One of the values of a good Time Management System is that it helps you separate the good use of your time from the less effective uses. This comes into play when we have to deal with days where we are busy, but not productive. From the onset, being busy is not what we want; running around working hard, at whatever comes across our desk is not a recipe for success.

Being Busy

The days where we worked hard, ran hard, accomplished things, and still ended up dissatisfied at the end of the days were the days that were busy for us, but did nothing or very little to move our Agenda along. That is why we have an Agenda; to help us plan and organizes our day, so we can move closer to achieving what we want to do and when we feel it should be done. The purpose of adhering to a good Time Management system is that we want to have a plan, and then work that plan.

Being frantic and hectic does nothing in the long run to help us achieve and realize our goals. We want to achieve the following: being productive. What is not going to benefit us is just being hectic and running around, this leads to nothing of real value for us, except perhaps by accident.

Being Productive

This is where we want to be, being productive means we have achieved what we set out to do, and that is to move closer to realizing what we have set out in our daily Agenda as well as our long term plans and goals. If you do not have a plan, then you are simply at the mercy of the events and the people around you who do. When you allow this to happen, then being wrapped up in other peoples activities is the best that can happen to you and that is not an appealing thought.

Accomplishing what you set out to do has many benefits, one is, success breeds more success. If you get into a groove, see things working out for you, you tend to keep doing what is working for you. Time Management is an acquired taste, some people will turn their nose up at the mere mention of it, and others will latch on, see that it works and then become an advocate, a convert of it. The value of a good system is that it helps to keep you focused and your eye on the ultimate prize, you and your productivity and your happiness.

What we want to be able to do as much as possible is to have full, busy as well as productive days. How do we do that? Self-management, no I did not misspell, we need to control and manage our time, as well as managing ourselves at the same time. Once we separate what we want to do, we then have to discipline ourselves into doing what we set out to do. That is where we have to show some discipline and some focus, keep out the influences and the distractions, and get down to business. This is where a good Time Management System is worth its weight in gold, it will not only help establish a plan for you to follow, it is designed to keep you on course and focused on the tasks at hand.

Easier said than done, it is a long process and made longer if we are not aware of the implications. The days that we get what we want to get done are the days that we are closer to where we want to be. The days that will allow other people, other events and other Agendas to prevail, we a have taken a step backwards. We have only so much time, energy and resources at our disposal, we need to be sure that we make the best use of these limited, non renewable assets.

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When you have a very small business, or a microbusiness, you are often responsible for many tasks.

1. You are the Communications Officer, meaning you answer the phone and you answer all the emails.
2. You are often also the bookkeeper, so you must keep track of every dollar that comes in and goes out.
3. You also make all the decisions on the budget, so you are the Finance Manager.
4. Do not forget that you are also in charge of all technology, so that makes you the CIO – Chief Information Officer.
5. One of your biggest responsibilities is being the V.P. of Marketing. Not only do you have to decide which strategies to use, but you have to learn how to do them all AND figure out which are the best strategies for you and your business goals. And then you have to execute them – often all by yourself!
6. Oh yes – let’s not forget that you are also the Operations Manager and Customer Service Manager – in charge of fully servicing your clients.

These responsibilities do not fit nicely into a schedule. Your clients may need you at all different times. You will get urgent emails when you scheduled times to make phone calls, and you will get urgent phone calls when you scheduled time to work on email.

And you will get a ton of email that cries out for your attention all the time.

If you really like schedules, or if you just feel like having one is very helpful, I can offer some suggestions. Good and consistant planning is the key.

First, you must have a comprehensive, written action plan. This plan needs to include your goals, naturally, but also how you plan to achieve them along with specific actions. This must include quantities and timing/deadlines.

For example: Close 1 sale per week for at least $2,000 (goal)
Action step: Set 5 sales meeting appointments per week and close at least 1 sale; Call at least 40 leads per week to get at least 5 sales meeting appointments per week.

Next, set time aside weekly for planning. At the end of your workweek, Friday afternoons for most people, set aside about 20 minutes for planning and analysis. Take out your plan and your calendar and evaluate how your week was. Did you make your calls? Did you set appointments? Did you close sales? What else did you do well or not so well? What do you need to do next week?

After doing this quick analysis, write into your calendar for the next week exactly what you need to do. Around any appointments that are already set, block out some time for making your calls and make sure you have recorded all client and networking meetings.

This may be all you need, but many people have more complicated businesses and lives for this to work consistantly. If you are a wedding planner or real estate agent, for example, you very likely work nights and weekends. My biggest worry for you is that you work 7 days per week. Not only is this not healthy – you need at least one day off per week – but it actually leads to more disorganization.

Then there are parents. If you have children at home, especially if you are a single or only parent, sometimes your children will need you during your work hours! They will have doctor appointments, ballgames, exams and much more.

Besides those logistical interruptions, you have a responsibility to them to be a good, present parent. Make sure you have your priorities firmly in place as you plan your schedule. Also, have your expectations in line and resist the urge to compare your own success against others in your same industry. As long as you have your priorities in order, you will be happy with all of your success, and you will have the added bonus of being a great role model for your kids.

The life of an entrepreneur can be messy. Often, that is part of the appeal! It may never be the same two days in a row. Setting appropriate priorities, flexibility and good, consistant planning will keep you sane.

Copyright © 2010 Audrey Burton

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I have found that I have personally had a hard time with the separation between work and fun because I work from home. My office is in the basement and I work almost exclusively on the computer, a bad combination. Work is close, and never far away. I have a habit of just going downstairs for a moment, and end up staying for hours. With operating from home, I find myself never really have a full day off which makes the workweek seem never ending.

I find that I cheat; I set out an Agenda that has time off set aside, but when I do extra work, I do not record it in my Day Planner. I pretend that because I do not write it down, it never happened. Talk about denial! This is one of the advantages of working with a good Time Management System; you develop a workable plan, then you work that plan, pay attention to it because that is the reason you spent the time there in the first place.

One of the principles of getting and having a good healthy balance between work and pleasure is this, by the time you are feeling over worked and stressed out; you have already missed the boat for this go around. The time to take some time off and give yourself a breather is when you are still feeling fresh. It sounds strange but it’s true. I am working this year, on the premise that I want to give myself some set time off, before I am ready to just collapse and fall over, which my pattern in the past.

Only you can set the parameters that will best work for you. Adopting proper Time Management habits will help you set out the boundaries, set out the days and times when you work, and the times that are set where you basically unwind and kick back. We all need rest and relaxation, the key that we are looking for is how much to set aside for work and how much to set aside for all of the rest. My final advice on this side of the conversation is this: to get the most out of life, you must set an appropriate amount of time aside for non work/job related activities, and this is a must.

Is It Sustainable?

I call this the dynamic duo of Time Management; the other partner is the sustainability part. We have to work on seeing what works best for us, how much work/job time can we spend and then add in as much time as we think we can afford and need for fun, and then see if it works for us. Once we have found what works for us, a balance, then we have to see if we can make a life of it, see if we can sustain the lifestyle we have created, over a long period of time.

We have a tight rope act to perform, juggling two opposites, work and pleasure. When we think we have a fit between the two, we then hold our breath and see if it’s feasible over the long haul. As you barrel your way through your present daily routine, start to look at what you are doing, and ask yourself these two questions, “do I want to be doing what I am doing now in 5 years?” And the second question, “will I be able to be doing what I am doing now in 5 years?” Tough questions. Have a great day.

Copyright © 2010 Bryan Beckstead

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by Glenn Dietzel

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in starting, building, and growing your business is to act like a non-profit.

What I mean by this is focusing on all the busywork of running a business, without focusing on cash flow.

Most entrepreneurs take way too long to generate cash flow, and they spend too much time on unimportant things. They worry about the exact angle of the cut on the corner of their business card. They worry about whether the blue on their website is just a bit too blue.

They practice their elevator speeches sitting at home, and keep polishing and perfecting them without any input or feedback.

(Which, in essence, is just like talking to yourself, with about the same results.)

Similarly, when given a new strategy or approach, they spend a lot of time thinking through it, planning it, and wondering how they feel about it- but do not execute it.

When asked, they will say, “I don’t really know how to market my business.”

But, the truth is that they know what they need to do- they just aren’t doing it.

They are waiting for the stars to align and for everything to “feel right” before they make a move.

The reality is that if you wait for everything to “feel right”, you’ve already lost your window of opportunity.

The biggest success goes to the person who moves into a market first, or, if not first, most confidently and decisively. The winner in this situation is someone who has decided to play big, step out, be bold, and to keep building more and more momentum.

It is not the person who worries about the details that don’t really matter.

At the end of the day, it won’t matter if you have a 1/8th cut on your business card or a 1/4th cut. It won’t matter if your website should have been royal blue instead of aqua blue.

But we feel like these minor decisions are so crucial, and we lose time and focus worrying about details when we need to be focused on the big picture.

As we move further into this year, I will suggest, once again, that if you aren’t seeing the results in your business you truly want, it’s time to do something different.

If you’ve been acting like you’re in business, instead of actually being in business- and I’ll tell you the difference in just a minute- it’s time to either step up, or go home.

The only way you know you’re in business is when you are actively marketing and actively selling. Active marketing is making a video- AND distributing it. It’s writing an article- AND distributing it. It’s meeting people face to face -AND following up regularly.

Too many experts sit home and create content all day long. But the greatest content in the world can’t help your business if you aren’t getting your message out there.

So if you’ve been puzzling over minor things and mistaking them for a big deal, it’s time to stop that right now.

Get into the game. Play to win.

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Helpingpreneurs want to help. Imagine that. You have a giving heart and a spirit of support, healing, and love. Often times that beauty stops you from being business first. And business first is really important. Gina Ratliffe uses wonderful terms about service professionals asking

Are you a hobbyist?

or

Are you wealth conscious?

The wealth conscious entrepreneur understands that values, standards, and efficiency not only serve your business model, but serve your clients and customers. Is your business running organically and a little on the fly? Do you have policies, guidelines, and procedures in place? You cannot imagine how it will improve your effectiveness and your clarity.

Here are five must haves to make sure you are a wealth conscious entrepreneur and not just a hobbyist.

1. Honor your Commitments

In business your commitment is your word. Be on time, be ready, and overdeliver. I have actually had a coach who did not show up for calls. Now, we all make a mistake, but follow through, show up, and deliver. If you have a product going out, be certain it goes out on time. If you are delivering a service, make certain it is as promised. You may glass these over as obvious, but stop and think. Am I honoring every commitment at the absolute highest level?

2. Set an Example

I read a great quote the other day… “Your sermon is best told by your life and not your lips”. Make certain you are modeling the positive image for your business and services. Your appearance, presence, energy, and language all represent YOU. It is easy to get busy in the day to day and forget what we are sharing. Sometimes it can be the smallest thing that someone picks up on and that is the image they carry forever. Preach through your actions and your words.

3. Run it Like a Business

When you are in the service indsutry, the same best practices business rules apply. You do not avoid policies, efficiencies, and procedures because your business is helping and supporting others. To truly help and support, you run your business clean and clear. Have policies, have your team and your clients understand them, and have them in writing. Keep all conversations and communication on a business level and remind yourself why you are running this business. If you are here to serve, then make sure your business is serving everyone’s highest interest by being clear and being well informed.

4. Have a Mentor

When you have a seasoned person to ask for guidance and support, everything is easier. One of my mentors always says, “Business is messy” and it can be, so to have someone to sound board, ask, and advise is leveraging your best interests in business growth. I am telling you….MENTORS….I don’t leave home without them.

5. Be Uncomfortable

Change is good. Not always easy. Not always comfortable, but it means something is shifting and we are moving. Being uncomfortable in your business and stretching yourself beyond the comfort zone means you are NOT in hobby mode. Begin to worry if everything is perfect and you are care free! It is in the discomfort that we risk, journey, and leap!

Your gifts are unique and only you can share the blessing of you. Make sure you are in wealth conscious business mode. It will serve you, serve your clients, serve your success, and serve your income growth.

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Do you have one good reason to start your business right now?

How about 10?

Regardless of what people around you may say, right now is absolutely the best time to get into business, and I’ll give you 10 good reasons “why” – no matter what other people or the media say.

If you don’t believe me, just go back and look at the slowdowns throughout economic history. Most recessions in the post-World War II era U.S. last just an average of 10 months, followed by growth cycles that last an average of 50 months.

What this means for the start-up is there is no better time than right now to get going and start pursuing your business dreams – in anticipation of the next period of growth.

1)First, everything is cheaper. There is great value right now in this and in world markets. As asset prices have been knocked down, there is no better time to get into the real estate or financial markets, or even heavy equipment and construction. Some people have waited years to find value in these markets – and now that time has come.

2)You can hire more team and better qualified people. In an era when big companies are laying off, you can find great resources at affordable rates. There are plenty of engineers, accountants and attorneys looking for their next opportunity.

3)People are looking to change suppliers. From a cost perspective, everything is “on the table” for most companies. If you can come in with greater value even if your prices are higher, you have a good chance at winning new business.

4)Ownership equals tax incentives. Business ownership offers a variety of tax benefits that aren’t available to employees. While taxes should never be the sole reason to go into business for yourself, it should be one reason to add to you “benefits of business ownership” list.

5)Family and friends don’t want to (or can’t) invest more money into the stock or real estate markets. That means they may be willing to finance a portion of your new venture, or the expansion of an enterprise that has proven itself over time. The main benefit is that they know you and have a relationship with you – and if you have a solid business plan that delivers real numbers, the chances of raising the capital you need increase exponentially.

6)Suppliers are giving better credit. Because the credit markets have virtually shut down, the business-to-business credit flows are keeping money circulating out of sheer necessity. That means a bullish outlook for companies looking for good terms on stock and/or inventories. The main advantage is that all parties have more incentive than ever for finding true “win-win” situations that allow for cash and stock flow. When everyone is looking to survive, great deals can be had.

7)You can get good PR by showing you are “going against the trend.” If you are optimistic by expanding or getting into business now, you would be in that category. That means you can generate some great PR by demonstrating your “alternative” view of the market.

8)You can buy everything you need at auction. In addition to everything being less expensive, you can find great deals at auctions, especially in terms of any large equipment and office furnishings. Auctions are also a great place to find hardly used or “gently” used restaurant and bar supplies at great prices.

9)You can find great “low money” or “no money” down deals. This is simply being aware of good opportunities others have messed-up, and finding deals where you could get an entire business simply by taking over a lease (along with all the equipment). Many business owners want out at “any cost,” meaning you can negotiate great “win-win” deals.

10)You’ve lost your job and you have to do something. Sometimes, the best business decision is the one you are forced into. There’s nothing wrong with being in this position; it just means there is greater urgency to do something that will start to generate income as quickly as possible.

There you have it. There is no better time to start than the present.

So get going.

Not only will you fulfill your entrepreneurial desire, you’ll find opportunities you couldn’t have imagined, and you’ll also be facing a lot less competition.

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In a struggling economy, like the one we are experiencing now, a lot of people think it’s a bad time to start a work from home or home based business. But that’s just not true. Not true at all. It is really a great time to start a home-based business – especially one in the solar energy business.

Working From Home is Viable with a Solar Energy Business

Starting a home based business or a work from home business is one of the best ways to secure your financial future. People all across America free themselves every day from the oppressiveness of the daily 9 to 5 job. There are many ways throughout the renewable energy industry where you can do it too.

Fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources are running out. Solar power is quickly moving to replace these antiquated energy sources. Green collar jobs and the energy sector are growing faster than ever before. As nonrenewable energy supplies dwindle, green solutions like solar energy will continue to grow in order to meet our higher energy demands.

What could be better than combining solar energy with work from home business?

The short answer is nothing. Green is growing and so are the options for a home based business. These two fields together make the perfect opportunity for a self-motivated entrepreneur. If you’re a self motivated, hard working and have a taste for adventure then you can start working from home in the solar energy business. Entrepreneurs are self-starters who drive America. Solar energy needs these entrepreneurs to help fill the void that will inevitably be left by the failing supplies of fossil fuels.

You can build a green business right from your living room. Starting a home based business involving renewable energy is possible. And it’s possible to do it with minimal up-front costs. A good business shouldn’t be a risk. Green energy only makes up 2 percent of the energy market. That means there is a lot of room to grow. With a field that has so much room to grow as renewable energy does, there shouldn’t be a requirement for an upfront investment or a fee to become an associate. Companies in the coming months will be dying for help as wind, solar, and many other industries really take off.

No pun intended but the future of residential solar energy is very bright. There is a wide open market for eager start up companies to establish new “Green Googles”. There is a huge and growing market for new entrepreneurs to start a fresh with something new.

For everyone a little down on their luck in this down economy, there will be ample opportunities to start a small business for energy and solar power will lead the way into the Green Economy. Throughout the rest of 2009 and in the coming years, green jobs like those created by solar energy will continue to grow in number.

Fossil fuels are going away and the world will look to alternative, renewable sources to drive their lives. Good entrepreneurs can sense an opportunity. A work from home or home based business in the renewable or solar energy sector is an opportunity. With no investment needed and a future this bright, there is no reason not to invest.

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This article is intended for probably your significant other or spouse to read… I felt compelled to write it talking to them about your needs since my marriage went south due to the lack of much of this. If you currently don’t have one, give it to a family member or friend and/or save for Mr. Right later! Enjoy and hope it helps!

Did you know (you, meaning the non-entrepreneurial spouse of an entrepreneur) that your entrepreneurial spouse (or significant other – just as important in this scenario) takes on a huge responsibility when they start their own business?

Granted, some of the smaller, home based type business owners could be out there just to make a few extra bucks for fun or they’re doing their business for a hobby, not truly a serious business venture.

However, I’m not talking about them here, I’m talking about actual entrepreneurs (home based or not) who are in business to turn a profit AND provide products and services they are passionate about.

I’m also talking about the ones who are your significant others or spouses (so forward this to them if this is the other party – you’ll be glad you did) in which case YOU are also NOT an entrepreneur yourself and frankly wouldn’t want to be….is this you? Did you know that your spouse may not be getting the kind of support they need in order to be fully confident and successful in their business? (yes, by you) And in order to be completely successful at running your own business CONFIDENCE is the key!

When you have a job working for someone else, often you can succeed without that much confidence but when it’s your own business…there’s absolutely NO way.

Did you know that your spouse may not know how to communicate this need to you?

Now, two things can happen here….

1 – you won’t care and you’ll stop reading this or 2 – you’ll care but you’ll have no idea if this is true or even how to find out what your spouse needs exactly (hopefully you’re still reading…)

If #1 occurred then you’re probably on your way to divorce anyway so your situation is most likely not fixable.

If you’re in alignment with #2 though then GREAT! But now what?

There are basically 2 things you can do to support your spouse in business (even if you don’t have any involvement in their business, know what they do or want to know).

You can either take Action or Non-Actions. Actions consist of ways to physically help out or support your spouse.

Non-Actions consist of ways to emotionally and mentally help out or support your spouse.

Your spouse unfortunately needs both in order to feel fully supported, loved and encouraged (that’s the hard part, it requires some work).

But let’s break it down…

Actions

o helping – when asked for help

o learning – about what they do and how else you can support them

o listening – to requests, feelings, emotions and needs o loving – at all times in various ways that are noticeable

Non-actions o understanding – they need to do it ‘their way’

o giving – of your energy when they need it the most regardless if asked

o sharing – feelings, emotions, questions and concerns

o expecting – nothing but complete and utter happiness among all

Of course there’s so much more to it than this but that’s what marriage counselors are for right?

No, seriously…the one way to learn better how to communicate and support your entrepreneurial spouse is to start the dialog, practice this stuff, ask what they need, learn more about what others are doing and then get help as needed

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