Meet Tracy Bates

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

Hi Tracy, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

For self-care, I have a few key practices that help me stay balanced and effective. First, I limit my work hours and ensure clients communicate with me only through business channels, protecting my personal time and space. I also prioritize my physical health by having acupuncture sessions monthly and going on walks almost daily. Reading every day helps me unwind and keep my mind fresh. Additionally, I keep all my doctor’s appointments up to date and focus on eating nutritious meals to fuel my body throughout the workday.

These self-care habits have had a significant impact on my effectiveness. They help me maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, ensuring I don’t experience burnout. This allows me to show up as the best business owner I can be and fully support my clients with the energy and attention they deserve.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As a systems and automation expert with a certification from Dubsado, I specialize in helping business owners streamline their processes and maximize efficiency. My services range from full done-for-you Dubsado setups to strategy sessions and account audits.

In a full done-for-you setup, I handle everything from contract uploads and customized packages to payment plans, form design, project walkthroughs, and 30 days of aftercare. This comprehensive service ensures your Dubsado account is perfectly tailored to meet your business needs, saving you time and reducing the stress of managing client relationships.

In addition to the full setups, I offer strategy sessions where we dive deep into your current processes and identify areas for improvement. Together, we develop actionable steps to optimize your workflows, making your business more efficient and effective. These sessions are perfect for those who need guidance on how to better utilize their existing systems.

My account audits are thorough evaluations of your Dubsado account based on 87 criteria. I review your setup to ensure you are leveraging Dubsado’s features to their fullest potential, providing detailed feedback on areas that are working well and those that need improvement. This service helps you understand how to get the most out of your investment in Dubsado.

What excites me the most about my work is the ability to help so many different business owners reach their full potential. Seeing the relief and happiness on their faces when their systems start working for them is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about making their lives easier; it’s about empowering them to focus on what they love and do best.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Firstly, embracing action over perfection was a game-changer. While taking The Virtual Savvy’s Savvy System course, I learned that perfectionism had a chokehold on my progress. I was so focused on getting everything perfect that I was frozen in place. I had to let go of that mindset to move forward in my business. My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize action. Start with small steps and understand that progress, even if imperfect, is still progress. The perfect time to start is now.

Secondly, having various jobs and wearing many hats has been invaluable. My experiences range from working with AmeriCorps, being a hair salon receptionist, managing a restaurant, organizing volunteers at a food bank, and working in a school setting. These roles helped me showcase a wide range of skills to clients, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to adapt and learn their systems quickly. For anyone starting out, don’t underestimate the value of your diverse experiences. They provide a unique perspective and can help you solve problems creatively.

Lastly, finding a community has been a cornerstone of my success. Having support from people in the same field has been a game-changer. As Voyage Media often shares, you are not alone. There are others who have gone through what you are experiencing and there are people who want to help. Building a network of peers can provide encouragement, advice, and a sense of belonging. For those new to their journey, seek out groups, forums, and networks where you can connect with others in your industry. This support system will be invaluable.

Continuing education ties all these areas together. There are countless free resources available online, from courses to YouTube videos. Many of the tools we use to run our businesses offer free guides and lessons because they want to see you succeed. Take advantage of these opportunities to keep learning and growing.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who values my expertise and doesn’t question my prices. They understand the importance of investing in their business and are willing to put in the effort to connect and communicate effectively. Typically, they are a few years into their business journey and looking to expand but feel bogged down by the backend work and are unsure of how to move forward.

I work with a diverse range of clients, from solo entrepreneurs to those running larger agencies. It’s not about the size of their business, but about their passion and commitment to providing the best experience for their clients. They recognize that their clients deserve top-notch treatment and efficient systems, and they see the value in upgrading their processes to reduce stress and focus on the work they love.

I’m a chill person who prefers working in a t-shirt and leggings, and my clients are generally similar. We understand that our appearance doesn’t affect the quality of our work, and we started our businesses to prioritize ourselves in our lives. My ideal clients are driven, communicative, and ready to take their business to the next level. They know that streamlining their operations will benefit not only their clients but also themselves by reducing stress and increasing their enjoyment of their work.

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