“If only I had the time?”

“I can’t add one more marketing activity to my list. I just don’t have time.”

“I’m worried making videos will take time away from my family.”

Time isn’t something we can’t create more of but often we’re wasting time doing meaningless things like scrolling Reels, gossip news, or forums on our phones.

Sometimes we use the “time” excuse to get out of things we don't really want to do but need to do. Then, we see our competition is making videos and you’re feeling behind.

But here’s the thing, you’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.

Since we all have the same amount of time, what makes some people more successful is knowing how to make better use of it.

Here are a few ways to be successful when adding time into your schedule to make videos:

Audit Your Time

Yes, keep track of what you’re doing with your time. Spending 2 hours watching Reels? Mark that down. When I did this, I found tons of holes in my time where I was wasting it going down rabbit holes on the internet and mindlessly scrolling social media. If you’re mindlessly scrolling, you have time to make videos.

Determine Your Productive Time

I work best on my own business activities first thing I get into the office or they won’t happen. It’s like the oxygen mask theory – when you put your business oxygen mask on first, you then can help everyone else.

Each morning, I block 8-9 am to work on blogs, operational activities like invoicing and yes, record my videos. If I need to research and plan my videos, I set a 15 minute time because I know for a fact I will mindlessly scroll and lose track of time.

Set Aside Time to Plan

Speaking of planning, before you record videos, you’ll need to make a plan. As I mentioned above, block 15 mins a week just to scroll for inspiration. One method that has worked for me is copying the links to the video which inspired me and put in the “Notes” in my phone with the subject I want to tackle. If I just save it on Instagram, I usually forget why I use it.

Block the Time & Batch Record

Yes, go into your calendar and block the time out. Make a date with your calendar and stick to it. That is the only way I’ve found to be successful as a solopreneur who also needs to execute my own marketing.

BONUS: Create Your Ideal Schedule

Going back to that time audit. For me, I need to work on three activities daily, client work, coaching work and Shannon Lee Strategy work. To show my business as an example, my day looks like this. SLS work from 8-9 am, Client work 9 am - noon & coaching clients noon - end of business day. As a rule, I don’t usually have morning meetings or take lunch appointments as they disrupt my productivity. This is clearly a ‘you do you” situation.

Ready to take the next step and start thinking like a creator? On September 12, join me for a 3 day training “think like a creator” to get your head in the game and baby step you into short-form video creation.

The challenge is FREE but if you need an extra push? Join my VIP experience. The VIP experience receives a seat in the Zoom call and an extra hour of help each day to ask me anything plus a bonus training on September 19 at 3 pm Pacific. The cost is $19.