🌴346. I spent $11,899 running a one-person business

Read the articleThis year, I ran my entire consulting business solo. No staff. No office. Just me, my laptop, and 51 paid tools doing the work of bookings, editing, hosting, scheduling, storage, marketing, fitness, and even entertainment.Total spend $11,899 AUDBefore you jump to judgement, this episode isn’t about flexing tools or convincing you to buy anything.It’s about decision-making.I sat down and did a full tech audit. What I’m keeping. What I’ve cut. And what I’m seriously questioning going into next year.In this episode, I don’t read the full Substack article because it’s long and detailed. Instead, I share:Why I deliberately mix business and personal tech in one auditThe two rules I use to stop tools creeping out of controlThe platforms that genuinely earn their keepThe tools I probably should’ve cancelled earlierWhere I’m torn between “this works” and “this is just habit”You’ll hear why:I still pay a lot for Hello Audio and don’t regret itDescript is the reason this podcast even existsI don’t use a CRM or project management tool and why that’s intentionalI’m questioning long-term loyalty to ChatGPTYouTube Premium quietly became one of my best subscriptionsIf you’re a solopreneur, consultant, creator, or anyone running a one-person show, this episode will either make you feel very validated… or very itchy to open your subscriptions list.The full breakdown, including every tool, cost, category, and rationale, is linked in the show notes on Substack.Read it. Then audit your own setup.Because the real cost isn’t the software. It’s the indecision.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. Let's connect on all the channels:Leanne Hughes on LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: [email protected] you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.