HONEST Year in Review : Business Edition - Losing My Biggest Client, De-centering Urgency, & Leisure as My North Star
261: “ Leisure is one of my number one values. Friendships are some of my most important relationships and I would rather cut back on working and maybe sacrifice some income to be able to spend more time with my friends. ” It’s here – the annual BUSINESS YEAR IN REVIEW! (Did I learn anything, or am I still winging it?) This time, I’m unpacking it all: losing a platinum client (ouch), a Christmas miracle pipeline save, de-centering urgency ( hello, chill mornings! ), and why contracts are basically your business bestie. Oh, and the mindset shifts that got me to $140k while taking nearly 2 months + Fridays off (because burnout? Not on my watch). This one’s raw, honest, and full of receipts – LFG. Snippets from the episode: On Boundaries and Rest :I didn’t want to dive into work right after the holidays. Cape Town summer is finite, and prioritizing friendships and memories felt more valuable than rushing into tasks. On Diversifying Income :If one-on-one work is your primary revenue stream, losing one client can disrupt your entire system. Diversifying offers, like group programs, can provide stability. On Contracts and Policies :Late fees, pause clauses, and cancellation notices are not just practical—they protect your time, energy, and resources. On Imposter Syndrome :If someone fills out your application or books a discovery call, they’re talking to you for a reason. Don’t say no to yourself before they even have the chance to. On Simplifying Launches :I reframed launching as just telling people about my offer for a concentrated time. I made it easy by using what I love—emails, podcasts, and simple visuals. Ending note: This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs who value authenticity, strategic planning, andoo rest. Chelsea reminds us that running a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace or personal relationships. Resources mentioned: FocusMate to GSD Zencastr for guest podcasting Descript for recording solos Connect with Chelsea: 🪐 Pitch Perfect Fall 2026 Waitlist ☄️ SUPERNOVA waitlist: the thinking lab for the deep thinkers, world-builders, and curious visionaries who see futures that don't exist yet. 💻 Website 🍿 Popcorn Club : Monthly meet-up to debrief TV, movies, and the zeitgeist 📜 Footnotes newsletter filled with rabbit holes 💌 The Art of the Ask Podcast 📱 IG: @chelseariffe 🧵 Threads: @chelseariffe Support NFNTW: Your donations help cover costs of running the show; you can help fund NFTNW right HERE. If you're unable to donate financially, share it. It all adds up! Want to sponsor NFTNW? Email team@chelseariffe.com to discuss partnership packages!