From Firefighting to Forecasting: The Game-Changing Habits that Will Transform Your Business

Make Space For More

Episode Summary

Tune into this week’s episode of the Make Space for More podcast to learn what to do if you’re constantly putting out fires in your business! You’ll discover how Melissa Swink made the transition from being a reactive business owner to a proactive business owner.

Learn the importance of establishing leadership rituals and building simple habits that support your growth, as well as effective communication and systems to prevent chaos in your business operations. By focusing on forecasting and planning, you will enhance productivity and growth while reducing stress and missed opportunities. Melissa provides actionable strategies for creating a more organized and efficient work environment, ultimately leading to greater success and satisfaction in your work.

Key Highlights:

• Replace firefighting with strategy: Create a clear operating framework that puts you back in control
• Schedule non-negotiable CEO time: Weekly planning sessions to review metrics and forecast priorities
• Reclaim your inbox: Use productivity tools to transform email from a distraction to an asset
• Structure team communication: Set defined check-ins and office hours to eliminate constant interruptions
• Prevent fires, don't fight them: Document and automate key workflows before crisis hits
• Track what matters: Build a focused metrics dashboard using tools you'll actually use
• Plan with purpose: Implement a weekly Priority Planner to keep strategic work front and center
• Guard your boundaries: Set clear parameters around availability and response times
• Systemize the routine: Automate repetitive tasks to free up strategic thinking time
• Lead with clarity: Transform team confusion into confident action through clear processes

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.