Introduction: A Personal Story of Realization
When I first honed in on my photography niche—business portraits—my clients and I would spend weeks planning every detail: sample photos, wardrobe choices, the stories they wanted to tell, and where they intended to use the images. The sessions were a success, and clients were thrilled with the results. But months later, I noticed something troubling: many of them weren’t using the photos as they had planned.
This realization sparked a deeper investigation. Why were these beautiful, carefully crafted images sitting unused? Through questioning and reflection, I discovered the gap wasn’t in the photography itself—it was in the brands’ messaging, goals, and clarity about their audience. The photos were just a piece of the puzzle. The real inefficiency lay in the lack of alignment between their brand identity and their business strategy.
This experience taught me that spotting energy leaks isn’t just about fixing surface-level issues—it’s about digging deeper to uncover the root causes of inefficiency.
3 Common Areas Where Businesses Lose Energy
Through my work with small businesses, I’ve identified three common areas where energy leaks occur. These are often subtle but can have a significant impact on growth and sustainability.
1. Not Delegating Effectively
Delegation is a double-edged sword. While it’s essential for growth, many business owners delegate the wrong tasks or struggle to let go of control. Take Pani Style Salon, a local hair salon in Katy, as an example. The owner was spending a fortune on advertising but wasn’t seeing the returns she hoped for. She tried delegating, but she was delegating the wrong things—focusing on tasks that didn’t address the core issue.
The real problem? She was trying to compete with larger salons on their terms, which required a budget she simply didn’t have. Instead, I helped her shift her focus to what she could control: optimizing her Google My Business profile and leveraging local SEO. By delegating the right tasks—like updating her online presence—she was able to focus on what she did best: running her salon.
2. Marketing in the Wrong Areas
Many businesses pour time and money into marketing channels that don’t align with their audience or goals. For example, one of my clients was spending hours on social media but saw little return. Why? Their ideal clients weren’t active on those platforms.
The solution? We redirected their energy toward networking and updating their Google Maps listing, which brought in more local clients. The key is to focus on where your audience actually is, not where you think they should be.
3. Forcing Themselves to Be Present Where Their Energy Doesn’t Align
As a business owner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things because “everyone else is doing it.” But if a task drains your energy or feels misaligned with your strengths, it’s a sign that something needs to change.
For example, if networking events leave you feeling exhausted, consider alternative ways to connect with your audience, like email marketing or community partnerships. Listen to your energy—it’s a powerful indicator of what’s working and what’s not.
How to Identify Your Energy Leaks
Spotting energy leaks starts with self-awareness. Here’s a simple exercise to help you identify where your business might be losing energy:
- Track Your Tasks: For a week, write down every task you complete and how you feel before, during, and after.
- Notice Patterns: Are there tasks that consistently leave you feeling drained or anxious? These are potential energy leaks.
- Ask Yourself: Is this task essential? Can it be delegated, automated, or eliminated altogether?
For example, if updating social media feels like a chore, consider outsourcing it or using scheduling tools. If client meetings leave you exhausted, explore ways to streamline the process or set clearer boundaries. The Role of Human Design in Energy Management YourYour Human Design can be a powerful tool for identifying energy leaks. By understanding your unique energy type, strategy, and authority, you can make decisions that align with your natural flow. For example, as a Projector, your energy is best used when you’re invited to share your insights. This means saying no to opportunities that don’t resonate and focusing on environments where your guidance is valued. If you’re curious about your Human Design, you can find your chart here. (Note: I’m not an affiliate, but I’ve found this resource incredibly helpful in my own journey.)
Conclusion: Turning Energy Leaks into Opportunities Spotting energy leaks isn’t about blaming yourself or your team—it’s about identifying areas for improvement and taking intentional action. By delegating effectively, focusing on the right marketing channels, and aligning your tasks with your energy, you can create a business that feels sustainable and fulfilling. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Every small adjustment you make adds up to significant change over time.
Where have you noticed energy leaks in your business? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
