Top Tips for Handling Burnout as a Social Media Manager or Small Business Owner
As business owners, social media managers, and...you know human beings..burnout is all around us.
The first thing we need to start with: let's normalize it, and let's talk about it! The last thing we ever want you to feel as an entrepreneur is alone because there is a community out there for you regardless if you run a full agency, are a solopreneur, are working as a SMM freelancer, or are in a full-time social media manager role, etc.! We all go through similar ups and down, burnout being a major one that we've likely all experienced from time to time.
In this article, we are going over our top tips for handling burnout as a social media manager or small business owner.
Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Take breaks, engage in activities that make you happy OUTSIDE of work, and prioritize healthy habits. Put this in your calendar if you have to, because you are not skipping this step boss babe!
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, no matter your role. Define specific working hours and stick to them as much as possible. Avoid checking work-related emails or messages outside of those hours - unplug or turn off your notifications. Communicate your boundaries to clients, colleagues, or team members, and make sure they understand and respect them. Boundaries aren't embarrassing, so let's not hide them!
Delegate and outsource: If you're overwhelmed with tasks, consider delegating or outsourcing certain responsibilities. Identify tasks that can be handled by others, whether it's hiring additional staff or outsourcing specific functions like content creation or customer service. This can help alleviate your workload and allow you to focus on more strategic aspects of your role. Plus, this is your business or job, you shouldn't have to be stuck doing something you don't feel like you've mastered yet or don't want to do!
Streamline processes and workflows: Look for opportunities to optimize your processes and workflows. We are ALLLL about processes and systems over here at Social Savvy. Automate repetitive tasks, utilize project management tools, and establish efficient systems that help you work smarter, not harder. By streamlining your operations, you can save time and energy, reducing the likelihood of burnout.
Practice time management: Effective time management is crucial for avoiding burnout. Prioritize your tasks, create a schedule or to-do list, and focus on completing high-priority items first. Avoid multitasking and aim for deep work by eliminating distractions. Consider using time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, or the Time Blocking Technique.
Seek support and connection: Did we talk about this twice in the same article? Absolutely because that's how much we believe in this step. Reach out to peers, join communities, network, where you can connect with other social media managers or small business owners. Sharing experiences, insights, and challenges with like-minded individuals can provide valuable support and perspective. Engaging in networking opportunities or attending industry events can also foster professional growth and inspiration.
Learn to say no: Don't be afraid to say no to projects, collaborations, or opportunities that don't align with your goals or values. Overcommitting yourself can quickly lead to burnout. Assess each opportunity carefully, considering the impact on your workload and well-being before making a decision.
Take regular breaks and vacations: Plan regular breaks and vacations to recharge and disconnect from work. Use this time to engage in activities you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax. Taking breaks allows you to return to your work with renewed energy and perspective.
Remember, preventing and managing burnout is an ongoing process! Regularly assess your workload, stress levels, and overall well-being to make adjustments. Your business might mean the world to you, but you still have to come first.
Join our community of Social Media Managers and Small Business Owners, we'd love to chat more about this subject with you!
