My good friend Nicole Fende is really excited about her new book and so am I!  She is running a fun promotion to bring exposure to her book and you could benefit!

Don’t miss your chance to win a copy of Nicole’s new book How to be a Finance Rock Star. All you have to do is help Nicole find Fluffy the Finance Feline, who is currently MIA, gallivanting around the globe.

Check out the hints below and submit your answer for Fluffy’s current whereabouts before today’s midnight deadline -

Hint #2: NFL games are played here

Hint #3: Named after Fluffy’s favorite ketchup

Go to http://financerockstar.com/ to submit your guess on Fluffy’s location in this picture for a chance to win a copy of How to be a Finance Rock Star and a VIP Pass to the virtual book launch cocktail party on February 23rd . To be eligible, your entries for this #FluffySighting must be submitted no later than TODAY midnight February 8th Central Standard Time.

No Purchase Required. Void Where Prohibited. Read Official Rules Here.

Recently I interviewed Nicole and here are a few comments from participants:

"Thanks for making it visual for this artist. I was living in the 'where there's mystery there's margin' world that works in sales, not so much in finance. Naming my fear that I might find out I'm not actually making money and may have to question what I'm doing for me. Now I'll be bringing my business out of the dark and making business goals visual too. Thanks so much!" ~Magna Glosli Goerke

"I appreciate the great information given in the webcast. I now have a clear picture of what I need to bring in hourly to achieve my goals." ~ Kym Williams

"Love “The 4 Numbers!” I am spending a good amount of time this weekend figuring out my number . . . AND my expenses! Thanks!" ~ Lisa Mallis

We had an amazing Q&A session and there were many on that call that were excited to learn more from her.  Go grab your chance to win her book, so you can too.

To your success!
P.S.  Have you been listening to our FireUpBiz calls?  Come on over and join in on the fun!  http://www.fireupyourbizenrichyourlife.com

It seems funny for me to say it because I'm continually telling people they need to get into action and out of perfectionism and procrastination.  Just do something!

However, I'm reminded that not all action is good action.  In fact, last year when I told you about my theme for 2011 of Decisive Productive Action I touched on some of these points too.  It is worth rehashing here though, because it is an important point to understand.

#1  I believe taking action is better than not taking action.  If you take action you can evaluate and regroup when necessary.

#2  When you take action, consider WHY your are taking action and make sure you are building good habits for your business. 

Des relayed a story to illustrate this:

Say you own a business and you have a sales person that continues to come by to try to sell you something you are not interested in.  The sales person (let's call him Bill) is not very good at sales, so his supervisor sends him to a motivational seminar to increase his drive. 

Bill comes back from his motivational seminar raring to go!  He has reaffirmed his goals and is ready to hit the streats hard!  He is MOTIVATED.   (Des would call this external motivation.)

That sounds good right?  Except that we've forgotten one thing, he does not know HOW to sell.  So, Bill continues to work his sales route, but now is is driven to take more action than before.  Unfortunately, since he does not know how to sell, all you experience is a sales person that will not leave you alone and is now bugging you more than ever.

Bill, is working harder than ever and is experiencing less results!  

Hmmm...  action in this instance did not work.

This is where taking time to step back and try to get to the root of your issue (in this case Bill not knowing how to sell) and addressing the root cause is critical.  Bill had not needed motivational training, he needed sales training.  The action was misplaced.

If you find that you are working and working, but you're not getting to where you want to go, maybe you have misplaced action too.  Step back and evaluate and then begin moving forward again.

Onward!

To your success!
P.S.  Have you been listening to our FireUpBiz calls?  We started our first week this week.  Come on over and join in on the fun!  http://www.fireupyourbizenrichyourlife.com 

Quotes from others have a way of resonating with our psyche.  They have a way of making us get up and go when other things might not.  

Over time, I have learned that many people use quotes, but the same quote could have a totally different effect on different people.  So, I asked my panel:

What quote have you read that gave you the motivation needed to take action? The language of a quote can stimulate you to take positive action or assist you to stay focused and more.  What is your favorite and what does it say to you?  How do you use it to stay on track?

Here is what they shared:

	1. Its All About Your Perspective A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Winston Churchill Thanks to Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com
	2. Opportunity = Work The quote that has most resonated with me over the years comes from none other than Thomas Edison. He said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." I can attest that truer words have never been spoken. So often I see my peers start off in new ventures and give up with the going gets rough. I have this quote displayed prominently in my office as a reminder when I too get caught up in the stress of the job. Thanks to JP Jones of Collipsis Web Solutions
	3. From The Bard... "This above all, to thine own self be true." It is so easy to be led astray by so many well-meaning advice-givers, from family to experts. But it is critical to keep your own goals and your own ethics front and center. When you do this, you will be successful, no matter what the sales figures or the bottom line might say. That is what this says to me and does for me. Thanks to David Leonhardt of THGM writers and SEO marketing
	4. Looking at Yesterday "There is no distance on this earth as far away as yesterday." -- Robert Nathan If that doesn't get you going, nothing will! Thanks to Lisa Mark of The Time Butler Professional Organizers
	5. Turn Fear Into An Adventure "The difference between fear and excitement is breathing!" - Various takers show ownership. Breathing give me the time to turn what I'm fearing into an enjoyable adventure. This quote has meant the difference between living life proactively, even going against family and friends, to live my life my way. It's meant moving out of the place I called home, to live in other places for a while. It's meant starting a business when things looked their lowest. Thanks to Maria Marsala of Elevating Your Business
	6. Take Action As If This Is Your Last Day "If I die tomorrow, would I take action today in order to make the difference I want in this world in a long run?" - Chris D. One day is MORE than enough to achieve your goals. That's because if you work and take a consistent action every single day, eventually you'll get the results you want. Death motivates, if you are NOT afraid of it. If you acknowledge the fact that life is too short, you'll take action today, especially if you want to achieve what you desire before you leave this world. Thanks to Chris Diamond of DoubleTimeToday.com | Time Management Tips For Business Owners
	7. We're All In This Together. "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." - Harry S. Truman No one person can do all things; we each have our own talents, unique to all others around us. If we spent more time working together instead of pointing out the shortcomings of others, what a peaceful place (family, community, world) this would be. Thanks to Jen Ulrich of Answers To Organizing
	8. An Original Or A Copy? The Choice Is Yours. "We are all born original--why is it so many of us die copies?" A quarter century ago, poet Edward Young bemoaned the lack of uniqueness among human beings. When I'm facing a situation that calls for creativity, I remind myself of this quote. It strengthens my resolve to do a unique job, one that will stand out. I then turn to old and new sources--things I've already created and whole new spheres of knowledge. Among them, I find what I need to get motivated. Thanks to Marlene Caroselli of Center For Professional Development
	9. Thanks, Aristotle "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” --Aristotle I came across this quote in a fortune cookie many years ago and I had it blown up into one of those wall stickers so that I could give it its proper place amidst my home office walls. I read it many times daily and I'm constantly reminded that me, my freelance business, and my clients are always destined for great things. Thanks to Danielle Buffardi of PenPoint Editorial Services
	10. Watch Me! My favorite quote is "There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say watch me" - author is unknown. When I read this quote it really spoke to me because I have allowed others to make me feel like I could not do it. Once I realized that I could do whatever I set my mind to as long as I believed in myself. Every time I start to doubt myself I read this quote. It makes me smile and makes me feel as if I could conquer anything! Thanks to Michelle Morton of MeetMichelleM
	11. Be The Great One. Take The Shot. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." ~Wayne Gretzky Most people wouldn't expect me to be inspired by sports quotes, but this truism motivates me anew each time I hear it. When I debate the prudence of taking action, of exceeding my grasp, of being bold, of risking failure...a childhood memory of hockey announcers intoning, "He shoots. He SCORES!" reminds me of what The Great One meant. You can't win if you don't play. Take the shot. Thanks to Julie Bestry of Best Results Organizing
	12. It's Our Choices "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J. K. Rowling (1965–) British writer of the HARRY POTTER series When I'm not sure what I want to do and get 'stuck'- this quote helps me focus on what is truly important to me. It helps me come to terms with the 'failures' and making the decisions that best resonate with me. I want to look back on my life and feel at peace with the choices I made. Thanks to Zele Avradopoulos of ZOrganize

Responses compiled by Stephanie LH Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc.

What quote gets you motivated and moving?  I know yours will help other readers, so take a minute to share them ok?

To your success!

PS - Interested in joining my expert panel?  To learn more and sign up, click this link.

There was a time that "open office design" was a new term, but it was a way of organizing your facilities that was reserved for large corporations.

I remember, back when I worked in corporate the move we made from traditional offices to "open space."  I have to admit, I was really resistant!  However, over time, I came to realize how valuable that open space was for my team.

Today, open office design is for more than large corporate entities.  Many small businesses and shared office spaces are using the strategy to be able to stay flexible to the climate's changing business needs.

Dean Stier shares more on this topic today in his guest post:

The two terms are in vogue because they both reflect realities of business as it exists in the 21st century. The terms are also tied together by a common denominator---cost savings. In today's business world, companies are dynamic entities that must constantly be adaptable to changing demands of the modern market and the modern workforce. In order to meet these demands without devastating the bottom line, organizations need to remain flexible and prepared to move people and equipment as needed.

This is where open office planning enters the picture. The positive aspects of open offices just happen to coincide with the issues needing to be addressed by increasing churn rates and the other demands of today's business world. Studies have shown that open office design supports the flexibility needed to accommodate organizational change and can be conducive to new technology integration---factors which impact profit margins in a positive way. But no company worth its salt focuses on cost considerations so intently that it blinds itself to other important components of successful business operations. So a good question to ask is: what are all the impacts, good and bad, of open offices?

Knoll Research conducted a study "The Second Bottom Line: Competing for Talent Using Innovative Workplace Design", in which workers identify the pros and cons of open space design by contrasting the benefits of an open office with the those of a more traditional closed design. The results are enlightening:

Perceived benefits of Open Space Office Design:

• A sense of community among co-workers
• Enhanced collaboration
• Better communication and a greater ability to ask questions and exchange information
• A perception of team support among other people, as opposed to feeling "closed in" or "all alone"
• A feeling of being "in the know" about what is going on with the company

Perceived benefits of Closed Space Design:

• Employee privacy is preserved (9 in 10 workers cited privacy as the number one benefit)
• An enhanced feeling of personal and work-related security
• Much less noise
• A perception of more "personal space"

Employee perceptions are important but from a management point of view, productivity is the metric viewed as most closely tied to bottom line profit margins. However, in many cases worker perception and productivity go hand in hand.

Greater collaboration and good communication are not just feel-good words but also vital production components for today's modern team-oriented workforce. Team members who work within the same auditory and visual space are able to generate the instant feedback that results in an effective and efficient high performance work environment.

Also, co-location can engender much more than just a feeling of unity. Employees who share an open workspace with team leaders and managers are able to communicate and interface with management more quickly. As a result issues get resolved more quickly, which leads to greater efficiency and more productivity.

But according to the Knoll study, there are clear advantages to closed office spacing too. Is it unreasonable to assume that productivity could just as likely flow from this environment? Or put a slightly different way; are there ways in which open office spacing can actually inhibit productivity? Perhaps some of the pros of a closed environment could also be looked upon as cons of an open one. And viewed in this light, we can list some of the side effects of an open space design that could work against productivity:

• Too many distractions (noise)
• Loss of employee morale (lack of privacy)
• Risk of compromising work-sensitive information (less security)

Awareness of these things is a key starting point for companies striving to maximize productivity. Many firms are forging a win-win scenario---instituting open office design but doing it in ways that allow them to retain many of the benefits of a closed environment too. One such example is explored in this article, which describes various ways to deal with problems through the use of the right kind of office furniture. Another article talks about ways of mitigating the noise factor by implementing creative acoustic solutions. Stories such as this one show other measures companies have taken to achieve productivity within an open office framework.

The 21st century workplace is characterized by increasing churn rates and a need for flexibility---conditions best addressed by open space office design. Studies have shown the benefits of this type of environment, both in terms of cost savings and productivity. But maximum productivity only happens when the issues associated with open design are recognized, confronted and proactively addressed. When businesses implement open space offices and do it smartly, their workplace becomes modern and their workforce becomes productive.

Dean Stier is Vice President of National Business Furniture, a leading provider of office chairs, office desks, filing cabinets and other office furniture to businesses, government agencies and other institutions.

If you are like most business owners, you created your business because you wanted to live on your own terms and you knew that you have something amazing to offer.

But, have you realized that dream?

Are you doing what you love, or putting out fires? Do you have minor business problem gathering other problems, rolling downhill and ending up smack, dab in your personal life?  Do you find you are getting sidetracked and not finding the traction you need to move your business forward?

The truth is every performance gap, every little inefficiency, every lack of organization or productivity, not only reduces the effectiveness of your business, it also steals time from your personal life! This is TRUE FOR all BUSINESS owners!

As business owner you need to confidently take your business to the next level… if you’re not, you may be going nowhere fast...  In fact if you are like 95% of business owners, you are already there…in the area of a million ideas and nothing getting done.

• Maybe your business is not growing as fast as you’d like.
• Maybe you have a message and a story to share with the world and you just don't know how to get it out in a big way.
• Perhaps you want to be getting your ideal clients/customers to say "YES" and start working with you.
• Maybe you are playing your game alone with no plan, no clarity and thinking too small. You don’t know what you don’t know. And despite working hard, you are not progressing.
• Maybe you have continued to do the same things over and over and you keep getting the same underwhelming results, leaving money on the table and wasting precious time and effort.
• Maybe you are struggling to keep up.  Maybe rather than the business of your dreams, you’ve created a jail for yourself.  You are normally a high achiever, but you are now finding yourself swamped by your to do list and feeling guilty about neglecting the people that really matter to you.
• Maybe you have a very successful business and make a great living, but you are still working IN it instead of running it like a CEO. You want to take vacations.  You want to scale up like a billion dollar business, but your current infrastructure holds you back.

Do any of these situations feel familiar?  You see, only the top 5% of truly successful entrepreneurs are winning. They have mindsets, strategies, systems, and best practices in place which they work consistently and decisively.  They take necessary ACTION, to raise their results. They have a clear view of their next moves and the confidence to take it. So how do they do it?

[here is the rough part-->]  I have talked with 100s of business owners in one-on-one conversations in the past few months.  Quite honestly, I've had it!  I'm tired of hearing everyone tell me why they can't do something.  There is always something we can do to move our business forward.  It is just a matter of if you are willing to do it or not.  Are you willing to do it?  How committed are you to your business--to your dream?

I KNOW that you have the potential to succeed your way  –  to take your business to the highest level!

You see, this has been heavy on my mind for a while now.  As I work with clients and talk with others, I have observed a lot of emotional gunk and displaced thinking get in the way of really intelligent, bright, fun business owners.

It makes my heart ache because I see amazing potential being left to sit idle.

I decided to do something about it!

Starting January 18, 2012 and running through February 29, 2012 You can Fire Up Your Business!

This no cost live program was created because I found that there were a number of professionals that had great skills in their delivery area, but were struggling in one way or another in building or growing their business.  We became business owners because we wanted to own our own destiny and to make a difference.

I selected the topics for this program directly from the areas of need that my clients, readers, listeners and colleagues -- business owners just like you -- identified as things that hold them back.

Sign Up ==> http://www.FireUpYourBizEnrichYourLife.com

I want to lead the "ACTION" revolution. Where you say "YES" to getting the right systems and processes in place so that your business can thrive.  Where you say “YES” to getting your message out in a big way and you're ideal clients say yes to investing in themselves and get great results because they worked with you. 

Where you say YES to weeding out all the distractions, fears and other things holding you back so that your business can take root and deliver back to you the benefits that you want from it!

Will you join me?

Sign Up ==> http://www.FireUpYourBizEnrichYourLife.com

LET'S FIRE IT UP IN 2012! 

Here are the sessions that are coming your way.  You can attend one or all of them.  The choice is up to you.

Depressing Desks and Psychic Debris: Cleaning up the Work Space by De-cluttering the Head Trash (Regina Lark)

How to Overcome your Mental Money Barriers, and Break Free to Success (Georgina Sweeney)

Unlock the Secret to Achieving Your Profit Goals (Nicole Fende)

Mindset Matters: Secrets to a Powerful Mindset (Des Gray)

We've Got To Stop Meeting Like This: How to Run Meetings that Actually Get Things Done (Debbie Rosemont)

Get the Right Support for Your Business, Inside and Out (Marcia Hoeck)

Get Time and Tasks Managed Quickly (Michelle Panzlaff)

Conquering Your Fear with a Knockout Punch (Dr. Shannon Reece)

The 3 Surprising Keys that Open the Door to Small Business Abundance (Andrea Feinberg)

A Busy Family’s Guide to Getting Organized So You Can Live Your Best Life and Still Enjoy Your Family (Ellen Delap)

From Procrastination to DONE! (Carrie Greene)

5 Keys to Social Media Success: Do it Right, Stop Wasting Time and Get Results! (Janet Slack)
Top Tech Tools for Busy Business Owners (Brandie Kajino)

Networking for Success (Heather Townsend)

Conquer Email Overload (Stephanie Shalofsky)

Passion Management: How to Juggle/Prioritize all of the Passions We Have (Lisa Montanaro)

Five Secrets to Streamline Your Work Flow (Miriam Ortiz y Pino)

When Life Interferes: Making it through Life's Transitions as a Business Owner (Sue West)

TiME Strategies for the Busy Entrepreneur (Allyson Lewis)

Soloprener Motivation Secrets: Create the Work Environment and Results You Want (Elaine Quinn)

You can learn more and Sign Up Today ==> http://www.FireUpYourBizEnrichYourLife.com

To your outrageous success!

Helping you unleash your profit potential.

I LOVE Gifts!  I love giving them and I love getting them.

'Tis the season.

That means the SmallBizChristmas giveaway is back!  The fantabulous Michelle Shaeffer is hosting and she invited me to share a gift, along with 12 other entrepreneurs and small business owners.

These gifts have been created especially with YOU in mind, to help you reduce stress, get organized, grow your business and more.

Want a sneak peak?  Keep reading.

* How to Combat Holiday Stress – Lisbeth Tanz

* The Savvy Woman’s Holiday Survival Kit – Kim Nishida

* Loving Your Business and Breaking Free Accelerator Pack – Therese Skelly

* Your Goal Setting Guide – Michele Scism

* Feeling Frazzled? Outsource That To Do List – Melissa Barham

* Six Simple Mindsets To Break Free To Six Figures – Georgina Sweeney

* Video training Reduce the Clutter & Organize Your Desk! On a Clear Day I Can See the Top of My Desk – Stephanie LH Calahan

* Ten Steps to Finding and Attracting Your Ideal Niche + Solving the Niche Puzzle – Cindy Schulson

* Now What? 5 Steps to Move You Forward – Peggy Lee Hanson

* 5 Amazing Secrets Why You Can’t Lose Weight and Keep It Off – Lianda Ludwig

* Passion Driven Business Models Breakthrough Kit – Amanda Stephen

* 10 Ways to Have F.U.N and Still Get Things Done…in Your Business – Amethyst Mahoney

* Expressing You: Blogging as a Tool to Move Towards Your Life Purpose – Michelle Shaeffer

The process is super simple.  Just visit http://smallbizchristmas.com and let Michelle know where to send you access to the gifts.  You'll begin receiving emails with details so you can pick and choose which gifts you’d like to claim.

Secure your spot now -> http://smallbizchristmas.com

To a joyous holiday season for you, your family, and your business!

To your success!

I asked my expert panel:

To be productive means to be in a position where you have the quality or power of producing especially in abundance. It is about getting things done and growing your business.

What book has positively impacted your ability to be productive in your business? Please share title and author.

What is your favorite learning point from the book you mentioned?

Today, I'll share 13 ideas and I'd love for you to add yours to the list in the comments!

	1. Trust Is Contagious The Speed of Trust, by Stephen M.R. Covey, discusses why trust is important to business and family alike. My favorite learning point is pretty basic, though it's application is quite powerful for all businesses and the building of relationships: "Trust is necessary and productive for all business activity." Trusting others helps them to trust you. Trust is usually a win-win for all involved. Trust me. ;-) Thanks to Lindsay Brown of Lindsay Brown Communications
	2. Email Equals Effectiveness The Hamster Revolution by Mike Song and Tim Burress. I learned that for every 5 emails you send you get 3 back and you need to make them good ones. In creating effective emails, I am able to be more productive on my end, but more importantly started receiving effective emails in return. No more reading the 'wall of words' and trying to determine what I need to accomplish! Thanks to Stacey Anderson of Organized Innovations, LLC
	3. No Excuses! No Excuses, Brian Tracy (The power of self-discipline) Self-discipline is doing what you need to do whether you want to or not. The book covers concepts that you have probably read before - it's simple though and well put together which encourages immediate implementation. Greatest learning: Do something every day towards reaching your goal. Guard against complacency and invest 3% of your income into your continued education. The book has spurred a 150 day goal challenge with my team. Thanks to Tracey Foulkes of Get Organised (South Africa + Ireland)
	4. Get More Done With Getting Things Done David Allen's book Getting Things Done shares a workflow system that captures ideas and tasks and puts these in a spot where you can act on them. Most especially I subscribe to the idea of writing things down and tasks happen! With a clear mind, you can act in the moment and be more productive. Getting Things Done is a simple effective method. Thanks to Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com
	5. Cut Out The Fat: The Lean Business Approach Eric Ries: The Lean Startup Key Learning: You do not have a business if you do not have product/market fit and you do not have product/market fit if you do not know what your client's pain point is and how you solve it. Thanks to Claire Burge of Get Organised Ireland
	6. Empowering Yourself, Empowers Your Business! If you're worn out trying to do it all, do yourself a huge favor and read Debbie Ford's best seller, The Dark Side of The Light Chasers. It offers the reader many exercises designed to have us come to terms with all that we are. If we are constantly fighting ourselves internally, we can't possibly manifest the possibilities that are awaiting us...personally or professionally. My favorite part? I was able to own every single emotion which has changed my business forever. It's very empowering! Thanks to Karen Fanjoy of Master Your Mental Game
	7. Work The System! Sam Carpenter's 2009 book WORK THE SYSTEM. (some & sometimes all available in pdf at www.WorkTheSystem.com). In 1984 Sam bought a telephone answering service. By 1999 he'd built it to 16 employees, was working 100 hours a week, single dad, and looking at no paycheck for employees...when he had the revelation that 99% of life is based on SYSTEMS! Since then, using systems, he's turned it into a $3M+ business & works 2-4 hours a week! Haven't successfully done it yet--but trying to learn how! Thanks to Ken Stewart of Easley Electric Inc
	8. Ask Me First! My favorite book for impact regarding productivity in my business is Permission Marketing by Seth Godin. In the world of in your face everything, Seth suggests that one pauses, and ask first for interest - a novel thought really! Checking interest first immediately shifts the clients listening. For me, in sales I prefer a receptive vs a polite are you done yet ear!! This technique has served me tremendously well! Thanks to Karen Hanrahan of Best Of Mother Earth
	9. Win Friends, Influence People A lot of people feel success is simply lots of money, and I have found that not to be true. Success, to me, is to be surrounded by people who like you and you them. And that through them you can build a business that brings you financial freedom. So, success is happiness (genuine friends) and freedom (financial independence). The book that taught me these principles and this approach is my favorite book of all time: How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It is a MUST read. Thanks to Mike Michalowicz of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
	10. The Dip by Seth Godin Is A Great Biz Book The Dip by Seth Godin - We all get stuck but is it temporary - a sign of greater things to come - or is does it indicate that it's time to "leave the card game" and try something new? Thanks to Margit Crane of Gifted With ADD
	11. Think & Grow Rich! Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a timeless classic for a reason! The key point is START NOW! Don't wait until you have all the resources, begin to make your dreams come true NOW and the rest will follow. Thanks to Jeff Mann of about.me/jeffreyjohnmann
	12. Michael Gerber Is The Best Gerber Baby You'll Ever See! An oldie but a goodie, big time: 'The E-Myth Revisited' was written before 'e' referred to 'email' and instead was meant for the entrepreneur. In this book I had the huge 'aha' that's guided me ever since: While I may have tendencies toward being a technician and manager as every biz owner does, the best place for me to guide the growth and future of my business is as the CEO - thinking, planning, dreaming and envisioning is the best job I've ever had and now I know why! Thanks to Andrea Feinberg of Coaching Insight LLC
	13. Becoming An "Entreleader" Dave Ramsey's new book, Entreleadership will help you keep it smart as you plan or grow your business. No metaphysical mumbo jumbo is included, just practical "why didn't I think of that" advice that will have you saying, "I am going to read this again." If you are reeling over mistakes (read money here) you have made in business, or if you are straining at the bit at your starting gate, this will help you put things in perspective. A definite must-read! Thanks to Shelley Molitor of Established Ways

 Responses compiled by Stephanie LH Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc.

What book would you recommend?  I know your tips will help other readers, so take a minute to share them ok?

To your success!

PS - Interested in joining my expert panel?  To learn more and sign up, click this link.

Quotes have a way of moving our soul.  The can make us think of things in a slightly different way.  They can represent our feelings when we have a hard time finding our own words. 

Today, some of my colleagues share their favorites on organization, time management or productivity. 

Tracey Foulkes ‎"Clutter accumulates where energy stagnates, and, likewise, energy stagnates where clutter accumulates" ~Karen Kingston

Amye Price Gumbinner “Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”~Albert Einstein

Samantha A Hawn ‎"No for now", "Walk it where it goes" and "Determine the most important relationships in your life, then the un-muddling begins."

Alys Milner ‎"The things you own end up owning you." - Fight Club (as quoted by Peter Walsh)

Julie Morgenstern Organizing-Pro A 'to-do' not associated with a 'when' rarely gets done.

Natalie Conrad "Clutter [is] anything that complicates your life & prevents you from living in peace as you live out your purpose." ~ Nancy Twigg

Colleen Kranz "Don't agonize. Organize." ~Florynce 

Janet Barclay "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" ~Steven Wright

What are your favorite quotes?  What motivates or drives you?

To your success!

http://steph.bz/megginmeetings

Monday, December 19, 2011
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (Central)

Meetings don't have to be a drain on your energy and time!

Meggin says:

"Great meetings produce results that could not be achieved in any other way and the benefits go on for days, weeks, and years in terms of energy, time, productivity, and morale.

Dreadful meetings suck up energy, steal time, dilute productivity, and have an impact on morale.  Learn ways to stop having blah meetings and have more of the GREAT ones!  It is possible and you can start making it happen right after this teleseminar."

To learn more and to register, just go this webpage with all the information:

*Top Ten Productivity Tips for Better (and I mean, WAAAYYY Better) Meetings*

I have known Meggin since 2007 and have had the pleasure of interviewing her a few times as well as attend many of her programs.  As a former college professor, she knows how to teach!  You will get great actionable information as well as awesome worksheets.  But don't think that you are going to get a stodgy class.  Meggin infuses fun into all of her presentations and makes discovering new things a joy.  I have learned loads of ideas from Meggin McIntosh over the years and I know from experience that this class is one that will more than deliver on her promises! Plus, it’s no cost to all of us!

Visit this link to get signed up:  http://steph.bz/megginmeetings

To your success!

I wondered, what keeps us from getting things done?

So I asked my Facebook group:

I would love to know what is YOUR biggest challenge to GETTING IT ALL DONE?

I heard:

"Determining what and how to outsource, streamlining email process (where I am getting buried and losing things that need my attention because I get focused on things that really don't)."

No matter if you own a business with 1000s of employees or are a solo-entrepreneur trying to figure out how to work with their first support person, delegation can be tough.

Today, I'll share some thoughts on outsourcing/delegation and an example of how I saved 2.5 hours a week with one simple change.

Delegation -- "But it takes longer to explain it than to do it myself!"

That is one myth that plagues many business owners. Start by taking it one step at a time. Often we get overwhelmed because we think we have to do it all at once! That is just not so.

Schedule 20 minutes this morning and

1) identify 5 things that you know you should not be doing yourself that others should be doing.

2) Identify who could be doing them.

Work to get processes documented and things outsourced for those 5 things. Then, when that is complete, do it again. Baby steps will actually get you there faster than if you try to do it all at once. You do so many amazing things! The more you can let others help you, the stronger and farther your message can go!!

Answer to - "I Don't Have Enough Work to Hire an Employee"

If you look at step 1 above and know that there are things that you could do, but you don't believe you have enough work to justify a full-time or even part-time employee, there are alternatives!  Here is a really quick list:

• Find someone in your local community that is looking for a few hours a week and hire them.  This option will require that you pay employment taxes etc.

• Go to a local college and hire an intern. This option works great if you are patient and like working with people that are in a learning mode.

• Go to a local college and partner with one of their departments on a class project.  Let's say you have some market research that you want done.  You could partner with a marketing class to have them work on the project over the course of the semester.

• Hire a Virtual Assistant (VA).  A VA is a business owner that specializes in providing administrative services.  I have been working with VAs for years and find it to be an excellent experience.  Normally, when you work with a VA, you work with an individual that is the same on every project; however, you are sharing their time across their other clients.

• Contract with a VA service.  A VA service is a company that has a number of employees that work on tasks for you.  You submit your requests to the company and they assign the work.

Example of How I Saved 2.5 Hours A Week With ONE Task Delegated

I've been using VAs for years, but mostly for big projects, not for task related work.

I have recently begun using TimeSvr.  They found me on Twitter and responded to a few of my tweets.  Over time I got curious about their services and started asking them questions.  (More on that in a minute.)

I originally started using their services as research for a blog post just to see how they work. I had signed up for their f~ree trial and did not expect to go much further after the post was done.  I have been so happy with results that I've continued working with them. 

Their service is based on Task delegation. Anything that can be completed in 15-20 minutes is considered a task. You can have unlimited tasks a day at a subscription of $69 per month.

Here is an example of how I saved 2.5 hours a week using them:

I record a podcast every business morning. I used to download that mp3 from cinch and then upload it to my audio acrobat account to get it on my podcast and itunes with keywords description etc as well as publish to facebook, etc.

That process took 20-30 minutes a day. It was not difficult work. I did other things in-between the download and upload times, etc. But that time added up!

About 2 months ago I handed this to TimeSvr.  I wrote out the steps for them to do all the downloading and uploading, etc. (Sample directions)  Now they do all of that stuff and I spend 5-10 minutes a day recording my tip and I'm done. YIPPEE!

I also have them doing things like a monthly backup of my blog, managing following and un-following on twitter, internet research, keyword research, etc.  They have figured out my travel options too.

I took 1 hour and sat down and defined all of the task type stuff that I was doing -- that small stuff that you don't think about but should not do -- and created steps and scheduled it out for them.

Resources to Get You Going

• TimeSvr - http://www.timesvr.com/?src=2002 if you want to check them out.

• VAs on Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/StephCalahan/virtual-assistants - As I run into a virtual assistant on twitter, I add them to this list. 

• Learn how to hire with confidence - http://steph.bz/HowVA If you are considering hiring a Virtual Assistant but you are not sure where to start then this is the resource for you.  My friend and colleague Marcia Hoeck created an awesome program to help you learn how to hire the RIGHT VA for you.

Your Turn!

So, what do you delegate or outsource?  I know your thoughts will help others that are reading this post, so share without restriction ok?   If you are a VA, please share your thoughts on activities that are great for delegation.

To your success!

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PPS - Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  That means, if you click on the link and choose to make a purchase, I will get a small fee for sending the lead to them.