Are You A Successful Multi-Tasker?
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I was talking recently to my grandmother who is 86 and realized that our lives are chaotic in comparison to how she grew up. It is like night & day. As busy entrepreneurs it seems it has almost become a necessity to do multiple things all at once.
Ladies & gentlemen we have become modern day jugglers. (Cue the laugh track)
But I need you to stop for one second (because I know you are probably multi-tasking right now:) and ask yourself are you getting things done effectively? According to an article on LifeHacker.com by Ciara Conlon, "Some research has shown multitasking to reduce productivity by 40%."
I definitely agree with this.
As I was writing this blog post it took me extra long because I thought it was necessary to check updates on my phone and my email. Trust me nothing was a 911 emergency that couldn't have waited.
NPR.org interviewed a professor of neuroscience at MIT Earl Miller, who said for the most part, "We simply can't focus on more than one thing at a time". He goes on to say, "What we can do, is shift our focus from one thing to the next with astonishing speed. Switching from task to task, you think you're actually paying attention to everything around you at the same time. But you're actually not". In an article on Mashable.com, it states "that only 2% of people can multitask effectively".
WOW!
So How Can You Become A Successful Multi-tasker?
The short answer is you can't. It's a sobering thought huh? The good news is that you can become more successful at getting tasks done. It is very simple: Focus. John Lee Dumas from Entrepreneur On Fire.com always says Follow One Course Until Success = Focus. If you want to learn more about his thoughts on this check out his blog post right here.
Final Thoughts
So I want to leave you with these thoughts:
Mult-tasking is a lie
Get focused
Delegate what you don't need to do
Stop worrying
Start being successful because now you are getting more done by doing less
Let me know what you think & of course Keep It Sunny!
Do You Have Time To Volunteer?
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Life as an entrepreneur can get crazy busy. You are working on developing your latest service offering, meeting with potential clients and taking care of the day to day administrative operations. Where in the world does volunteering for anything fit into this picture? Well, quite honestly it won't fit unless you schedule it in. And your probably laughing hysterically to yourself and asking the question, "Why would I spend some of my very little and very hard to come by time doing volunteer work?" I have two very good reasons:
You Need A Mental Break
Have you ever noticed that if you were dealing with a struggling situation that if you put it aside to go do something else like help out a friend or family member that when you returned the issue was much more solvable. This is because we all need to gain clarity at one point or another. Steve Pavlina, states in his post 11 Ways To Gain Clarity that ,"If you want to experience more clarity, you must disengage yourself from that which has an adverse effect on your clarity." Giving your time to a worthy cause via volunteerism is a great way to give back and get your focus back.
It Is a Great Way To Make New Friends
I know what your thinking.....I already have enough friends! Well you can never have enough good positive people around you. As a volunteer you are sure to meet these types of kindred spirits. These are folks that you maybe able to go on to build lasting personal and professional relationships with. In my previous post about networking I spoke about how important it was to build relationships and connections before you need them. Going out and volunteering gives you a great avenue to do that.
So now that you have the right attitude to get out there and be a do gooder your probably asking where can I go to get started? There are great places on LinkedIn to go get started as well as VolunteerMatch.org. Wherever you begin just go with a good attitude, have fun and know that volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving. There is always time to be of service to others.
Are you a do gooder? Share one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences that you have had.
Is Networking Overrated?
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As a business owner we have all heard the importance of making time to network.
But is it really necessary?
If you have all your ducks in a row and business is coming in the door and everything is smooth sailing then what is the point? And who has time for that anyway?
Well if you're a lifestyle entrepreneur and if you aren't sure check out last week's post about that topic then networking is extremely important. As a lifestyle entrepreneur networking is all about making friends and building honest authentic connections with people. Since most lifestyle entrepreneurs work from home or are location independent then carving time out to mix & mingle may seem cumbersome but it is crucial. There are a myriad of ways to network with others such as online via virtual conferences, in person at specialized meetups, local chamber organizations or through volunteerism.
Have you ever found yourself in need of a professional endorsement or a key connection to that "right" person? We all have. I bet you were thinking I wish I would have kept in touch with "fill in the blank". Don't be that person who only reaches out to others when you need something. Get out there make friends and build lasting relationships with other professionals. According to Rishi Chowdhury of the Business Insider, "Your net worth is only as good as your network." Now that's food for thought!
What do you think about the whole idea of networking? Is it overrated, a lost art or necessary in your world?
Are You A Lifestyle Entrepreneur?
/We all have different reasons for starting our respective businesses. I started my business so that I could contribute the variety of skills, knowledge & passions that I have. I also wanted more control of my own time to be able to spend with my family, travel & volunteer. I love people, technology and have a knack for building relationships and getting things done efficiently. So I combined all of these attributes together and formed my virtual assistant business.
And Magic!
Is this the definition of a lifestyle entrepreneur?
According to Sean Kim at the Huffington Post "The term was coined by Lewis Howes, a former pro athlete, author turned lifestyle entrepreneur. He designed his business around his life, not the other way around using a laptop and an internet connection".
So there you have it.
If this description sounds like your business journey then I say welcome to this amazing adventure. And if it doesn't I say what are you waiting for?
Let me know which side you are on.
Keep It Sunny!
3 Simple Ways To ReInvent Your Business
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If your like me & other entrepreneurs you started your own business for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons may have been to create more freedom in your life, share more of your talent and skills to clients, focus on what's passionate to you and share that with others. No matter what the initial reason was to start your own business, somewhere along the way YOU got off course. Now you are stuck in a rut and your business is turning more into a job instead of a labor of love. What can I do to get back on track, Tracey? Well I am glad you asked.
- The first thing is to do is remember your "Why".
Why did you want to start your business in the first place? Write down 3 reasons and keep them posted near your desk. This will help you to stay enthusiastic when you hit those business rough patches.
- Have an immigrant attitude.
On the website www.successthread.com, the late great motivational speaker Zig Ziglar describes having an immigrant attitude as people who have come to America with little or no money, very little english speaking skills and no family. They do this because they have a burning desire to carve out a new life for themselves & their family. "They do it because they have a dream and the dream has them".
- Surround yourself with like-minded thinkers
I am sure we have all heard of the motto, "Birds of a Feather Flock Together". What that means is that we tend to hang around people who think & believe like ourselves. As an entrepreneur it is critical that we surround ourselves with other positive small business owners to stay encouraged and tuned into what is going on in our industry. If your still working in corporate america and doing your business as a side-preneur then it is EXTREMELY important that you find your tribe of people who are on the same path as you to stay focused on your goals. Some great places to hangout are on LinkedIn, www.48days.com or .www.entrepreneuronfire.com.
So there you have it. 3 simple ways to reinvent your business. It all starts with your attitude & that flows down to propel you into action.
Do you have other things that you do to get you back on track that helps you reinvent your business? Share so we can all learn together.
Keep It Sunny!
Finding A Great Fit: Virtual Assistance in 2016
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Photos Courtesy of Stuart Miles|FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Photo Courtesy of phasinphoto|Freedigitalphoto.net
We are already in the second week of the new year. Time flies very fast. Are you on track with your goals?
New Business Cards Ordered: Check
Networking Events to Attend for 2016: Check
Help With Monthly Projects & Tasks: NOT CHECKED!
Why are you still struggling to do everything in your business as if it was the year 2000? The Virtual Assistant Industry is on the rise and partnering up with a VA is the 21st century way of getting things accomplished in your business.
How Do I Find A Top-Notch VA Professional?
Be Professional, Kind & Make Sure It Is The Right Fit For Your Business
Be Professional & Kind- Do not write this in your Ad: Hi, I am Joe Blow from XYZ company and I am paying $15 an hour to hire a VA to do a long list of stuff. Please don't reply if you expect a pay rate of $X amount of dollars or have any requirements to work with me.
WOW!
This will surely leave you without the excellent world class service you deserve.
The previous statements are geared towards an employee/employer type relationship. These do exist in the VA world, think Craigslist or Elance. Even if this is the type of relationship you desire this type of ad doesn't leave the reader excited to work with you. Additionally, many virtual assistants work for a firm and are independent contractors. So be careful how you craft your ad unless you are really seeking to hiring an individual as an employee to join your company.
Most often if you are seeking someone who will go beyond being a taskmaster and deliver feedback and brainstorming strategies on the strategic view of your company you will be dealing with a business owner. I am unsure how you would feel if a potential client approached you about gaining help from you for their business and they wrote the above statements. Bad Business Communication 101.
So to answer the question of "How Do I Find A Top-Notch VA Professional"?
Make a list of what type of non-revenue generating tasks/projects you do daily.
Figure out if you are ready to partner up with a VA. If you aren't ready to let go and trust someone with your baby, then you are not ready to work with a VA Professional
Determine what frequency you will need help. Most VA's charge a monthly retainer just like attorneys to do business with them.
Figure out your budget before you seek out a VA
Write an interesting RFP that showcases your personality and business in the best light.
Check out the potential VA's FAQ list on their site to determine if they are a good fit for you.
Finding the right VA Professional fit for you and your business may take a bit of patience. The end result will be that you will gain your time back and have your very own business partner, cheerleader to help you conquer your strategic goals in 2016.
KEEP IT SUNNY!
3 Easy Tips to be More Productive in Your Small Business
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I am sure we have heard the famous statement by Benjamin Franklin: "Time Is Money" but what does it really mean? According to a survey found on The Huffington Post by Mavenlink, "One in four small business owners believe each productive hour in a day is worth upwards of $500."
That sure is a lot of money.
If you're a small business owner it can make or break your business, especially if you're a one woman/man operation. In order to accomplish important business goals such as gaining more clients, increasing marketing efforts or creating new products and services you must first honor your own time.
What do I mean exactly?
For example, if you are setting goals to do more competitive market research and the goal was for last year and you still haven't done the research then you aren't honoring your own time. You are disrespecting your own business goals and blocking your success. What's the answer? Here are 3 Easy Tips to be More Productive in Your Small Business:
1. Get clear on "why" you are in business? What are the 3 most important reasons you started your business? autonomy, money, more time with family. Write them down and stick them somewhere that is visible to you on a daily basis.
2. Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T. According to Entrepreneur.com, goals should be: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.
3. Plan a reward for small goals achieved. It just makes it more fun to know after you have completed a goal that there is fun times on the horizon.
These are starting points to enable you to refocus on why you are doing all this and to get excited again about your business. Yes, time is money and if you are not maximizing your time to produce revenue generating opportunities then you are truly wasting money.
What is the one thing you keep procrastinating to do in your business? Tell me about it in the comments below. Don't be ashamed. We are all in this small business world together. Want more tips? Check out this article by Shanna Lebowitz at the Business Insider for more productivity ideas.
Keep It Sunny!
Are You A Problem Solver?
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Photo Courtesy of jesadaphorn by Freedigitalphotos.net
Hi to everyone out there. How is your business doing these days? Is it too slow? Or are you on fire? Well, in my opinion the difference between the two extremes could be how your customers view your problem solving ability. According to a book excerpt from James A. DeSena, Solving Your Customers Problems, “You must describe the problem clearly, and do it from the customer's point of view. The problem should be one the customer sees value in solving.” Does your product or service solve your customers' problems in the most efficient manner possible? If not, then it may be time to dig a bit deeper to find out what pressure points or roadblocks your customers are facing and be the superior resource for that problem. Having great insight into what challenges your customers need resolved is extremely important. The difference between being profitable or closing your doors is what is at stake. Just a bit of food for thought. Next week we will take a look at a few ways we as business owners can get to the root cause of what our customers are facing so that we can be THE resource they think of to provide resolutions.
Keep It Sunny!
Is It Time To Take A Pivot In Your Business?
/Picture this: You had a vision for your business that would solve a pressing issue and allow you to deliver the type of results you desire. You have the skills, temperament and knowledge. Time has passed and your dream business is starting not to look so dreamy.
You have fussy clients, the tools you are using to deliver the service aren't really working that well. And you are wondering what in the world happened to "The Dream"? It might be time to take a different look at your business and pivot in a different direction. It is your business and if you are unhappy with any facet of it the beauty of it all is that you can change it.
No questions asked.
Life is based on the decisions that you make. Are you making the right decisions for your business? Are you making decisions that will help you to better serve your customers and bring fulfillment to your life? Is it time to take your vision in a different direction? Only you know the true answer.
Keep It Sunny!
I love free stuff
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Do you love free stuff? Well I am pretty sure the answer is yes. What about free stuff that you can use in your business to stay organized and keep your focus on delivering great value to your customers? Well, starting today I am going to share tools that are free or very low cost that you can use in your business. As small business owners every penny counts and any penny not spent can add up to a huge chunk of money. O.k. so the first tool is Insightly. I listened to John Lee Duma's Entrepreneur On Fire podcast today and heard him mention it and decided to check it out. Here are some of the key features:
Free for up to 2 users
Integrates your contact management, project management and social media management within one platform
Has a mobile feature
Integrates with many other applications such as Evernote and Google Apps
I haven't signed up yet, or played around with it yet, but I shall do that over the weekend. So go check it out and let me know what you think
Keep It Sunny!
Are You Hitting Those Goals?
/It is April which means it is tax month but it is also a good time to pay attention to your business. How is your business doing? Check out this previous post to get some ideas on how to stay on track.
Keep it Sunny!
How Do You Handle A Difficult Client?
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Photo Courtes of Ambro|Freedigitalphotos.net
We have all had a chance encounter with a difficult client. You know what I mean. A client that seems to thrive on making your life not so happy. Fussy, Trite & Demanding.
But the real question is how do you handle a difficult client?
First, start with defining the real issue by listening. Rhett Power writes on Inc.com that "A good listener also engages his heart and mind. He does not allow himself to become distracted, but focuses on the speaker. He doesn't formulate answers before the speaker completes a statement. He doesn't give the appearance of being defensive."
Does The Shoe Fit
Try placing yourself in the other person's shoes. I don't know about you, but when I have received poor customer service from another business I often feel ignored. I think to myself they wouldn't want someone to treat them this way so why are they doing this to me. Well, this is how your client feels when they are frustrated with something that is not going smoothly. They are relying on you to make their lives easier is some shape or form so when we fall short they often feel ignored.
Confess & Correct
O.k. I am sure you are thinking this sounds a bit much. But we should be humble enough to admit when we fall short of a promise and what we are going to do to make it right. When you open your mind and your heart to your clients and show them that you are a real person that bleeds just like they do then real rapport building can happen.
Handling a so called difficult client can be stressful. But it can also be a learning opportunity for you to see what products, skills or services you can improve upon. Make no mistake that having good communication skills coupled with taking action is the only real cure for this ailment. So how do you handle difficult situations with your client? Tell me what is one good tip to use to make the relationship better.
Keep It Sunny!
I Am Not Making Money
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Photo Courtesy of graur razvan ionut|Freedigitalphotos.net
Does this sound like you? "If I had more time to market I know I could increase my bottom-line. I am so frustrated that my business isn't making more money and I feel like throwing in the towel. This isn't the dream I had in mind when I started my business and it is turning into a nightmare". These are the thoughts of a very unhappy entrepreneur.
As a small business owner I understand that trying to do everything all at the same time AND take care of your marketing efforts to win new clients is a lot of work. I am exhausted just thinking about it.
But there is a way to make your dreams a reality.
The first order of business is to recognize that you are having a problem. The second order of business is to get some help. Let other professionals such as a bookkeeper or a virtual assistant into your business life.
Do not be fooled into thinking you can do everything that you need to do to keep your business afloat. Start making money by making an investment in a business partnership today. So are you drowning? Tell me what is keeping you from making money in the comments below.
Keep It Sunny!
Are You Staying On Track?
/Well, it is March and we are 3 months into 2015. How is your business really doing? Are you staying on track and hitting your goals? Did your business planning work out so far? If not, then check out this blog post to get back on track and cross some important to do's off your list.
Keep It Sunny!
I Don't Have Time To Volunteer!
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Photo Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici|Freedigitalphotos.net
What are your thoughts on volunteerism? I will guess that most people think it is a good thing and that it is awesome when other people do it. But I know as a busy entrepreneur time is not in abundance. So volunteering may seem to be unimportant.
Time Well Spent
I have volunteered in the past at women shelter's and at the Boys & Girls club. I found it to be very rewarding. You're probably thinking what does this have to do with business and being a small business owner?
Social Goodwill vs. Your Bottom-line
According to a survey shared in the Huffington Post "40% of a company's reputation is determined by volunteering and corporate social responsibility." Moreover, customers come to expect that company's have some sort of social impact on their community. Finally, corporate finance experts agree that "maintaining a good corporate reputation or brand equity is the most important way [volunteering programs] create value."
Making time to volunteer can give you a more tangible footprint in the community that you serve. It helps out your fellow citizen who is in need and in return it can help you to see that some things in life are truly priceless. As a fellow small business owner, I think we can have a social impact on our community in many ways that go beyond the bottom-line. We may not have the resources of large corporations, but we can still make an impact. Next week I will go over a few tips that can help us achieve this goal.
What about you? What are your thoughts on volunteerism and corporate social responsibility? Share with me in the comments below.
Keep It Sunny!
Living La Vida Loca...Well not quite!
/Being an entrepreneur is great. You get to set your own hours, work without limitations and serve your customers to the best of your ability. It really can feel like you're living the ultimate dream. But what if it doesn't and it feels like a nightmare because you are drained, stressed out and energy depleted? Then it is time to take some time for yourself and try some of these things that I do:
Wake up Early To Meditate
Do Yoga on a regular basis to stay balanced
Listen to podcasts or read motivational books
Take a midweek staycation to your nearest park
Do aerobics or go to the gym
Being a business owner is awesome and requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. In the quest to be at the top of your game and take care of your clients/customers don't forget to take care of yourself. What are some of your ideas for self-care? Share with me in the comments below.
Keep It Sunny!
Photo Courtesy of Ambro|Freedigitalphotos.net
It's Time To Stop & Take Action!
/I am very ambitious. As a fellow business owner I am sure you share the same trait. But.....sometimes we can find ourselves spinning our wheels and not going anywhere fast. I wrote last week about having an action plan. Do you have one yet? If not, then stop and take a look at ideas on how to put one together.
We are all in this together as entrepreneurs working to make our dreams shine far brighter than we could have ever imagined!
Keep it Sunny!!
Do You Have An Action Plan?
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Last week we talked about being on track to hit your goals for your business in 2015 but we didn't say how to do that. So here are a few tips on how to create an easy action plan to get those successes for your business.
Tip #1
Start with the end in mind: Your Mission Statement. Do you have one? If not then check out this article on how to create or fine tune your mission statement so that you know clearly why you are in business.
Tip #2
Do a brain dump of ideas and thoughts on what type of goals you would like to achieve this year. Try using Evernote to capture your ideas.
Tip #3
Get Inspired! Check out how other entrepreneurs are making their dreams a reality. A great place to do that is on 48days.net or on EntrepreneurOnFire.com
So there you have it. A few tips to get you started on creating an action plan for your business that is practical and achievable. Tell me your thoughts on what other steps could be added to this plan in the comments below.
Keep It Sunny!
New Year's Resolutions For Your Business
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Photo Courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti|Freedigitalphotos.net
