Minutes Matter: Jo Roberts
Welcome to the first blog post in the series, Minutes Matter. I’m excited to introduce Jo Roberts…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your business? What inspired you to start your own business?
I am a mum of 2 boys, I also run two businesses. I own my own gym called Mode Fitness in Hillington, Glasgow (@modefitnessglasgow on Instagram) and the other is Jo Roberts Coaching (@jorobertscoaching) where I teach PT's and Fitness Business owners how to run a profitable business through mindset and strategy coaching. I also coach high performance business owners to create more success through fitness training principles.
I have always wanted my own business but years ago just couldn't see how this could ever happen. When my kids came along I started to crave more flexibility. We paid for childcare which almost wasn't worth me going to work for the day, it just felt so backwards. I took the leap and left my corporate Gym Manager job and went self-employed as a Personal Trainer, it took a lot of time, patience, determination and a willingness to never give up on myself. I had only dreamt at this point of having my own gym. I hired a business coach and worked daily on my mindset and I continue to work with the best business coaches and on my mindset, which includes what I teach others - importance of exercise and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, daily!!
How do you typically structure your workday?
Everyday is different! I love having the variety and flexibility in my life. I do a mixture of 1-1 personal training, group coaching and bootcamps and business coaching either face to face or on Zoom. I love in person connection so a lot of my business client meetings are in nice cafes with lush surroundings.
How do you prioritise tasks and decide what to focus on each day?
I get my exercise in early so that when I sit down to work I feel ready. I can't force work, I have learned the hard way so what I do now is either go for a walk, I love nature, or read a book to help me get into a creative flow, this is when I do my best work. I have a fab virtual assistant (VA) over the years I have learned to delegate the tasks that don't light me up, she's great and totally on my wavelength. I am dyslexic so she's basically my spell check too!!
Are there any specific tools, apps or time management techniques that you use to manage your time efficiently?
I use my Google calendar app on my phone so anywhere I need to be is in that diary and I share it with my husband which works really well for us. I also use notes on my phone for any ideas or notes to remember. I write everything down! I use Asana in my business to communicate with my team.
How do you balance the various roles that we often take on as small business owners, e.g. marketing, admin, delivery of product/service?
I have outsourced some jobs I don't love but I keep full control of my social media pages.
What challenges do you face juggling entrepreneurship with parenthood, and can you share any strategies that you use to help with this?
In the past this has been a struggle for sure with me trying to work at all hours and a lot of that being on my phone, I wish I had a physical hat I could put on for work and another one for 'Mum'. So we have discussed this now and we have no phones at the dinner table and I don't have personal social media pages anymore so really anytime I am on my phone it's for work. I just need to try not to lift up my phone or put it in another room!!!
Distractions can be a challenge when working independently; how do you minimise distractions to stay focused?
I can not work in a mess! I am so easily distracted, however, I now know this so I can be efficiently working on a task, then start to e-mail someone, be doing the dishes and hanging a wash up all at the same time! Generally I do like to have my workspace tidy to help me stay focused but I can jump from task to task quite easily! If I have work to do with a deadline then I take myself to a café for focused work.
How do you handle unexpected challenges or change, that invariably happens when running a business as a parent?
I don't kid on to be able to do it all, I ask for help and I allow my kids screen time if there's work I need to do. I am very grateful they are happy to come to the gym with me and they are able to play and get quite into the exercise sometimes!
What have been your biggest insights when it comes to managing your time as a small business owner?
My time is so valuable so having built my business to the stage where I can have clients come in back to back is amazing and saves me hanging about waiting, however if I do have half an hour I am quite good at creating a bit of content or replying to messages but usually it's just enough time to eat and then go again!! Busy people get more done is what I find! I also use my time during runs or driving to listen to podcasts which is a game changer and allows me to really rest when I'm resting.
What do you like to do in your free-time?
Family time is so important to me, going out for dinner is my favourite. I love getting out on my paddle board too. I absolutely love being in nature so anything outdoors, in the sunshine - I'm there!!
Is there another local business that you'd like to give a mention to and why?
My VA is just fabulous, you can find her @asteria.va.soloutions
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
In an ideal world this all works and is fabulous, as a Mum and a business owner, I have learned to be super adaptable, have grace for myself and others and to just take the expectations off!! For me the one thing that's kept me going is regular exercise, when I'm training for an event/race/competition I am so focused and able to really train hard which helps my head from being to full or stressed about anything to do with my business. I have found there is always time for the things you prioritise and sometimes I don't do it all, and that's ok too!! Another thing I have is the most amazing support system and I understand the power of awesome connections.
Thank you Jo!! Really appreciate you taking the time (!) to take part in this series.
You’ll find Jo at Mode Fitness, 10 Ballantine Avenue, Hillington, G52 4BN.
If you’d like to be featured, please fill out my interview questionnaire here.