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Putting WordPress to Work

Taking Care of Your Business Means Taking Care of Yourself, Episode 95

with Cory Miller and Pippin Williamson on March 17th, 2016

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Continuing on this season’s theme of growing your business skills, we’re spending this episode talking the importance of taking care of yourself.

Maybe that sounds touchy-feely, or like it doesn’t have any place in a business discussion, but I can personally attest that taking care of yourself is one of the best investments you can ever make in your business.

In this episode I’m chatting with Cory Miller and Pippin Williamson, creators of iThemes and Easy Digital Downloads, respectively. Both Cory and Pippin have publicly written and spoken about the important role mental health has played in their businesses. I consider these guys pillars of success in the WordPress community and it’s absolutely refreshing to hear them acknowledge how critical personal wellness is to running your business.

Join us for a fun and frank conversation on what it means to take care of yourself so that you’re able to take care of your business.

Watch this episode

Episode Transcript

From Cory Miller:

  • The tip of the iceberg is beautiful and majestic, but just below the water’s surface is where it gets scary.
  • There are highs and lows with entrepreneurship – it can be a roller-coaster ride.
  • Insecurity, doubt, and fear are emotions that come up daily.
  • Be bold about sharing the importance of mental health in your life.
  • Share your story in order to help other people.
  • Admit you’re not perfect.
  • Healthy boundaries are good for your protection and happiness.
  • Do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.
  • Create a caring supportive work environment.
  • Find a mentor who represents the type of person you are striving to be.

 From Pippin Williamson:

  • It is easy to get in the mindset of you build a product and take care of the customer no matter what.
  • Do not let your own needs slip.
  • Make sure you stay focused on things that interest you and engage your team to continually move forward.
  • If you are in business long term, think about your team and customers like a family.
  • Silence the fear that if you quit you will be a failure.
  • Take frequent daily breaks to frame your day.
  • Do not over-commit to multiple projects to help manage burnout.
  • Set work hours to help manage expectations.
  • Find a support system (personal and professional) that is supportive for your business and private life.
  • Create a supportive work environment where you can ask for help if you need it.
  • Build a network of freelancers, agencies, and support that can help with your client calls so that you are not always “online”.

From Carrie:

  • You need to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.
  • You have nothing to offer if you are not healthy.

Links for this Episode:

Keeping in touch with Cory:

Keeping in touch with Pippin: