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- Can you take a sick day?
Can you take a sick day?
Or does your business topple over when you're away?
Candice Grobler
July 23, 2025
Last week, I fully crashed. Like, in the hospital kind of crashed. Read more here.
Here’s the thing about running a solo business: when you are the system, everything pauses when your body says nope. And that’s exactly what happened.
So this week, instead of pretending I could bounce back instantly, I restructured my priorities: existing clients get my focus, the Notion event got rescheduled, and I’ve actually built in contingency plans. Like a real grown-up.
If you’ve ever tried to push through burnout, especially as a neuro-spicy human, please, learn from my fumble: rest isn’t optional. Neither is backup.
Want to join the rescheduled CPT Notion event (snack bags included!)? RSVP here.
All the same scrappy systems goodness, just with more empathy and emergency-proofing baked in.
An Updated Framework for Community Growth
Last week I shared a very rough version of a new systems framework I’ve been building, essentially, a map for community-led growth.
The response? Wildly helpful. Your feedback helped me realise I needed to go deeper. More, clear theory, and more practical examples.
So I’ve updated my Community Marketing Framework in a more detailed blog where I break down the 10 systems every scrappy brand needs to grow, while carefully looking at:
What the difference is between marketing my community and having a Community Marketing Framework.
Clear breakdowns of the systems I usually build for my clients who want to implement this framework
I also included real community examples so you can see this in action.
👉 If you’ve ever looked at your biz and thought “What do I need to build to engage my audience?” this blog is for you.
Next week, I’ll start sharing tips on how you can measure the state of your Community Marketing System. So be sure to subscribe if you haven’t yet!
CAPE TOWN NOTION NERDS UNITE: Our Build Your Solopreneur Systems in Notion event has been rescheduled for Thurs, 31st July. It’s FREE to attend, but you must RSVP quick because seats are limited and flying fast!
NOTION AI FOR $0? I’m stoked to be able to offer early stage startups this new offer of up to 6 months free of Notion Business + AI. Apply here.
WHAT SHOULD I CHARGE? If you’re tired of asking this question 2 mins before submitting a quote and living with regret then you can check out Jomiro’s free Freelancer Rate Calculator.
FEEDBACK NEEDED: Zane wrote this LinkedIn piece about how to get valuable information and content just by analysing your LinkedIn engagement metrics . Share your thoughts and feedback with him.
BUILD A BRAND AI BOT: If you've ever said "this AI tool doesn’t get me," this is your fix. Buy Kinsey’s step-by-step guide to build a Brand Blueprint that trains your whole team (human and non) on how to speak like you!
Forgive me, Algorithm gods, for I have sinned...
I promised a client I’d deliver by Friday. Then I ghosted because I panicked and didn’t know how to say I was behind.
Your penance, my child:
Ah yes, the ghost-n-guilt spiral. Been there.
Here's your penance:
1. Send the message TODAY. Keep it short, honest, and human. "I overcommitted, I panicked, and I’m sorry for the silence. Here’s my new realistic timeline."
2. Don’t over-explain. Don’t beg. Just be clear and own it.
3. Bonus: Add a tiny system (template, checklist, reminder) so it doesn’t happen again.
Trust = built through honesty, not perfection. You got this!
Need to confess your community marketing sins?
Submit your biggest marketing sin here and every week we’ll pick one lucky reader to give advice to!
How Candid Collab can help you:
 This newsletter was written by Candice Grobler | 🤙 Book a Discovery Call: Let’s discuss how we can help you get clear marketing and community systems that work for you! 📲 Join the Candid Community: Get help where you are at now and when you need it most. Free and paid options available. |
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