I would like to share my most recent update on running your business the “Toddler Way”! Right now my family is in the thick of it, potty training our 2 year old. So of course here I am writing a blog connecting the principles of potty training to business ops. You may be rolling your eyes as you read this but I promise the parallels are uncanny!
Potty training a toddler and running a business may seem worlds apart, but at their core, they’re both about teaching and adapting to processes that enable growth and independence. Both involve setting clear expectations, creating consistent routines, dealing with occasional setbacks, and ultimately fostering a smoother, more efficient environment. Just as with potty training, where structure and patience are key, businesses thrive with structured processes, streamlined support, and the right tools—and that’s where a virtual assistant (VA) comes in. Here’s how potty training principles can apply to your business and how a VA can help make it all happen.
1. Creating Consistent Routines
- The Potty Training Parallel: Success comes from predictability. In potty training, routines help set expectations for both child and caregiver, creating a structured environment where learning becomes easier.
- In Business: Just like a toddler, your business benefits from consistency in daily operations. Structured routines keep everyone aligned, minimizing guesswork and maximizing efficiency.
- How a VA Helps: A VA can implement and manage your business’s routines, from daily administrative tasks to customer follow-ups and schedule management. By offloading these tasks, you ensure consistency and free yourself to focus on strategic growth without being bogged down by repetitive tasks.
2. Setting Clear Expectations
- The Potty Training Parallel: In potty training, clear and positive instructions are essential. Children respond well to knowing exactly what’s expected and what the outcomes are.
- In Business: Employees and partners perform best when they understand their roles, tasks, and objectives. Clear expectations eliminate misunderstandings and keep everyone on track.
- How a VA Helps: Virtual assistants excel in managing tasks where clear expectations are key, such as handling email, scheduling, and social media. With a VA, you can define workflows and set priorities, enabling seamless execution and consistent results without constant supervision.
3. Staying Patient and Adjusting as Needed
- The Potty Training Parallel: Potty training is a journey, not a one-time achievement. It takes patience, adjusting methods, and occasional reminders when setbacks occur.
- In Business: Growth isn’t always linear, and adjustments are often necessary. Flexibility and patience help businesses navigate hurdles, adapt to new challenges, and keep moving forward.
- How a VA Helps: A VA brings adaptability and support to the table. Whether it’s handling shifting project requirements, managing a sudden increase in workload, or adjusting tasks as needed, a VA’s flexibility helps businesses stay resilient. By providing consistent, on-demand support, your VA helps you weather setbacks without losing focus on the bigger picture.
4. Celebrating Wins (Big and Small)
- The Potty Training Parallel: Every small victory in potty training is celebrated, reinforcing good behavior and motivating the child to keep going.
- In Business: Celebrating milestones, whether a project completion or a small productivity gain, keeps morale high and builds momentum for future success.
- How a VA Helps: Your VA can document these milestones, organize reports, and even set up team celebrations or acknowledgments. By helping you recognize both large and small achievements, a VA encourages your team to stay motivated and invested.
5. Implementing Tools and Support for Lasting Independence
- The Potty Training Parallel: The end goal of potty training is independence. The same mindset is valuable in business, where successful operations often depend on setting up tools and processes that empower your team to thrive without constant oversight.
- In Business: Effective delegation, clear systems, and supportive tools help business owners focus on growth instead of daily minutiae.
- How a VA Helps: Virtual assistants offer long-term value by setting up systems that improve efficiency, like automating client follow-ups, streamlining scheduling, and organizing documentation. The right VA doesn’t just take tasks off your plate—they create lasting structures that enhance independence and scalability for the whole business.
Why a Virtual Assistant Is the Key to Your Business Growth
Just as patience, structure, and support are essential for potty training, these qualities are equally vital in business. Virtual assistants are your partners in achieving consistency, clarity, flexibility, and growth. By handling day-to-day operations, they allow you to focus on strategic priorities, ensuring that the business functions efficiently and scales effectively. Hiring a VA means equipping your business with a solid support system, enabling you to tackle challenges confidently, celebrate wins, and pursue meaningful growth without sacrificing the quality of operations.
Embrace these potty training principles for your business, and don’t hesitate to bring a virtual assistant on board. With a VA by your side, you can streamline processes, set clear expectations, and enjoy the flexibility and support needed for sustainable success. Running a business is a journey—one where, with the right help, each milestone becomes an opportunity for growth and independence.