In this episode, we dive deep into the world of time management and productivity, a challenge faced by many ambitious individuals and entrepreneurs.
We discuss the difficulties of balancing work and personal life, as well as the importance of leveraging tools, skills, and resources to make the most out of our limited time. Our guest, Starlight Miller, shares her experience as an entrepreneur in residence at Richland Library, where she provided mentorship and inspiration to aspiring business owners. We explore the importance of learning from others on similar journeys and the concept of doing more with less. As we discuss the creation of a new company centered around helping people make better decisions with limited information and disconnected systems, we delve into the complexities of optimizing time management and understanding oneself.
We emphasize the significance of ensuring that a process works before attempting to optimize or automate it, to avoid amplifying existing issues and inefficiencies. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the importance of self-awareness, finding one’s optimal “lane” in business, and navigating the challenges of transitioning from an employee to a business owner. By focusing on what brings you joy and conviction, you can build a sustainable business that aligns with your values and goals. Join us as we investigate the concept of connecting technology with human behavior and preferences for better time management and productivity, and explore the idea of building a for-profit community-based company.
We also reflect on the importance of considering our goals and aspirations in the early stages of entrepreneurship, especially when aiming to build a company bigger than ourselves. Tune in to this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we discuss our struggles with time management, learn from each other’s experiences, and share valuable insights to help you optimize your life and achieve success in your personal and professional endeavors.
SHOW NOTES
Chapters:
(0:00:10) – Unlocking Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs
(0:08:45) – Optimizing Systems and Processes
(0:13:53) – Optimizing Internal Foundations for Success
(0:19:20) – The Fundamentals of Achieving Balance
(0:22:34) – Understanding Your Essential Role for Success
(0:31:55) – Optimizing Your Life Through Self-Awareness
(0:41:33) – Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
(0:53:23) – Building a for-Profit Community Based Company
(0:59:51) – Systematizing and Intentional Conversation
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:10) – Unlocking Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs (9 Minutes)
In this episode, we dive into the topic of time management and productivity, a challenge faced by many ambitious individuals and entrepreneurs. We discuss the difficulties of balancing work and personal life, as well as the importance of leveraging tools, skills, and resources to make the most out of our limited time. Our guest, Starlight Miller, shares her experience as an entrepreneur in residence at Richland Library, where she provided mentorship and inspiration to aspiring business owners. We also explore the unique offerings of the library and the impact it has on the community.
(0:08:45) – Optimizing Systems and Processes (5 Minutes)
We explore the importance of learning from others on similar journeys and the concept of doing more with less. As we discuss the creation of a new company centered around helping people make better decisions with limited information and disconnected systems, we delve into the complexities of optimizing time management and understanding oneself. Furthermore, we touch on how individual needs and roles impact optimization, as well as the necessity of having a well-organized underlying system before attempting to optimize it’
(0:13:53) – Optimizing Internal Foundations for Success (5 Minutes)
We delve into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in finding balance and optimizing their time, energy, and resources. Recognizing that success doesn’t happen overnight, we address the importance of establishing systems that keep us grounded and focused. We also discuss the need for self-awareness and honesty in facing our shortcomings and seeking improvement. By understanding ourselves and our unique talents, we can create a foundation for sustainable growth, both personally and professionally. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of ensuring that a process works before attempting to optimize or automate it, to avoid amplifying existing issues and inefficiencies’
(0:19:20) – The Fundamentals of Achieving Balance (3 Minutes)
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of understanding the fundamentals and being clear on what we are looking for in our personal and professional lives. We examine the role of technology and tools in managing our schedules and tasks, and how AI can be beneficial or problematic, depending on our own organization and clarity of goals. The conversation also touches on the concept of essentialism and the potential negative consequences of a lack of balance and prioritization in our lives’
(0:22:34) – Understanding Your Essential Role for Success (9 Minutes)
We examine the struggle of identifying and focusing on essential tasks for success while balancing other responsibilities as entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. By understanding the importance of making time for impactful and transformational activities, we can find ways to manage our time effectively and create meaningful progress in our personal and professional lives. This conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness, finding one’s optimal “lane” in business, and navigating the challenges of transitioning from an employee to a business owner’
(0:31:55) – Optimizing Your Life Through Self-Awareness (10 Minutes)
We discuss the significance of self-awareness and understanding who you are as a person to successfully manage your time and optimize your life. By learning what works best for you and finding solutions, techniques, and tools to support your strengths and preferences, you can create a sustainable and fulfilling life. For entrepreneurs, this means taking the time to assess your personal needs and adjust your business strategies accordingly. By focusing on what brings you joy and conviction, you can build a sustainable business that aligns with your values and goals.
(0:41:33) – Thinking Like an Entrepreneur (12 Minutes)
We investigate the concept of connecting technology with human behavior and preferences for better time management and productivity. Understanding the highest and best use of one’s time and adapting technology to suit individual needs can optimize outcomes for entrepreneurs. We also explore the idea of Transity, a tool designed to learn user preferences and adapt accordingly, providing personalized solutions for time management and decision-making’
(0:53:23) – Building a for-Profit Community Based Company (6 Minutes)
We dive into a new project focused on developing a system to collect impact reporting data for a community-based company. The goal is to gather as much information as possible from various sources, such as financial and demographic data, to understand the company’s true trajectory and measure success. We also explore the importance of trust and delegation when building a business, highlighting the need for a clear vision and self-awareness to create a sustainable and successful company. Finally, we touch on the challenges of balancing multiple business endeavors and the importance of optimizing time and resources’
(0:59:51) – Systematizing and Intentional Conversation (2 Minutes)
We reflect on the importance of considering our goals and aspirations in the early stages of entrepreneurship, especially when aiming to build a company bigger than ourselves. By tracking, documenting, and systematizing our processes, we can better prepare for future growth and transition. As self-employed individuals with years of experience, we appreciate the value of sharing insights, having meaningful conversations, and learning from one another. In the spirit of communal growth, we encourage listeners to share their thoughts, suggestions, and comments as we move forward with more intentional discussions in the coming years’
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StitcherStarlitt Miller
https://www.visiblehands.vc/fellows/starlitt-miller
Starlitt aims to identify the tech solution that will help small businesses operate and grow more efficiently.
Starlitt has spent the last four years trouble-shooting, implementing better practices, connecting existing tech solutions, and consulting with small businesses with the goal to help them save time and increase efficiency without sacrificing real financial data for their businesses. With a performing arts and accounting background, her perspective is both creative and analytical. She has worked to marry these two worlds during her career, which was one of the guiding forces that led her to entrepreneurship.
In her spare time, she enjoys DIY craft/decor projects, unplugging at a beach, traveling, connecting with others, participating in performing arts, having fun with her daughter, and sketching up dreams for the future. She is a creative and problem-solver by nature, so she is constantly looking for ways to creatively improve her surroundings (even when she is not consciously doing so). She is passionate about helping others learn more about who they are (their strengths, limitations, and gifts), so that they can thrive, give more to the world, and understand the power that the arts can provide to non-arts environments. If you happen to meet her, you will find a personable professional that is friendly and leans towards optimism.