inner circle business coaching clients. Due to a couple of recent graduations, there is currently a vacancy in Like A Boss, so shout if you’re keen! x

Mar 17, 202104:46
Ep. 62 Being Outspoken Does Not Make You Wrong
Mar 08, 202110:58
Ep. 61 It Can Take Time to Find What Suits Us in Our Businesses
Mar 03, 202110:21
Ep. 60 Don’t Assume No-one’s Looking At Your Content
Mar 02, 202104:32
Ep. 59 How Successful Delegation and Your Fees are Related

Ep. 59 How Successful Delegation and Your Fees are Related

I’ve had a few conversations this week about delegating. What to delegate, who to delegate to, how to delegate, and all of the feelings that delegating triggers in us.   

What to delegate: 

* Takes you don’t enjoy (yes, this is allowed!) 

* Tasks you never seem to get to 

* Tasks that misuse your time 

* Tasks that deplete your energy  

Who to delegate to: 

* People who’ll get the job done (obviously)  

* Is there a member of staff who can do the task?  

* Do you need to hire admin support?  

* Do you need to outsource the task for a fee?  

How to delegate: 

* Seems obvious, but ask the person to do the task (and don’t expect them to mind-read that you need the job done) 

* Show them how you’d like it done;  

* Let them get on with doing it  

All the feels:  

* Feelings of guilt and laziness are common when we’re new to delegating 

* Give yourself a pep talk to overcome these feelings 

* Remember, the person you’ve delegated to is there because they want to help you 

* TRUST that the person will get the job done 

* ACCEPT that the person may not do the task the same way you would (that doesn’t mean they’ve done a bad job) 

* STOP giving in to the temptation to micro-manage 

* IDENTIFY which of these feelings are interfering with you being able to delegate successfully How is this all related to fees?  

Once you know who you need to delegate to, you can then determine what that’s going to cost you. Is it a new staff member? 

Or an external agency? What will that cost? How does that work within your current revenue streams?   

If you NEED the thing done but can’t AFFORD to delegate - you’re not charging enough to support your business.  

Consequences of this? You’ll end up adding the thing to your never-ending to do list. And hey presto! Burnout city is your next destination.  

So delegating successfully contributes to the longer-term viability of your business, meaning you get to help more people.   

Win win!   

T x  

#businesscoach#psychologist#privatepractice#delegate#selfcare#burnout#melbourne

Mar 01, 202114:18
Ep. 58 Let's Talk About Emotional Whiplash
Feb 26, 202107:14
Ep. 57 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Ep. 57 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Stepping outside your comfort zone pushes all sorts of buttons. It might be fear of judgement, fear of embarrassing yourself, fear of making a mistake.  But as I told my son this morning, fear of something that hasn’t happened yet is wasted energy. 

My philosophy (based on years of stepping outside of my own comfort zone, and encouraging others to do likewise) is that it’s better to do the thing first and worry about fear later - because the thing we fear (judgement, embarrassment, mistakes) almost never happens! (And if it does, you’ll deal with it, cos you’re amazing like that!)  

So if there’s a challenge you’re facing in your business that you’d like to overcome, but it means stepping outside your comfort zone, take it from me, you won’t die. 

Do the damn thing!   

Do. Learn. Grow.   

Overcome fear.  

Take action.  

Tess x

Feb 25, 202108:34
Ep. 56 How Has Facebook Ban On Viewing And Sharing News Affected You?

Ep. 56 How Has Facebook Ban On Viewing And Sharing News Affected You?

How has Facebook’s ban on viewing and sharing news in Australia affected you? 

If you are a content creator or own a business page, here’s why you should be concerned, and what you can do to protect your content.  

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

Feb 24, 202112:50
Ep. 55 Feeling Exhausted and Emotional?

Ep. 55 Feeling Exhausted and Emotional?

Feeling exhausted and emotional? 

Me too. 

Maybe you need to take a moment to acknowledge all the background noise taking up your attention, energy, and memory space. And maybe a little defrag will help!  

#LockdownDay4 #melbournelockdown #selfcare #mentalhealth #melbourne #businesscoach #psychologist #privatepractice

Feb 23, 202111:38
Ep. 54 Encouraging People to Charge Their Worth!
Feb 22, 202110:00
Ep. 53 Managing Your Lockdown Anxiety

Ep. 53 Managing Your Lockdown Anxiety

Melbourne Lockdown Day 2 ... Your Mental Health. I’m focusing on simply being with my kids, but I couldn’t shake the awareness of how much anxiety I’m seeing in the community at the moment.   

So I’m taking a minute to share a couple of tips for coping with that anxiety.  

#melbournelockdown #businesscoach #psychologist #anxiety #memtalhealth #privatepractice #crawleyhouse #crawleyclinic #melbourne

Feb 19, 202110:14
Ep. 52 It’s So Tempting To Wallow As We Enter Lockdown.
Feb 18, 202106:21
Ep. 51 How Being Busy is an Addictive Trap

Ep. 51 How Being Busy is an Addictive Trap

How Being Busy is an Addictive Trap Just caught myself telling myself off because I had 20 minutes up my sleeve and I “should” be doing something! Funny thing, I was doing something. Rest is “doing something”.   

#businesscoach #psychologist #crawleyhouse #crawleyclinic #privatepractice #melbourne

Feb 17, 202107:16
Ep. 50 Confession Time and Why Self-Compassion Is So Important!
Feb 16, 202106:40
Ep. 49 How to Think & Act Like a CEO (Even if you’re a solopreneur)
Feb 15, 202108:49
Ep. 48 How Your Organisational Structure Influences Your Fees

Ep. 48 How Your Organisational Structure Influences Your Fees

Your Organisational Structure & Your Fees ...

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

Feb 15, 202113:59
The G&T Sessions - The Importance of Flexibility at Times of Crisis

The G&T Sessions - The Importance of Flexibility at Times of Crisis

In this episode of The G&T Sessions, Gerda and Tess talk about the importance of flexibility in business, especially in times of crisis such as we are facing now. Both psychological and behavioural flexibility help with coping skills and business innovation, allowing a greater capacity to tolerate the emotional stresses of business crises, and more creativity in devising smart business survival strategies.

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

Sep 07, 202038:37
Ep. 179 First FRIDAY LIVE BUSINESS Q&A

Ep. 179 First FRIDAY LIVE BUSINESS Q&A

❣️ Welcome to our first FRIDAY LIVE BUSINESS Q&A ... where you get to ask me anything - about your business or mine! 

Today we spoke about recruitment, challenging your assumptions about modes of engaging team members, creatively utilising your space to generate extra revenue, buying vs leasing commercial property, and MORE ... all within 30 minutes!  

I had so much fun chatting with those who were live with me that I've decided to do this most Friday mornings on my Facebook page, so watch out for the Facebook notifications telling you when I'll be live.  

Thank you for those who took part live! If you couldn't make it, don't be afraid to ask your question in the comments.  

Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend!  Tess x

Aug 29, 202032:05
The G&T Sessions: Behavioural Flexibility In Your Business. Being prepared for The Unexpected!

The G&T Sessions: Behavioural Flexibility In Your Business. Being prepared for The Unexpected!

I am in Lockdown in Melbourne. In contrast, Gerda is likely to see an influx of tourists in her neck of the woods in Queensland as borders there have reopened. We could not be in more contrasting circumstances if we tried at the moment!  

So, today Gerda and I talk about how businesses can learn from the experiences of those of us in Melbourne who are in Lockdown 2.0, because at the very least, Melbourne is showing us that further lockdowns are a very real possibility for all of us.  

It's important to stay consistently visible, it's important to implement creative strategies to remain viable, and it's important to not assume this pandemic is going to be gone any time soon.  

Think of the clever ways you implemented your services during Lockdown 1.0, and then consider how you can ensure these elements of your business remain a permanent part of your suite of services. 

This will help protect you in the event of your own Lockdown 2.0, Lockdown 3.0 and beyond. And if there are no further lockdowns (fingers crossed!) - bonus!  

Stay well, stay safe, and stay supportive of one another. 

Tess x

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

Jul 13, 202043:46
The G&T Sessions: Looking after your health is good for business.

The G&T Sessions: Looking after your health is good for business.

The podcast has been on a break while Tess' voice recovers from a damaged vocal cord. So now that we're back, Gerda & Tess talk about the importance of not overlooking your own health as a business owner, as well as making sure you've got the right insurances in place in case your health does take a turn. Enjoy.

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

Jun 29, 202040:37
Ep. 178 It Is Your Place to Have An Opinion

Ep. 178 It Is Your Place to Have An Opinion

It is your place to have an opinion. 

It is your place to express it. 

It is your place to stand your ground if your opinion is unpopular. 

It is your place to hold the line for what you believe in.  

Please don’t be afraid to be opinionated on social media.  

This is how we change the world! 

🔥❤️🔥 ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 🖤💛❤️  

#blacklivesmatter 

#alwayswasalwayswillbe


Jun 15, 202007:10
Crawley & Drager: Centre of Attention Session: Business Fatigue, Decision Fatigue, & Lockdown

Crawley & Drager: Centre of Attention Session: Business Fatigue, Decision Fatigue, & Lockdown

Great chat with Mark Drager this morning about business owners’ experiences of lockdown fatigue, decision fatigue, and anxiety around restrictions lifting. 

#CentreOfAttentionSessions #Podcast

May 29, 202001:03:36
Ep. 177 What does BRAVE mean to you?

Ep. 177 What does BRAVE mean to you?

What does BRAVE mean to you?  

I’m regularly challenging my business coaching clients to step outside their comfort zones and put as much faith in their abilities as I do.  

Needless to say, I often push my own comfort boundaries too.  What’s scary to you might not be scary to me, and vice versa. But it’s important to remember.

WE DO SCARY THINGS!  

p.s. Sorry about the audio quality! 🙊 .

p.s. Come join my free group in FB for small business owners and entrepreneurs in ANY sector. It’s called “The Brave”, because that’s what you are!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BraveNewNormal/?ref=share


May 28, 202006:24
Ep. 176 Have You Misunderstood What We Mean by “Authentic”?

Ep. 176 Have You Misunderstood What We Mean by “Authentic”?

Be your “authentic” self. Show up in “authenticity”. What does this even mean?  

Too often I see professionals showing up on social media putting their best professional foot forward, but looking terrified.  

If you’re afraid to be you, if you’re afraid to drop the facade and just be, how will we ever get to know you?  

And if we can’t get to know you, how will we ever get to trust you?  

As I make some pizza dough tonight, let me share with you my thoughts on authenticity. 

p.s. Come join my free group in FB for small business owners and entrepreneurs in ANY sector. It’s called “The Brave”, because that’s what you are! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BraveNewNormal/?ref=share

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

May 20, 202012:59
Ep. 175 Steady As She Goes

Ep. 175 Steady As She Goes

Steady as she goes. In the face of so much community anxiety, we need to remember our roles as “captains”. As we navigate these choppy seas, we have ways to do so safely. We might not know how long our journey will be. The navigational charts may not be clearly plotted.

But we have sails to help us move forward. We have a rudder to hold us steady. And we have an anchor to hold us safely in harbour when needed. As leaders and business owners we are captains. We can help ease the anxiety around sudden changes being foisted upon us ... by holding our own ships steady, staying our own course, being responsive not reactive, and maintaining our own wellbeing to stay for duty. Hold steady, Captain!  

Much love, Tess x  

p.s. Today I’m launching a new free group for small business owners and entrepreneurs in ANY sector. It’s called “The Brave”, because that’s what you are! 

Please come join our crew here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BraveNewNormal/?ref=share

May 18, 202008:55
Ep. 174 If You Won't Trust Yourself, Why Should Anyone Else?

Ep. 174 If You Won't Trust Yourself, Why Should Anyone Else?

Two years ago today I embarked on a solo journey to Las Vegas. It was a seemingly crazy decision to travel to the other side of the world for what was ultimately a three-hour event.  

The lead up to me taking this journey was just as powerful as what followed … and what followed was incredible.  

If I had not trusted my own inner voice telling me I HAD to take that journey, not only would I have missed out on all the good stuff that followed, I may never again have had the opportunity to prove to myself so resoundingly that my instincts are trustworthy.  

Sometimes our inner wisdom screams and shouts, trying to get our attention. But we don’t listen. Instead we override that inner voice and defer to “rational” thought instead. Lists of pros and cons. Advice from others. Ignoring our own instincts because we couldn’t possibly be right, right?  When was the last time you trusted yourself enough to do something that seemed crazy or irrational? Because sometimes that crazy irrational thing is the wisest move you’ll ever make. 

p.p.s. If you’re a business owner (even if you’re a solopreneur!), you’re a CEO. Here are my three keys to building your influence as a CEO within your business, outside your business, and within the broader market. It’s called CEO Creator: https://bit.ly/CEOCreator

May 15, 202011:25
Ep. 173 Supporting Small Business

Ep. 173 Supporting Small Business

Supporting small business. Supporting your business. Supporting you. It’s all one and the same, when you think about it.  

#SmallBusiness #entrepreneur #supportlocalbusiness #businesscoach #psychologist

May 13, 202009:20
A Conversation with Evan Carmichael - Making Your Days More Intentional

A Conversation with Evan Carmichael - Making Your Days More Intentional

In this conversation, Tess and Evan discuss strategies for becoming more intentional with your time, and how to structure your day in ways that better reflect what works for you ... and debate whether or not other people's strategies will actually work for you.

May 12, 202001:14:19
The G&T Sessions - Fatigue, juggling, and walking through wet cement. Are you feeling it too?

The G&T Sessions - Fatigue, juggling, and walking through wet cement. Are you feeling it too?

In this episode of The G&T Sessions, Tess and Gerda talk about the levels of fatigue and the struggles with motivation that so many are feeling at the moment. It's been getting to us too! We talk about business innovation and how isolation has challenged us all to do things differently rather than insisting on "the way things have always been done". Everyone is doing big days amid lots of stress and LOTS of juggling, so recognising the need for taking downtime is so important right now. Be kind to yourself. No judgement! Keep in mind what's reasonable to expect of yourself in these strange times that have no clear end in sight.

#businessowner #entrepreneur #psychologist #businesscoach #businessmentor #privatepractice #mentor #business #burnout #businesswoman

May 07, 202046:34
Ep. 172 Are you expecting too much of yourself?

Ep. 172 Are you expecting too much of yourself?

When you’re used to being progress-focussed and conscientious, it takes a lot to pull your foot off the accelerator pedal. But sometimes that’s your smartest next move.  

In isolation, we’re all juggling. Juggling working from home and educating from home. Juggling the desire to go out with the need to stay in. Juggling the sense of overwhelm with the desire to just say “fuck it”! Juggling exhaustion with peddling faster to keep our businesses afloat.  

The most common thread of conversations I’ve been having with business owners lately is about this juggle.  

The first month of lockdown was met with panic in the small business community. How can I pay my staff? 

How can I stay open? 

Will this destroy me?  

And then we started seeing some of the fanciest footwork I’ve seen in a long time. 

Small businesses weren’t just pivoting, they were pirouetting!  

And now we’re starting to hit a wall. That constant push forward has been equal parts exciting and draining, as has the constant wobble of balancing on ever-shifting sands.  

Throw into the mix the need to home educate your kids? WHAM! You’re one step away from burnout.  

Lower your expectations within at least one area. Accept a little under-performance, compared to your usual standard. Be okay with resting.  And your kids won’t die if they have a disrupted education this year. They’re learning to be more connected family members, to be inventive, and to understand the bigger world in a new way.  

Go easy. You’re doing an amazing job, but you don’t have to be perfect!  

Much love, Tess x 

p.s. I’d love you to join my Better Access & Beyond: Private Practice Essentials. For a $97 registration fee and just $5 a month ongoing subscription, I provide training, support, and resources for private practitioners. Here’s the link for more information: https://bit.ly/BeyondBetterAccess

 p.p.s. If you’re a business owner (even if you’re a solopreneur!), you’re a CEO. Here are my three keys to building your influence as a CEO within your business, outside your business, and within the broader market. It’s called CEO Creator: https://bit.ly/CEOCreator

May 01, 202012:01
Crawley & Drager: The Centre of Attention Session: IT TAKES COURAGE TO PIVOT!

Crawley & Drager: The Centre of Attention Session: IT TAKES COURAGE TO PIVOT!

In this episode of the Crawley & Drager Sessions, Mark and I talk about how we’re all adapting to these times of isolation and social distancing, what we’re noticing others do well, and how it’s working out for our own businesses.   

We talked about the courage it takes to pivot your business, including putting our ego in our back pockets for the sake of adding revenue to our businesses shout out to award-winning seafood restaurant Bacash, humbly pivoting to offer to take away fish and chips.   

There are some other gems in this conversation including Mark’s very clever recruitment strategy for his business, and how the Canadian education system allows parents to juggle educating from home with working from home in a really sensible way, shout out to homeschoolers who already know this ;-)   

Overall a great discussion. We hope you’ll enjoy it.

May 01, 202001:02:46