It Takes a Village: How to Build a Business Without Burning Out
- Lindsay Johnson
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Still trying to be a one-person empire?
If you’ve ever found yourself buried under your to-do list wondering, “Why is this so hard?” - you’re not alone.
Many new entrepreneurs believe they have to do it all: marketing, sales, admin, tech, delivery, visibility… and still somehow find time to rest, socialize, and scale. 😵💫
Here’s the reality: Your business was never meant to be built alone.
In this blog, I’m sharing:
Why “doing it all” is actually slowing your growth
How to build a support system that keeps you moving forward
The mindset shift that will help you embrace sustainability over hustle
Practical ways to stop working like you’re your own team of ten
Let’s talk about building smarter, not harder.
Why “Doing It All” Is Holding You Back
There’s a lot of toxic mythology around the “self-made entrepreneur.” And it’s hurting us.
Trying to juggle every part of your business not only leads to burnout - it slows you down. You’re spending hours each week on tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius, and worse, that aren’t moving the needle on revenue.
Fact: According to a Forbes report, sustainable businesses grow by building systems, teams, and networks - not by hustling alone.
The truth is: every successful entrepreneur has a village. A team, a community, a network of people lifting them up behind the scenes.
What If the Problem Isn’t You - It’s That You’re Working Alone?
You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just trying to operate a full-blown business without enough support.
Here’s what most new entrepreneurs get wrong:
They think asking for help is failure
They avoid outsourcing because they’re not “big enough yet”
They wait for burnout before they start building systems
And here’s what’s true instead:
Delegating is a leadership skill
You can’t grow if you’re maxed out
You need support before you scale - not after
So the real question becomes: Who’s in your village?
Build Your Business Like a Village, Not a Fortress
Here’s how to start:
1. Track What’s Actually Working
Create two columns
What’s bringing in revenue, clients, and momentum?
What’s draining you, distracting you, or going nowhere?
Then double down on what works - and let go of what doesn’t.
Need help reviewing your data? Start by asking new clients: “How did you find me?”
Then follow it up with: “Why did you choose to work with me?”
The answers might surprise you - and shift your entire strategy.
2. Outsource Before You Burn Out
You don’t have to start with a full-time VA.
Try:
Hiring someone for 2 - 3 hours a week
Trading services with another entrepreneur
Asking a friend or family member for one small favor
Start small. The point is: your energy is one of your most valuable business assets. Spend it wisely.
Listen to this podcast on why you need to build a village to support your entrepreneurial journey
3. Get in the Room With Other Entrepreneurs
Yes, this is your permission slip to stop lurking and start connecting. Whether it’s a networking group, accountability pod, business membership, or mastermind - you need to stop building in isolation.
Communities like the Ick-Free Sales Community exist so you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
TL;DR: Want to Grow? Stop Going It Alone.
Your business doesn’t need more late nights, more DIY, or more hustle.
It needs support.
It needs systems.
It needs a village.
Because the goal isn’t to prove how hard you can work. The goal is to build something sustainable, joyful, and profitable.
And the fastest way to get there? With people beside you.
What to Do Next
🛠️ Do a quick energy audit.
What are you doing that drains you? What lights you up?
👯 Start building your village.
Join a community, start outsourcing, or simply ask for help.
📥 Join the Ick-Free Sales Community
We’re all about doing business with ease, support, and clarity.
Listen to this podcast building a village to support your entrepreneurial journey
