Wellbeing Essentials for Micro Business Founders.

At time of writing, we're half way through the year, have just faced an unprecedented heatwave, about to get ourselves a new prime minister and are still navigating some pretty challenging trading conditions locally, nationally and globally.

Reasons to feel overwhelmed.

Certainly for the 95% of UK businesses who are micro in size, managing this level of change and disruption on a daily basis is tough - and that's before you've done the day job and dealt with your customers.

So how are micro business founders coping? What is the state of our micro owners wellbeing in Britain? How does wellbeing even come into the business equation?

The wellbeing and mental health of owners and founders of micro businesses is priority number one in any micro business strategy. Often the company's number one asset, every founder is required to work both in the business and on it in order to survive and thrive. Not only does most of the business get created in the head of the founder, but the day to day orchestration, customer interactions and innovative thinking also needs to come from the same brain that's processing all the other world flim flam that surrounds us all.

With about 24 years of micro business experience behind me (Emily, exec coach, consultant & founder of Simply Club) here are what I consider to be the micro business founder wellbeing essentials to see us through the mayhem and help us build lives that we love more.

1. Remove the notion that you're doing this business alone (even if it's just you and the dog). No business was ever successful when one, even fabulously capable, person did it on their own. By all means bootstrap, work hard, continue with the day job, put in the hours, but always remember this founder thing can only be done with the support of others. Think family, loved ones, networks, contractors, online helpers, an AI agent, coaches, mentors and more. You don't, and can't possibly, know everything, so adopt the mindset that you are travelling this journey with people who can help all around you.

2. Treat yourself like the most expensive machinery you ever purchased. You are the number 1 asset in your business. No one else has the drive, passion, lateral thinking or ideas that you do. That being the case, it's vital that you view yourself as such. Think insurance plan - the back up, digital processes, SOPs, family, colleagues. Think service plan - regular breaks, 'off time', exercise, great fuel, cleaning out the clutter, not 'being on' 24/7. Think upgrade plan - better systems, on call support, seeking help, succession planning.

3. Know and work in your magic. Of course we all need to sweep the floor and make the coffee, but we may as well go back to the employed world if we spend our days doing what we're no good at or hate. You're a founder to make a difference and do what you love so ensuring that the vast majority of your days are doing that goes some long way to safeguarding your wellbeing. Automate, out source or get help with the rest.

4. Make values your north star not profit. Ok, hear me out. Yes, you have to make money and profit to sustain your business, but if this is the north star that guides your purpose each day, the magic, motivation & joy will soon seep away. Working daily in ways that align to your core and business values is an essential to avoid the kind of stress, anxiety and fatigue brought about by doing business that doesn't. Your values are not only giving you your worth, value & energy, but they are also giving you resilience, agility and a map for decision making.

5. Filter & edit your information sources. In a world full of all the answers, advice and media, the skill to edit out and filter what you take in is one to be honed. There are many platforms, indiviuals and systems out there that rely on you feeling fearful, overwhelmed and negative. They rely on those feelings in order that you react and buy. Know this but also live this. Choose who you trust to offer positive support. Find communities that provide aligned help. Be mindful that 'the world is coming to an end' story isn't all wrong, but is also not all right. Try to remember that your micro business is part of a positive solution. Prioritise where you get your fuel, news & support.

If you're a founder of a micro business or planning to be one, then take a look at what we're building over at Simply Club. We are Britain's independent and impartial micro business membership which offers you the community, clarity and confidence you need to start, build & grow. Build a life you love more with us.