Inbox overload

The sustainability reporting season is in full swing, and suddenly, my inbox is bustling with action.

It's like someone flipped a switch, and everyone remembered they needed help with their ESG reports.

Old clients are circling back, new prospects are reaching out, and all kinds of companies want help putting together winning bids for RFPs.

Don't get me wrong – it's humbling to be in demand. But I've learned the hard way that saying yes to every opportunity can quickly lead to burnout. Plus, if every RFP I work on gets accepted, I'll be swamped come Q1 when the real crunch of sustainability reporting hits!

So, how do I navigate this busy season without disappointing potential clients? Here are three quick tricks I've picked up along the way:

✅ Pace yourself: It's tempting to dive right in, but I've learned to hold off on committing myself to a project until I have a signed Statement of Work in my inbox. This helps me manage my workload and avoid overextending myself.

✅Be upfront about what you can deliver: Clear communication is key. I make sure to set realistic expectations from the get-go, which helps build trust and prevents misunderstandings down the line or when scope creep occurs.

✅Stay flexible: In this field, things can change in the blink of an eye. I've found that being adaptable and ready to pivot when necessary is crucial for success.

At the end of the day, it's not about how many projects you take on but the quality of work you deliver and the relationships you build.