What would you say you do here?

One of my favorite cult classic movies is Office Space. It’s hands down one of the best parodies of office culture—from Milton and his red stapler to Peter filleting fish on his desk. And who could forget the Bobs and their infamous line, "What would you say you do here?"

I think of that quote every time someone asks me what exactly GYST offers. So, I thought I’d take a moment to answer that very question!

At GYST, my mission is simple: to help solopreneurs and small businesses get their s**t together so they can focus on what they do best.

So, what exactly does GYST offer? Let’s break it down:

1. Virtual Business Services - Think of me as your behind-the-scenes superhero. Whether it’s managing your calendar, handling emails, booking travel, or keeping your QuickBooks tidy, got you covered. Need someone to update your website or edit that blog post you’ve been meaning to publish? Yep, I do that too. Basically, if it’s on your to-do list and it’s eating up your time, I can take it off your plate.

2. Strategic Planning & Project Management - It's not just about getting tasks done—I'm here to help you think big picture. Need help setting goals, mapping out a project, or just figuring out the next steps? I’ll sit down with you (virtually, of course) and help you create a plan that makes sense for your business. Plus, I’ll keep things on track so you can hit those deadlines without breaking a sweat.

3. Process Development & SOP Creation - Efficiency is the name of the game. I can help you develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) so your business runs like a well-oiled machine. From client onboarding to project tracking, I’ll make sure every process is clear, streamlined, and easy to follow.

4. Sounding Board Sessions - Maybe you don't need long-term support—just someone to bounce ideas off who gets it and can offer fresh perspectives. Sounding Board Sessions are exactly that. Whether you’re brainstorming a new product, working through a business challenge, or just need to talk through your next steps, these sessions are your chance to get the clarity and feedback you need. I’ll listen, offer guidance, and help you find the right path forward.

5. Accountability & Support - Sometimes, you just need someone in your corner, cheering you on and holding you accountable. That’s me! I'm here to help you stay focused, motivated, and moving forward. Think of me as your business BFF, always ready with a pep talk or a gentle nudge in the right direction. ***NOTE: I offer both retainer services and one-off packages. Reach out for all the customization options!

So, Why GYST?

At the end of the day, I'm here to make your life easier. I'm all about helping you take back your time, reduce stress, and run your business with confidence. And the best part? I do it all with a friendly, fun, and no-BS approach that you’re going to love.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat and see how we can help you get your s**t together!

Embracing the Winding Path: My own Journey to Entrepreneurship

Hey there, fellow dreamers and doers! I wanted to take some time today to share a bit of my story with you. You know, the one where the road isn’t always straight, but every twist and turn leads to something amazing. If you’ve ever felt like your career journey is a bit winding, take heart—sometimes, those detours are just what you need to find your true calling.

The Beginning: A Decade of Teaching

Let’s go way back! Before I became the founder of GYST Business, my journey began in the classroom. For ten years, I was a public school teacher, working with students who faced learning challenges. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with its own set of unique challenges and triumphs. I found joy in helping students overcome obstacles and discover their potential, but I also realized that the traditional education system often treated students like they were all cut from the same cloth.

That realization led me to my next adventure: private schools. I believed there was a better way to cater to the individual needs of students, so I decided to take a bold step and open my own private school. This school was designed with the philosophy that every student is unique and deserves a tailored education. It was a labor of love, and it taught me so much about leadership, innovation, and the power of personalized care.

From Education to Entrepreneurship: Helping Businesses Get Their S**t Together

After my time in education, I took another unexpected turn—into the world of business. I spent a few years in ed-tech then I started providing virtual business services to ranchers across the country. It was a unique experience that taught me a lot about the value community, finding unique solutions to common problems, and the power of customization. But the winding path didn’t stop there. I soon found myself in the carbon crediting world for two years. Yep, you heard that right. From managing ranchers’ needs to navigating the complexities of carbon credits—talk about a switch! But here’s the thing: each of these experiences gave me invaluable skills and insights.

I knew I eventually wanted to get back to where I felt most at home - helping businesses get organized and thrive. So, I took a leap of faith and started GYST Business. The name says it all—I help solopreneurs and small businesses get their s**t together. It is certainly not without its struggles, but it is truly rewarding work.

The Takeaway: Embrace Your Journey!

So, what’s the moral of my winding career story? Embrace the journey, folks. Every job, every experience, every unexpected turn has something to teach you. They’re all stepping stones leading you to where you’re meant to be. If you’re feeling lost or unsure, remember that it’s okay. Sometimes, the best destinations are found on the roads less traveled.

And hey, let’s be real— I don’t have it all figured out, and I still struggle a LOT. There are days when the path ahead feels uncertain and the challenges seem overwhelming. But I've learned that it's okay to not have all the answers. Each step, each struggle, is part of the journey. It’s about trusting the process and believing that this winding path will lead to the next right thing.

Starting GYST Business was my way of bringing together everything I’ve learned and creating something meaningful. If you’re on a winding path, take heart. Embrace each twist and turn, and trust that you’re on your way to something amazing.

Here’s to the journey, and here’s to finding your true calling—wherever it may lead you.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embrace Your Unique Path

Who the hell do I think I am to be running my own business?

This is a question I wrestle with daily, sometimes hourly. In the noise of social media, where everyone seems to be an expert on something, it's hard not to feel less than. Our work histories are on display for all to see on LinkedIn, something that was unheard of just a decade or so ago. This constant comparison to others' highlight reels is leading many people to feel unqualified to step out and offer something to the world.

Too often, we saddle ourselves with what Vishen Lakhiani, author of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, calls "brules" or bulls**t rules. He defines brules as the false rules we adopt to simplify our understanding of the world. One common brule he discusses is the belief that your success should look like someone else’s success.

We buy into this notion that to be successful in business, you must have tens of thousands of followers on social media and earn your stripes as an "expert" by working your way through hot-shot startups or big-name tech companies. The message that gets communicated is that until you've achieved the world's standard of success, don't even bother trying to start your own thing.

But we all know the stories of rogue entrepreneurs who flew in the face of this brule and succeeded wildly! So why do automatically assume we will fail? Of course there are factors besides self doubt that keep people from starting a business and those things shouldn't be ignored. But, for a lot of people, the biggest thing holding them back is themselves!

So, what can we do about it?

tips for overcoming Imposter Syndrome

1. Recognize Your Worth - Acknowledge your unique skills and experiences. Remember, your journey is different from everyone else's and that’s what makes you unique. Your collective work AND life experiences are your strength.

2. Shift Your Perspective - Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your progress. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small they may seem.

3. Embrace Continuous Learning - Accept that you don't have to know everything. Embrace a growth mindset and commit to continuous learning. One of my favorite quotes is from Eartha Kitt, "I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma."

4. Seek Support and Mentorship - Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and friends who believe in you and your vision. Their encouragement can help you push through moments of doubt.

5. Challenge Your Brules - Identify the brules that are holding you back and actively challenge them. Ask yourself why you believe these rules and whether they are truly serving you.

6. Visualize Success - Spend time visualizing your success. I recommend trying Debbie Millman's Remarkable Life exercise. The linked article guides you through a thorough visualization process.

7. Take Action - Sometimes the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to do something! Break your tasks into manageable steps and start working towards them. Action builds momentum and reduces feelings of inadequacy.

8. Be Kind to Yourself - Understand that everyone makes mistakes and faces setbacks. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.

9. Share Your Story - Be open about your journey and struggles. Sharing your story can help others who are experiencing similar feelings and create a sense of community. Plus, it can be incredibly empowering to own your narrative.

10. Remember Your Why - Remind yourself why you started your business in the first place and let that passion drive you forward.

I believe in you and would love to hear about your unique entrepreneurial journey or your struggles with imposter syndrome. Please share in the comments or book an appointment with me. I’d love to hear your story!