Shannan Scott
A business strategist’s perspective on taking a trip during planning a big event, observing phone-free Fridays, and slowing down, even when it’s busy.
Words by SARAH MAGIDOFF
Photographs by ELANA JADALLAH
WHAT DOES “SLOW ENTREPRENEURSHIP” MEAN TO YOU?
SS: It is an intentional, conscious and carefully considered approach to building a business. It helps us realize that creativity cannot be rushed and that in slowing down, we have the opportunity, time and space to do the common things, uncommonly well.
TALK ABOUT A TIME YOU CHOSE TO PRIORITIZE SOMETHING PERSONAL OR MEANINGFUL OVER THE DEMANDS OF WORK. HOW DID THAT DECISION MAKE YOU FEEL?
SS: In early October 2018, I hosted a 3-day workshop for business owners in San Diego, CA. No matter the amount of planning, the two weeks before any event are always crazy. To add to the insanity, it happened that my 3rd wedding anniversary conveniently fell within this two-week period. My husband had planned a little getaway for us and although I considered asking him if we could post-pone the trip until after the event, I ultimately decided against it and packed my bags! We ended up having the best time. In hindsight, a little fun and adventure was just what I needed before a big event. I felt rested and returned with so much more energy!
YOU RECENTLY MOVED FROM HAWAII - TALK ABOUT A LOCATION THAT IS PERCEIVED TO EMBODY THE SLOW MENTALITY! WHEN YOU LIVED AMONG THAT CULTURE, WAS IT EASIER TO APPROACH WORK WITH A SLOWER MINDSET?
SS: Hawaiian culture has certainly influenced the way I work. [It taught me to] diligently trim off any ‘extras’ in an effort to add more white space to my weeks. So, rather than trying to fill my calendar with more clients, I’ve been opting to take on fewer with longer projects. I’m used to running through life at a million miles per minute! Spending more time being vs. doing feels totally foreign, but I’m choosing to embrace and explore it.
YOU’RE ALL ABOUT INTENTIONALITY. WHY IS LIVING LIFE WITH INTENTION SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
SS: I believe intention is the key to not only honouring, but activating, our values in life (and in business). Choosing to prioritize the people, projects or perspectives that matter most to us allows us to live in alignment. I also believe intention drives change and impact; when we are thoughtful with our choices, our voices, and our ideas, we can make waves in the world — to me, that is the purpose of business. I care deeply about leaving a lasting legacy and building something that matters.
TALK ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU SACRIFICED YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND OFFER THAT PERSON ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
SS: In my early days as an entrepreneur, I quickly became known as “the busy girl”. Juggling a full-time job, planning a wedding and birthing a new business baby left little time for a social life. While I was checking off tasks on my to-do list, none of them were profit-generating. So there I was — burnt out, overwhelmed and exhausted with nothing really to show for it.
In hindsight, there’s a few things I would’ve done differently. One, I would’ve set better boundaries around my time; knowing that social connection and self-care is what keeps my cup full, I would advise myself to schedule those things into my calendar first. Second, I would’ve invested in support sooner; a mentor or coach who could guide my actions and help me to avoid wasting time or energy on vanity metrics that simply don’t contribute to my bottom line.
LIST 10 THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY.
SS:
Weekend brunch
Chai lattes (the spicier the better and with almond milk, please!)
My daughter Isla and her infectious smile
Spontaneous road trips
Any song by Justin Timberlake
Taco Tuesday
The smell of the ocean and sound of the waves
Learning the art of photography
Long un-hurried dinners with good friends
My husband and best friend, Josh (and our shared passion for travel + culture)
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY AT WORK.
SS: I love a later start to my workday; taking the morning to nourish my mind and my body through a challenging workout and breakfast made with real foods. I also choose to take a shorter lunch in order to wrap up my day earlier, allowing myself some downtime to unwind, jump on a call with a friend, tidy my apartment or catch the sunset at the beach.
WHAT UNORTHODOX BUSINESS PRACTICE HAVE YOU PUT IN PLACE TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN WORK-LIFE BOUNDARIES?
SS: I’ve started taking quarterly social media breaks for one week or longer. Lately I’ve also been playing around with the idea of ‘phone-free Fridays’. When it comes to marketing my business online, I’ve been practicing essentialism. This looks like focused campaigns vs. fragmented consistency. I’m showing up with more purpose and with the bigger picture in mind, creating/releasing content that supports an upcoming promotion, product launch or new service offering. This practice has eased the pressure I’ve felt to show up daily on social media!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
Shannan is a consultant specializing in creative communications and experiential marketing for brands and small businesses. She hosts the podcast Ideas With Intention where she shares stories from conscious business owners who are changing the world and the way we live.