Jenelle Fraser

Dear AFETT,

My business is expanding rapidly and I am having a difficult time grappling with the new changes. Truth is, I have been silently struggling to adapt.

Being someone who’s typically well put-together, I have been hiding to share these challenges with even my close friends and relatives.

What advice do you have to help me be more open and manoeuvre these changes better?

Dear Reader,

Your concern resonates with me so deeply that it feels as if I wrote it myself.

I must say firstly, that it is okay not to be okay sometimes. Even the most organised, well put-together, strategic, successful, all-ducks-in-a-row, prudent man or woman of business feels overwhelmed at times.

Here are some recommendations to help you adapt to the changes and some reminders to help you take charge of your emotions.

Growth is uncomfortable

Cliché right? But so applicable and true. A large portion of what you have been feeling is simply put, discomfort.

There are so many unspoken components of owning and managing a growing business. These include but are not limited to staff management, customer/client satisfaction and retention, modern marketing, social media presence and most importantly, keeping the proverbial doors of your business open.

You are struggling to adapt because you have ventured into unknown territory and you (and your business) are growing. And that growth is uncomfortable.

The beauty about these uncomfortable changes is that on the bright side, you develop a level of resilience, tactfulness and strength that is unparalleled.

Growing pains can truly be unpleasant, but I guarantee you that once you stay the course, those feelings of discomfort will evolve into something meaningful, fulfilling and pride-worthy.

You do not need to be 'superwoman'

The 21st century is an era where women are praised for being busy boss babes. Notwithstanding the high-productivity praise, I wholeheartedly recommend balance over busyness.

[caption id="attachment_1116497" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jenelle Fraser, director of research and public advocacy, AFETT. -[/caption]

As a woman in business, you have an obligation to keep your eyes on your enterprise – keep your clients and/or customers happy, create a conducive work environment for staff, prepare and calculate NIS/BIR religiously – while simultaneously maintaining your home/family, beating rush hour traffic daily, having a balanced diet, staying moisturised, smiling, getting your hair and nails done and not feel overwhelmed? Now, that’s a lot!

You are a woman, but you do not need to be a "superwoman."

Remember to give yourself grace as you grow into this new phase of your business.

Too often as women, we are hard on ourselves for not being able to deliver on self-imposed expectations.

The mere fact that your business is growing rapidly means you are doing a fantastic job. Your family and friends are more proud of you than you can imagine, and should you choose to open up to them about your struggles, you will be amazed at