We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shayla Burtin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shayla below.

Shayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I spent 15 years in the corporate world, feeling constantly stressed out, overworked, and underappreciated. It was during this time that I decided to take a leap of faith and venture out on my own as an entrepreneur. I reached a breaking point where I realized that if I was going to put in so much effort and dedication, it should be towards building my own company instead of working for someone else’s success.

Beginning my own business was not without its challenges, and I was fully aware that it would require significant effort. Despite the roller coaster ride of ups and downs, I strongly believed that the rewards of entrepreneurship would far outweigh the difficulties. As I reflect on the past 6 years of running my own business, I have definitely experienced both exhilarating highs and discouraging lows.

There was a particular moment last year when I contemplated returning to the stability of a regular job. My business was going through a prolonged slow period, and I found myself overwhelmed by worries about how to meet my financial obligations. Feeling the weight of the situation, I started exploring job opportunities and considering whether it was time to give up on my entrepreneurial journey.

Fortunately, just as I began the job application process, things started turning around with my business. As the slow period came to an end, I regained my confidence and saw renewed growth. What kept me going through that challenging time was the realization that the work I was doing was truly making a difference in the lives of others. It was a deeply gratifying feeling to know that my efforts were not in vain, and it gave me the motivation to push through the tough times.

Now, looking back, I can confidently say that I am much happier as a business owner than I ever was as an employee. The freedom to pursue my passion, make a positive impact, and dictate my own path brings me immeasurable joy and fulfillment. It is a life that I would not trade for anything else.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Business Strategist with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations. As the founder of Yes, I Can Help You LLC, I provide business management and virtual staffing services. My expertise lies in partnering with busy entrepreneurs who are ready to break free from the 24/7 hustle and create a healthier work-life alignment.

I developed my signature Freedom First Method that focuses on four essential phases to help businesses run seamlessly and allow entrepreneurs to enjoy well-deserved vacations without compromising their company’s success:

1. Priority:
I believe that taking care of yourself is essential to being an effective leader. I work with my clients to prioritize their well-being and take regular time off.

2. Plan:
Together, we develop a comprehensive growth plan tailored to each client’s business goals. By identifying key opportunities and strategies, we pave the way for long-term success.

3. Process:
I assist my clients with improving and documenting the way they do business. This ensures consistency, efficiency, and scalability in their companies. Having completed Standard Operating Procedures also makes training future staff easier.

4. People:
I help entrepreneurs build a high-performing team that aligns with their company’s vision and values. Effective team management is crucial for sustainable business growth.

What makes me unique is my unwavering commitment to putting my client’s freedom first and helping them build businesses that revolve around the life they desire to live. I reject the notion of constant hustle and believe that success can be achieved while enjoying personal fulfillment.

My clients not only experience an improved role as CEOs and leaders, but they also benefit from enhanced processes that ensure exceptional service for their customers. By working with me, they gain more time to invest in the growth and development of their company. And they can confidently take well-deserved vacations, knowing that their business will continue to thrive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned the importance of embracing change and pivoting in business. One significant pivot stands out, which occurred two years into my entrepreneurship venture. At that time, I was experiencing success with a full client workload, but I was also facing significant challenges in managing my business effectively.

As my client workload grew, I found myself working tirelessly from morning until night, neglecting self-care and personal time. This lifestyle took a toll on my well-being, resulting in stress-induced health issues such as chest pain, headaches, and lack of sleep. It was a wake-up call that made me realize the unsustainable nature of my business operations.

In order to address these issues, I bravely made the decision to reduce my workload. It was a daunting step, as it meant parting ways with some clients and facing a potential loss of revenue. However, I knew that preserving my brand’s reputation in the long run was worth taking this temporary hit.

With the newfound time and reduced workload, I focused on streamlining my business processes, revamping my operations, and implementing positive changes. This allowed me to create a more efficient and sustainable business model, ensuring that smooth operations became the norm rather than the exception.

During this transformative period, I had a realization: I was not alone in facing these challenges. Many entrepreneurs were struggling, overwhelmed, and on the brink of burnout, just as I had been. Recognizing the need to support and empower others, I developed the Freedom First Method. This method seeks to assist entrepreneurs in prioritizing their well-being, streamlining the way they operate, and achieving the freedom to lead successful businesses without sacrificing personal fulfillment.

My journey as an entrepreneur has taught me to embrace change and that it is okay to pivot when necessary.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First of all, communication is absolutely essential. Keep your team in the loop with what’s happening within the company, whether that means updates, changes, or goals. That way, everyone stays informed and on the same page.

Another important factor is setting clear expectations. Make sure each team member understands their role and responsibilities, and what is expected of them. This will help keep everyone working towards the same goals.

It’s also crucial to encourage an open dialogue within the team. Make it a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. Ask for feedback during meetings and discussions, and take everyone’s suggestions into account. Doing this will ensure that everyone feels valued and heard.

Recognizing and rewarding your team members’ hard work will give them a morale boost. Be sure to celebrate milestones and recognize achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This will go a long way toward keeping everyone motivated and engaged.

A happy and motivated team is a productive team!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yesicanhelpyou.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yesicanhelpyou
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaylaburtin
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shaylaburtin
• Other: Book a free strategy session: www.yesicanhelpyou.com/apply

Image Credits
Shayla Burtin Amanda Evans