Grow A Small Business Podcast QFF: Joey Coleman of Design Symphony shares how his 100-day sabbatical transformed his mindset—offering strategies for small business owners to reset, avoid burnout, and grow with clarity, joy, and lasting success. (Episode 685 - Joey Coleman)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Joey Coleman, Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony, shares insights on how business owners can design their first 100 days to foster momentum, clarity, and joy. He highlights the value of taking extended breaks, recommending at least two weeks to recharge and prevent burnout. Advocating for personal growth, Coleman encourages reading fiction and scheduling time for self-care to prioritize well-being. Additionally, he emphasizes celebrating achievements and maintaining a balance between work and personal life as key strategies for sustaining long-term success. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Design Your Own First 100 Days: Apply the same strategic thinking you use for customers and employees to yourself—plan your first 100 days of any new business phase with intention and clarity. Take True Time Off to Reset: Even a 10+ day break (ideally more) away from work and tech can dramatically reset your energy, creativity, and focus. You're not just resting—you're recharging your leadership capacity.
Celebrate Small Wins Regularly: Don't wait for big milestones to celebrate—acknowledge small victories to boost motivation and prevent burnout. Even a solo movie or walk can be a powerful reward.
Grow Yourself, Not Just the Business: Set personal growth goals with the same focus you give business metrics. A stronger, wiser version of you is needed to lead the next stage of your company.
Protect Appointments with Yourself: Treat time with yourself as sacred. If you wouldn't cancel a client meeting, don't cancel on yourself. Your well-being directly impacts your business health.
Rediscover Joy Through Non-Business Activities: Read fiction, take a dance class, explore hobbies—doing things that have no direct business ROI can reignite creativity and emotional resilience. One action small business owners can take: According to Joey Coleman, one action a small business owner should take is a 10-day (or longer) true break from work—completely unplugged from emails, calls, and business tasks—to reset, gain clarity, and return with renewed energy.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
If your business can't run without you, you don't have a business—you have an expensive job – Joey Coleman Design your first 100 days with intention, or you risk running on autopilot – Joey Coleman
Time away from work isn't a luxury—it's a leadership strategy – Joey Coleman