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It's 11 PM, and you're frantically searching through multiple Google Docs, trying to find that brilliant idea you had for a client program. Your phone buzzes—another follow-up email you forgot to send. Meanwhile, your content calendar sits empty, despite the countless amazing ideas you've had this week.
If this feels familiar, you're not alone. And here's the thing: your ADHD isn't the problem. The problem is trying to force your divergent-thinking brain into systems designed for neurotypical entrepreneurs.
Why Most Business Systems Fail ADHD Entrepreneurs
As ADHD entrepreneurs, we're divergent thinkers. Our brains are wired to see everything as equally important and needing attention right now. This makes traditional business advice not just unhelpful, but actively frustrating:
- We don't need another to-do list
- We don't need more productivity apps
- We don't need to "try harder" at being consistent
What we need are systems that work with our natural strengths, not against them.
Building Your Idea Capture System
The first step isn't glamorous, but it's crucial: you need one place for all your ideas. Not multiple notebooks, not different apps—one digital home for everything.
Here's what actually works:
- Use voice-to-text for those random brilliant ideas (especially during high-energy moments)
- Keep a notepad by your bed for late-night inspiration
- Set up a single "capture inbox" in your phone
- Use Notion for its easy-to-use templates and quick capture features
The key? Make it as friction-free as possible. The easier it is to capture an idea, the more likely you'll actually do it.
Client Management That Makes Sense
Forget complex CRM systems. Here's what you actually need:
1. A central client dashboard in Notion or your preferred platform where everything is one click away:
- Client contact information
- Session notes
- Important documents
- Payment status
2. Clear client communication boundaries:
- Specify exactly what "access between sessions" means
- Set clear response time expectations
- Use voice messages over text when possible (faster and more personal)
3. Set up an email nurture sequence (SO SO Underutilized)
- Set up an automated email sequence for new email leads to warm them up. This is such a powerful step that not enough coaches use. I use Flodesk because it's cheap, simple and has gorgeous templates.
- Create templates for common client communications
- Schedule check-ins in advance
Overwhelmed With Marketing? Make Your Email List Your Priority
Here's something most coaches won't tell you: your social media posts probably aren't being seen anyway. Instead of stressing about daily social media, focus on building what you actually own—your email list.
Why email matters more:
- You own your email list (unlike social media followers)
- Direct communication with your audience
- Higher engagement rates
- More control over your message
Getting started with email:
1. Sign up for an email service - I use Flodesk (and I'm a Flodesk Partner)
2. Create a simple welcome sequence
3. Share what you're working on, learning and useful things your audience would like.
4. Consider a quick weekly newsletter (but skip this if you don't want the commitment)
Creating Content Without the Overwhelm
Instead of trying to be everywhere all the time:
1. Take advantage of your high-energy days:
- Batch create content when you're feeling creative
- Record multiple videos in one session
- Write several email drafts
- Create social media content in bunches
2. Set up a content library in Notion:
- Store your best ideas
- Keep successful posts for repurposing
- Save client testimonials and wins
- Document process templates
3. Use a VA to help with:
- Content scheduling
- Basic editing
- Posting and engagement
- Email management
Weekly Workflow Optimization
Your week needs structure, but not rigidity. Here's how to create a weekly workflow that actually works:
1. Identify your most productive hours:
- Schedule client calls during high-energy times
- Save admin work for lower-energy periods
- Block out creation time when you're naturally most creative
2. Create a basic weekly template:
- Monday: Planning and prep
- Tuesday-Thursday: Client work and content creation
- Friday: Wrap-up and review
3. Track what actually moves the needle:
- Revenue-generating activities first
- Client delivery second
- Everything else fits around these priorities
When You're Ready to Scale
Once you have these basics in place, look at:
1. Hiring a VA for:
- Email management
- Basic client support
- Content scheduling
- Administrative tasks
2. Working with a coach to:
- Review your existing systems
- Identify unnecessary tasks
- Create scaling strategies
- Build sustainable growth plans
Taking Action (Without Overwhelming Yourself)
Remember: You don't need to implement everything at once. In fact, trying to do so is a recipe for overwhelm. Instead:
1. Start with your idea capture system
2. Then focus on building your email list
3. Create a basic weekly workflow
4. Add other systems as you grow
Your ADHD brain isn't something to fix—it's a unique asset that can drive innovation and creativity in your business. The key is building systems that work with your natural strengths rather than fighting against them.
What's your next step? Pick ONE thing from this post—preferably either setting up your idea capture system or starting your email list. That's it. Just one thing.
