EP 345: Putting Your Business into Maintenance Mode with ScaleSpark Founder Susan Boles

In this episode:

• Sean McMullin asks Break The Ceiling host Susan Boles What She Learned About Starting a Business That Runs Herself
• Why Maintenance Mode is essential to create the space to experiment and try new ideas without destroying your business
• How to cut your business into smaller chunks to create your own minimum viable maintenance mode
• Why make the systems you need to take a break? before there is a crisis is crucial

This month’s series is all about “taking a break”, so Tara takes a break from hosting and handing over the microphone to her husband, producer and business partner, Sean McMullin. Get it away, Sean!

I never want to do work that I can’t walk away from.

When Tara and I started YellowHouse.Media, it was very important to me that we set it up so that it could eventually run on its own. We had built this great life together. We could travel, explore and pursue interests outside of work and I would only be a game to this whole entrepreneurship if it didn’t completely disrupt that life.

In Episode 232, we talked about our first approach to building a business that could work without us. And later in September, this time we’ll talk again with our production coordinator Lou Blaser about our final steps to make that happen.

It has taken quite a bit of time and intent to get to the point where it is possible to take time off or drastically cut down in real time.

But here we are.

Last week we made our first trip of this Hot Vax Summer. And later this month we will drive to Montana to enjoy another month in the mountains. We will still be at work, but the company will be largely in maintenance mode.

Which brings me to today’s topic. When Tara and I decided that this month I would take over from her and take a break on the subject, I immediately knew the first person I wanted to talk to.

My friend and YHM podcaster Susan Boles. Susan is the founder of ScaleSpark and the host of Break The Ceiling.

She has an eye for efficiency, systems and automation, which makes her the perfect candidate to talk about putting a business in maintenance mode.

And, Susan, like many others, was forced to grapple with the realities of building a business made for maintenance mode when the pandemic hit and schools closed.

During our conversation, you’ll hear that story and why it’s so important to her to have a business running in maintenance mode. You’ll also hear how Susan can fall prey to shiny object syndrome and other distractions just like any other business owner, and how she fights self-sabotage and combines work as a creative outlet with taking breaks.

Now let’s see what works for Susan Boles!