S-T-R-E-T-C-H

Today I completed “Ring 2″ of my newest program, The 2012 Marketing Olympics. This ring is all about your social media profiles, and a webinar platform was perfect for this discussion. This project has been a lot of fun to put together, and there are so many great ideas with this theme. I’ve got to give a special shout out to my Mastermind buddies, my VA, and a local marketing friend. Without their not-so-gentle prodding, it wouldn’t have gone from conception to fruition in under a month…….Ta-Da!

So, today I want to talk about stretching yourself. (I believe I need to let the hem out of my pants now, I’ve grown that much.) Of course, it’s been a lot of long hours, and a lot of feedback in phone calls and emails, but I can say that this one is in the bag now.

One of my reasons for creating this program (besides just wanting to get all of this information out to my peeps) was to try out some new marketing tools this year, and this has been a combination of a LOT of them, with more to follow.  I did some advertising for the Marketing Olympics that I had never done before,  and also crafted and held a 2-part mini series leading up to the event. All very fun, but I must admit, I’m glad to have a few days until the next session; there are two more weeks of the main event, and my brain still spins long after I close my eyes at night.

A couple of years ago I did a monthly series of conference calls and had great response. I even used a webinar platform that was in Beta at the time, called Linqto. It runs with Facebook, and was a really cool tool. This go-round, I am trying out GoToWebinar, and so far, it has worked fine. In fact, I can see how I might want to use this a lot more for training sessions and consulting. My focus going forward is on a lot more training, so guess I need to have a tool like this in my back pocket.

Over the next couple of months I’m doing some other new things, and right now, some of those ideas haven’t even come together yet. I’ll be surprising myself, apparently. The timing is so right for me to stretch myself. If you read my last post about structure, you know that sometimes I need to have dates on the calendar and commit myself to doing things. The Marketing Olympics has been my structure the past month, and I’m loving it.

For me, creating this program has been a Gold Medal effort. What do you have brewing for the Gold?

I Don’t Like Structure

There. I said it. I’ve got this love-hate relationship going on with structure. I know it’s good for me, but I consistently find myself fighting it. At the same time that I encourage others to set up structure through systems and processes and documenting everything in their business, I occasionally find myself staring at the wall almost aimlessly! And I’ve got systems in place…what’s up with that? (I assume some of this is the control freak in me wrestling with the free-spirit in me.)

Now that I’ve admitted that, let me add that when I look at where I have built structure in my life, things are wonderful! For instance, I know I can count on my early morning spin class (6am early!) for some cardio every Monday and Wednesday. It’s just a new habit. But I’d like to have some other workouts scheduled during the week, and those seem to fall either anywhere, or more recently, nowhere! See, there’s that lack of structure.

One place I really needed to add structure was client appointment times. I am on contract with my local Small Business Development Center one day each week, and it was making me crazy until I finally gave the staff only certain start times for appointments and asked them to offer the clients a specific time, not ask them when they wanted to come in. Simple solution, but it solved a lot of problems. As for the rest of my work days, it’s been helpful to use this same system when scheduling the rest of my client meetings. Certain days and start times only. Then I know when I always have open to be working on all of the other things that need to be done – each and every week.

The monthly newsletter I write has been an exercise in structure, and I love knowing that my VA will come after me if I haven’t turned in my content on time. My blogs aren’t done as often as I like, so some structure needs to be added there. I have it on my calendar for each Monday, but I may need to move that to another more likely-to-happen day!

An assistant suggested I mark off 2 hours each Monday and Friday to do certain activities. Ooh, still trying to get into that habit, but things go smoother when I do! Billing, proposals, filing, writing…if I focus the same time each week and do a little each week, it all gets done.

Help a girl out: what are you doing to add structure in your business? Do you keep to a set schedule for everything?

Missouri Men are Nice

Today my Dad and I encountered 3 different young men in about 2 hours time that were so incredibly kind and helpful. It struck me that maybe ALL men in Missouri are nice. Maybe not, but I thought I would tell you about the few we ran into.

1. For lunch we ate at Einstein Bagels, a restaurant neither of us had ever been to. Although a short line was building behind us, the young man taking our order was patient, kind, and a little bit funny as he stepped us through the whole menu and guided us through building our lunch orders. He kept asking us questions, trying to determine what would be the best match for our meal. And then when he rang up our bill, he let Dad carefully count out each penny and search for the right change in his pocket. I thought that was all superstar service.
2. While we were eating, Dad stood up to get something and knocked his water all over the table and floor. Another young man about 3 tables away immediately jumped up, said he was going to get napkins, and did it all before I could barely respond. He helped me wipe the table and floor, and made sure that Dad wasn’t soaked. Then he took all the wet napkins out of my hand and threw them in the trash. Wow! Nice guy, number 2.
3. Finally, we were getting on an elevator about an hour later. There was a young man already on the elevator with his girlfriend. He spoke to us when the doors opened, and then asked if we were going to stop on a different floor other than the first floor. He didn’t have to do that. But he was friendly and kind. Nice guy number 3.

It’s so lovely to have had these experiences today. Any one of them would have made an impression on me, but all three? Fabulous!

Information Overload!

This week I’ve been reading a lot of business books and listening to a lot of business mp3′s. My, how the information piles up! And of course, in almost every mp3 someone recommends another book or two. Stop! Let me off of this train! Luckily, I have a Kindle and am downloading the first chapters of those recommendations and will have to sort through them to decide which ones get my $$$ and attention.

On top of what was already on my list to consume, this morning I had a call with my accountability partner. (Shout out to Jennifer from Thibodaux. Crazy cool cajun accent.) She didn’t recommended a book or two, she recommended “anything from these two authors.” Prolific authors, I might add. Many books. Guess my Amazon account is going to be burning up. I can’t wait to read more about training techniques from these two; it just means I’ll have to read even more. Like I’ve got more time to do this.

So, it will likely surprise you that this afternoon I took a trip to The Friendly Bookstore in the town I am visiting! It’s a used book store I always go to when I’m here, and I decided to check in their business book section and see what was there. (Are you shaking your head yet?  “Don’t do it, Amy!”) I picked up four more books (surprise) which were on half price, at least. I spent $4 total and who knows if they are any good. Now, what sometimes happens is I read about two chapters of a book and then get bored and put it back on the shelf.  My reason for getting a Kindle was to keep from having a bunch of unread books around, but so far, it’s not working…darn.

You can tell that I am in serious information overload. Gotta love learning, though.  If it’s not in books, it’s listening to “experts” or coaches or anyone talking about anything I don’t know about. Maybe I’m addicted to it.  When am I going to get to all of this reading? I resist schedules, but may have to get myself off of the TV train and curl up with a book instead of my laptop at night.

Won’t you share your ideas on conquering the mountain of business books and audios to listen to? Much appreciated.

Golden Nuggets, Part Deux

Lisa was a cracker jack to listen to!

If you just found this post and haven’t already seen Part One of the Golden Nuggets report, then click here to get the background. In short, these are some things that I wrote down during presentations at the recent National Speakers Association conference. The picture is of Lisa Sasevich (and me!), who had a two hour pre-conference session, plus a half day session later in the weekend.

So, on with the list…

1. “Learn to be uncomfortable.” This was one of the first things Lisa Sasevich said to us. If we want to grow we have to be willing to stretch and move way outside of our comfort zone.
2. “Mobile changes everything.” Randy Gage is right. Over half of the visitors to your website or to social media are getting there through their mobile device. If you’re website isn’t mobile ready, make plans to do that soon.
3. “Social media – if you don’t do it, you will be irrelevant.” Wow. A strong and powerful statement from Randy.
4. “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” This quote was retold by Randy Gage and reminds me to surround myself with rock stars.
5. “Remember, your clients are buying the destination, not the plane.” When creating your marketing materials you need to be talking about the benefits, not the features. Lisa is 100% correct.
6. “I’d rather collect a lead than BE a lead.” Now, this may or may not be true, but Lisa said she had just gotten business cards about 6 months ago and used this phrase as part of her explanation.
7. “A step in the wrong direction is better than staying in one spot all your life. Once you’re moving forward you can correct your course as you go. Your automatic guidance system cannot guide you when you’re standing still.” Maxwell Maltz. This was just a quote on a handout, and it’s really wonderful.
8. “In social media, it’s not who is talking TO you, it’s who is talking ABOUT you.” Science author Steve Spangler was sharing his failures in social media and this was one big thing he learned on the way to success.

I hope you found some of these inspiring or helpful. It’s always good to have something new to chew on, don’t you think? Just like last time, if you have a favorite, shoot me a comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated! Hello? I’m listening…

#NSA12 Winter Conference Golden Nuggets

I recently joined the National Speakers Association (NSA), and their 2012 Winter Conference was this past weekend in Dallas. Over the course of three days I wrote plenty of notes, but wanted to share those golden nuggets that some of the high powered speakers said. In this funny picture with Brian Tracy I was actually having a conversation with him, and he was smart enough to answer me while looking at the camera! That’s why he is a go-zillionaire and I’m not.

There were so many fabulous tidbits that I decided to split the list in half. Look for the other half in my next post! Here are the first 8…

What did you say, Brian?

1. “It’s funny how flowers grow out of the dirt sometimes.” Lisa Sasevich was talking about how sometimes we feel we have a lot of nothing, but keep working away, until suddenly, success appears.
2. “Don’t change your act. Change your audience.” Again, a quote from Lisa when she was talking about her dad, Eddie Garson, who is a professional ventriloquist. This was something he used to tell her when she was tempted to change directions in her business.
3. “If you don’t board in the next 18 months, you do not reach the New World!” Love this quote from Brendon Burchard, author of The Millionaire Messenger. He was talking about how the next 18 months are critical to the development of our individual web presence and the ability to proliferate our message. We each need to own our topic online now or someone will take that spot instead.
4. “I don’t think competition. I think choice.” Brendon B, again. Many people feel the same way about others who are in the same business and space as we are. Let’s not view them as competitors. They really aren’t. We are our own unique business. Plus, we’re busy. We buy what’s in front of us. So capture that spot first!
5. “Does this really move the needle for the reader?” (Yes, BB) Is what you are talking about in your blog, ezine, social media posts really making a difference to your reader? If not, then course correct. Don’t just serve out “stuff.” And, continually ask if your work moves your OWN needle, too!
6. Here’s the one that probably impacted me the most. “We need to focus. The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day. Over your lifetime that equates to 13 years, people! The cost to you is over $2 Million in lost wages. And if that money were invested, a way greater sum.” Brendon Burchard was talking about productivity and discipline. (He was moving so fast, all my pictures of him are fuzzy! This is one high energy dude.) I am vowing to not waste time anymore during the day. Get up and get going.
7. “You’re not marketing to a grandstand. You’re marketing to a moving parade.” This pearl of wisdom is from superstar Alex Mandossian. Like Lisa’s Dad, he is saying to keep on with what you are doing; get better and better at it. New prospects and clients are always in the pipeline who haven’t experienced you before. Stay with your message.
8. “What gets measured gets treasured.” This was repeated by Valerie Cade and is pretty simple. If you want to achieve something, set some goals around it, look at your performance, and measure your performance towards getting there.

Well, you should have nodded and smiled at least a couple of times while reading these little gems. Feel free to print them out and post above your desk. I know I will.

Would you do me a favor and let me know which one was your favorite?  Thanks for sharing!

Clean and Grow Rich

Cluttered work space

I hired a professional organizer to help me get all my stuff under control. She is starting in my office area but will have to eventually continue into the rest of the house. I am thrilled and it feels so decadent! Normally, I’m not the type to spend money on something like this, but it is making me (and my husband) so very happy. Laughingly, I told her she was on retainer now. She doesn’t know it, but I am serious. While I feel like an episode of “Hoarders,” she assured me I don’t have that much stuff.

Our first session was only an hour long, but in that time she took a look in pertinent storage areas and then tackled my so-called office supply area of a closet. After pulling everything off the shelves, she put items in different stacks. Some went right out to the trash, some went into my car for donation, and just a little bit went back into the closet. She helped free me of a few articles of clothing hanging there with the comment, “If linen like that comes back in style, you can go buy a new skirt!” Ha Ha. Ouch. We finished the day with her admonition: “Don’t buy any more supplies.” I have an embarrassingly large number of paper folders and reams of paper on hand. Come by if you need folders of ANY color. Really. I’ve got plenty. It’s still hard to pass up those school deals in August. (and remember – I don’t have children at home anymore…)

Over the weekend I cleaned out 3 file drawers and threw out thousands of pieces of paper from the last 20 years. Smile and nod if you can relate. That was my homework before she comes again on Thursday. The sense of accomplishment is really a natural high. I’ve got a silly little grin on my face and am feeling really self-righteous about the whole thing. Having heard that less is more, now I am experiencing it. By tossing tons of junk, all those things now just laying around will finally have a home and can move from the counter top into a file or space in a cabinet.

More to the point: 15 months ago I joined a co-working facility and love it because my work space is just a blank table and a chair. I bring my laptop and a file or two to work on. I’m very productive. There aren’t any distracting things on the walls, and there’s great white noise in the building. From that I learned how important my work space was. Therefore, the huge need to simplify my home work space which couldn’t be any more distracting and cluttered. Ugh. Therefore, my new best friend – the organizer!

Soon, working from home will be much more productive. I’m going to take down everything that is distracting, and keep only the things I need on a recurring basis within reach. Everything else will move to another file cabinet or closet. Less cluttered work space, less cluttered mind, more productive work day.

Tell me about your organizing failures and successes. (Maybe you are like me and have half a dozen books on organizing, but can’t find them?!)

Q is for Quality

Nice – so many great responses to my last post on choosing a word to be your theme in 2012! Thank you all. It was fun to read what everyone else is working on. Many were captivated by “sparkle,” as one poster commented. Pop on over and scan through the other great entries and I’ll wait right here and then unveil my own word.

Good. You’re back! Drum roll, please… I’m happy to announce that my word for 2012 is QUALITY. As in “more quality time with my family,” and “pursue quality in all areas of my business,” and “increase the level of quality with my clients so that they become those raving fans we all want.”

Going on to include

• quality work space
• quality information in my blog posts, social networks
• high level of quality interactions in my networking group, not just passing the time
• improve the quality of all the systems in my business
• Surround myself with quality people who enrich my life, both personally and professionally
• Raise the quality bar on my every day activities, including dramatically cut back on the TV and put those hours into improving the quality of my life and business.
• Enjoy the really amazing quality of the life I already have!

This word is a good fit for me and I am looking forward to keeping Quality in mind all year long. It’s going to have a significant impact on how I live and work each day. Good luck to each of you in letting your own theme word guide your year!

My One Word for 2012

It’s “pick your word” time. It seems like every other blog post or Facebook post is asking the question: what is your one word for 2012? Honestly, I’m reluctant to play along. Two years ago everyone was doing vision boards. I resisted as long as I could but eventually gave in to the pressure. I found a jillion old magazines at the used book store (which they were happy to give me) and spent a few fun hours cutting and pasting.  However, it wasn’t long before my little project started collecting dust.  Occasionally it would draw my eye and I’d longingly look at the picture of the spa vacation or remodeled kitchen. But for the most part, this was not anything I felt kinship to. Does that mean I’m not a visionary, or not a visual person, or just someone not driven to achieve the goals pasted on a poster board?

In 2012 I’m buckling to the peer pressure once again by choosing “my one word.”  The choices have been tumbling around in my head for days. What feels right: Excellence, Power, Focus, Happy, Growth, Fun, Family, Time Management – can I even choose two words? What are the rules anyway…? What if I choose the wrong word? What happens if I don’t like my word in a couple of months? What do I do to make sure that word has significant meaning in my life? Oh…all the what if’s!

Pinterest Word Collage

Happily, I’ve chosen my one word. It suits both my business and family life. What more can a girl ask for? It will look good made up in a Pinterest type of sign, too. (except mine will be one you can read and understand. What is this sign saying anyway?)

If you are playing along this year, leave me some New Year’s love. What is your One Word? I’ll share mine in the next post…!

A Small Bump in the Road, or Why I am Pouting

Can we talk here? I am glad this week is about over. My VA and I have been grinding our teeth over my move to a new email marketing software. It was motivated by a desire for 1 (only ONE!) function that was really important for me that I could not get with my other email marketing service. And I knew going into this transition that there were some functions I was giving up that were not as critical, but I didn’t know how much I was going to miss my other software. I just cut over today, and I am already almost sorry.

The blame for my feelings goes to being just a little more technical than is good for me. All my life I have been a problem solver. I analyze things and wonder why they are done the way they are. I see better solutions everywhere. So I have been shaking my head and scowling and possibly saying a few “salty” words every time another annoying function, or lack of function, raised it’s head. Yes, there are software solutions that are a much better fit for my needs and encompass everything I want. They are just more than I am willing to pay each month, and more than I need at this point. And no, I am not going to name names. (contact me if you must)

After this week, I am going to embrace and be happy with my new software. The one function it has is going to make all the difference in the world to my business, and so I’ll concentrate on that moving forward. Just not now. I have a few minutes of pouting to do.