Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Productivity means giving yourself a break

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Woman Hand on Chin at Computer

You know how it is…you work all day without a lunch break so you can “get more done.” Funny thing is; this practice actually makes you less productive.

Specialists say that “skipping meals leads to poor cognitive functioning, including loss of memory, concentration, the ability to learn, hand-eye coordination and catching mistakes.”

So, do you want to stay energized, productive and complete your task more efficiently? Try leaving the office during lunch time and breathing some fresh air or taking a walk.

You deserve it!

Until next time,

Happy Organizing!

Weekly Networking Groups: how to get referrals

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Circle of Chairs

I hear many people say “that networking group didn’t work for me” – sometimes that is true, but hardly ever.  A networking group will work for almost anyone if you work it.  Yep, YOU have to work it.

A couple of ways to make the best of these groups:

Be prepared:  if you show you are committed to the group, the group will normally commit to you – and the comes in the way of referrals.

Show up:  this seems simple, but you would not believe the people who just don’t show up for my networking groups.  You need to be seen – otherwise they forget all about you.  Trust me on this one.

Meet outside the meeting:  since you are in a group, you need to establish one on one relationships with each of the members.  This requires a commitment to meeting with them one on one outside of the normal meeting.  Prepare for these meetings as well and do not be afraid to ask for their referrals.  People need your help to find you referrals – really. 

Next week – how to turn referrals from a networking group into clients.     

Staying Motivated Through Overwhelm

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Have you ever been totally overwhelmed by a big project, like cleaning out a garage or craft room? Be honest. Of course you have.

Avoid total overwhelm by dividing up the project and doing just a little at a time, rather than trying to chew the whole thing in one bite. Instead of simply walking away in frustration, stay encouraged and motivated by setting a time limit and focus on finishing one drawer, one box or one desktop.

Keep like things with like. Use clear bins rather than cardboard.  Remember that more isn’t always better; it’s just more. Once you taste the positive results of making hard decisions you will love the feeling of being in control.

You will accomplish more in just 2 or 3 hours when you stay on task than you will all day spinning in circles deciding what to do about your stuff. Keep it? Toss it? Give it away? Even if you spend one hour after work every day for a week clearing out the clutter versus watching TV, the results will amaze you. 

The secrets? Stay focused.  Only do a little at a time. Be willing to make decisions and move on. Set a time limit. When time’s up, it’s up.

Until next time,

Happy Organizing!

Why you should define a real target market

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Target

Last week I talked about hunting for potential customers.  I mentioned that if you said the words “anyone or everyone” in describing your target market and it will hinder your ability to gain new clients.

Think about a shoe store.  If they told you their target was anyone who needed shoes, how would you be able to refer someone to them?  Only if someone said they needed shoes – and how often would that happen?!

Now, if they said they focused on working women over 40 who wanted to look good, but needed comfort because they are on their feet all day.  Now, you can think of a woman who fits that category and you can refer business to them. 

The same thing will happen to you if you don’t really define who your target specifically is – trust me on this.

Next week – how you need this target market focus in order to use your marketing dollars for their maximum impact.

Really…we are coming soon!

Friday, January 15th, 2010

The blog will be “active” by the end of the week of January 18th.  We promise!

Until then, visit us at our website!

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Welcome to our blog!  We hope you will visit here often to see our tidbits of wisdom on each of our four pillars – Business, Marketing, Organizing, and Accounting!

We will start posting to each pillar in just a few days – stay tuned!