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The Digital Junk Drawer

Overworked & Underpaid? The Cost of No Systems (And 3 Ways to Fix It)

The biggest lie in business? "I don’t have time for systems." If you’re constantly drowning in admin work, playing email tag with clients, or scrambling to find project details, this episode is for you. The truth is, bad systems aren’t saving you time—they’re costing you money, creativity, and client trust. In this episode of The Digital Junk Drawer, we’re breaking down: ✔ Why "I’ll do it when I’m less busy" is a dangerous excuse keeping you stuck ✔ The hidden cost of disorganization (hint: your Google Drive might be a crime scene) ✔ How bad systems are draining your time, energy, and ability to scale ✔ Three simple workflow fixes you can implement today (without tech overwhelm) If your business feels like organized chaos (or just chaos), this episode will help you get back in control.
Broadcast on:
14 Mar 2025

Hey there, I’m Kathleen Stewart, your host and resident weirdo! Welcome to The Digital Junk Drawer, the podcast where creative service-based businesses come for unfiltered advice, actionable strategies, and a little bit of fun.

Today, we’re talking about systems—the thing you keep saying you’ll set up “when you have time.” But let’s be real: that time will never magically appear.

If you’re running your business on vibes, hope, and a million scattered Google Docs, this is your intervention.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why “I don’t have time for systems” is the biggest lie you’re telling yourself
  • The hidden cost of running your business without structure (hint: disorganization is robbing you of hours every week)
  • How to fix your biggest workflow messes without spending hours setting up complicated tech
  • The small system tweaks that will help you work less, earn more, and avoid burnout
  • Why setting up systems now makes scaling easier later

 Want to Get Your Business Running Smoother?

Need help fixing your client experience so things don’t fall through the cracks? Check out Ink to Income, my done-with-you program that helps creatives build workflows that actually work. Learn more at themainstage.ca/inktoincome

 Let’s Talk: What’s the biggest system struggle in your business? DM me on IG @TheMainStage.ca

Loved this episode? Share it with a biz bestie and leave a review—it helps more creatives like you build sustainable businesses.

The biggest lie in business? "I don’t have time for systems." If you’re constantly drowning in admin work, playing email tag with clients, or scrambling to find project details, this episode is for you. The truth is, bad systems aren’t saving you time—they’re costing you money, creativity, and client trust. In this episode of The Digital Junk Drawer, we’re breaking down: ✔ Why "I’ll do it when I’m less busy" is a dangerous excuse keeping you stuck ✔ The hidden cost of disorganization (hint: your Google Drive might be a crime scene) ✔ How bad systems are draining your time, energy, and ability to scale ✔ Three simple workflow fixes you can implement today (without tech overwhelm) If your business feels like organized chaos (or just chaos), this episode will help you get back in control.