Welcome to my Summer Refresher Rhythms Series – your cliff notes guide to tuning up your creative business rhythms.

Think of this series as your business beach read: quick, refreshing, and packed with insights you can apply faster than you can say “Out of office auto-reply.” Each post is a bite-sized chunk of business wisdom, perfect for digesting between dips in the pool or sips of your frosty marg.

Today’s flavor? An introduction to Business Rhythms – the SPF 100 for your business burnout that doesn’t taste like sunscreen.

Don’t worry if you’re craving more after this sampler. I’ve got a whole buffet of free, in-depth resources waiting for you to dive into when you’re ready to go deeper (I’ve linked them all for quick reference at the end of this post).

But for now, let’s keep it light and breezy. Over the next 8 weeks, I’ll re-introduce you to each of the essential business rhythms so you can create the right-for-you rhythms that’ll have your business humming along smoother than a well-oiled machine, no matter the season.

This week, we’re starting with the basics. Ready to kick-start your rhythm-setting journey with a general intro to what business rhythms are, why they matter, and how to implement them? Let’s dive in!

What are Business Rhythms?

Business rhythms are recurring tasks and responsibilities that cycle through your work. 

They create consistency, which is key to success, sustainability, and sanity in your business. 

Unlike rigid routines or goals, rhythms offer a flexible foundation that adapts to your needs while ensuring everything gets taken care of efficiently (and well).

The 8 Essential Business Rhythms

Now, let’s talk about the core elements that keep your business humming. These are the 8 Essential Business Rhythms that every successful business relies on:

• CEO Time: Dedicated time to work ON your business, not just IN it.
  
  
• Finances: Regular peeks at your numbers ensure your finances don’t make you want to hide under the bed. 
  
  
• Sales: A consistent, ethical, and effective approach to selling your products or services without feeling like you need a shower afterward.
  
  
• Operations & Systems: Streamlined processes that keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes.
  
  
• Creative Time: Space for creativity and inspiration outside of client work. Summer is the perfect time to travel, try new things, and get out of your regular routines and nurture your creativity.
  
  
• Marketing: Strategic systems to grow your reach, without sacrificing your summer plans (or sanity).
  
  
• Engagement: Meaningful interactions with your audience and community that feel sustainable.
  
  
• Communication: Clear, proactive communication with clients, team members, and partners so that you can set and hold healthy boundaries around things like vacation time, project timelines, and more.

Don’t panic if this list looks daunting. We’ll dig into each of these over the coming eight weeks, breaking them down into bite-sized, actionable pieces. For now, just know that honing these rhythms is key to creating a business that runs smoothly and successfully.

Why Rhythms Work

Now, you might be thinking, “Cool list, Erin, but why should I care?” 

Well, hold onto your coffee mug, because I’m about to drop some truth bombs about why these rhythms are the unsung heroes of your business. 

When implemented intentionally, rhythms in business work 10/10 times because:

• They turn chaos into consistency
• They grow with your business
• They adapt to changing goals
• They make running your business feel smoother

In other words, rhythms are like a business whisperer, turning your frazzled “I can’t even” into “I’ve totally got this.” 

They’re the difference between feeling like you’re constantly putting out fires and feeling like you’re the cool, calm CEO you’ve always wanted to be. (Spoiler alert: You already are that CEO, and rhythms will help you own it.)

Signs You Need to Establish Better Rhythms

Okay, let’s get real for a second. If you’re breaking out in hives just thinking about your to-do list, you most definitely need a rhythm revamp. 

Here are some red flags that scream “Help! My business rhythms are off-beat!”

• You avoid certain tasks… if we’re being honest you’d rather watch paint drying than face your inbox or send client invoices
  
  
• Running your business feels like a game of Jenga played blindfolded (aka an overwhelming sense that one move could send everything tumbling at any moment)
  
  
• Your problem-solving strategy is “close eyes, cross fingers, hope for a miracle”

If you’re nodding so hard your neck hurts, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and you’re not doomed. These are just signs that your business is ready for a rhythm reset (you’re in the right place!). 

The Benefits of Focusing on Rhythms

Alright, let’s talk benefits. Getting your business rhythms in order isn’t just about checking boxes – it’s about making your work life easier and more productive. Here’s what you can expect on the other side of well-established rhythms.

You’ll…

• Finally feel like the boss of your own business (instead of its frazzled intern)
• Have time for big-picture planning and implementation (aka work ON your business not just IN it)
• Reduce stress and overwhelm (say goodbye to 3 AM panic sweats)
• Transform goals from dreams to “I DID that” reality
• Build a sustainable business in all seasons – a heatwave or a cold snap

Bonus: You’ll look and feel like you have your act together, even on days when you’re rocking yesterday’s messy bun and yoga pants – my signature look these days!

How to Implement Rhythms in Your Business

Ready to get started? Here are some steps to implement rhythms effectively:

• Start with one rhythm at a time (ideally target your biggest needs and stressors OR follow along with this series and address one with me each week!)
  
  
• Customize each rhythm to fit your unique business. One size fits none in this game.
  
  
• Be patient as you establish new habits. Good things take time.
  
  
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your rhythms so you can be sure they work for you, not against you.

Remember, we’re aiming for sustainable rhythms, not a business overhaul that’ll have you crying into your keyboard by day three. Take it at whatever pace feels comfortable and sustainable to you, and before you know it, you’ll be conducting your business like a pro.

Once you feel your business is in a groove, why stop there?

Getting your business in sync is a great start. But there’s so much more to running a successful creative business.

That’s where my “Business Building for Creatives” course comes in. While it includes a full module on business rhythms, it’s designed to help you master every aspect of your business:

• Marketing strategies that actually work for creatives
• Financial management made simple and effective
• Streamlined operations to save you time and headaches
• Techniques to amplify your unique creative voice

Plus, you’ll get:

• Easy-to-follow video modules and tools
• Practical workbooks for real-world application
• Strategies to build sustainable systems that grow with you

Ready to transform your creative business?

Click here to access “Business Building for Creatives”

Don’t just set rhythms – build a thriving, sustainable creative business that works for you.

Build A Strong Foundation With Rhythms

Want to be the first to know when each of the 8 essential rhythm blogs drops this summer? Join my mailing list!

Each week, I’ll deliver a fresh rhythm straight to your inbox, helping you enhance all areas of your business. Just past Labor Day, you’ll have a complete toolkit to keep your business humming through summer and beyond.

Plus, you’ll get exclusive tips on adapting your rhythms as the seasons change. Don’t miss out on building a more flexible, resilient creative business.

Sign up now to start your rhythm journey!

And in the meantime, dive deeper into rhythms with my past series.

While these 2024 summer blogs are your quick-and-dirty cliff notes, my previous series is the encyclopedia of business rhythms. Perfect for those who want to get a head start or dive deeper into each rhythm.

Check out the full rhythms series here:

1. The 8 Rhythms Your Business Needs This Year (Instead of Resolutions)
2. CEO Time: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Make It Happen
3. Finances: How Rhythms Will Help You Shift from Scary “F” Word to F Yeah!
4. Sales Rhythms: How to Ditch the Ick and Successfully Sell with Confidence & Authenticity
5. Operations Rhythms: The Fuel Your Creative Business Needs
6. Creative Rhythms: Are They a Priority or an Afterthought in Your Creative Business?
7. Marketing Rhythms: How to Get in Front of Your Ideal Audience Now
8. Engagement Rhythms: The Missing Link to Keeping in Touch with Your Ideal Audience
9. Communication Rhythms: How to Shift Your Communications From Frazzled to Streamlined
10. My Tried & True Recipe For Implementing Rhythms in Your Business

These comprehensive guides will help you take what you learn about rhythms this summer and dig deeper into your unique business rhythms throughout the year. Consider it your business rhythm required reading.