THEME THIS WEEK:
Make a Plan - Step one is creating your Business Mission Statement. This will be your guiding light.
How To Create a Business Mission Statement 

One of the most important and powerful things that you can do for your business (and your personal life) is to create a mission statement - a focal point to move towards in everything that you do.

It can be compared to pinpointing a selected destination while planning a trip, making it possible to make informed decisions about how you are going to get there along the way.

Not only does it help you to focus and prioritize your actions - big and small picture - but it helps those around you, your customers and employees, to know exactly what you and your business are about as well.

This makes it easier for them to know if they want to do business with you, and as an employee, easier to know exactly what you are looking for from them.

It's important not to rush the process.

I personally prefer to keep it short and to the point.

When I'm working on my mission statement I like to select a quiet spot and take some time to really think about my core mission.

Regroup. Refocus. Rethink. 

• Why am I here?
• What do I want to provide?
• How will I do it?
• What's the bottom line?

This process really helps to streamline and keep us on track.

Suddenly it becomes clear if we have been moving in the wrong direction if there are a lot of activities that are not moving in the direction of your mission statement.

Sometimes you will see that you have been missing the point entirely.

Thinking that someday you will get to it, after you take this slight detour.

Too much of this thinking, and it's possible to detour your way right out of business. 

MY MISSION STATEMENT 

I recently sat down and thought about my mission statement.

It really opened my eyes.

Here is my rough mission statement as it stands today.

I am going to mull it over for a few days and then will be posting my final mission statement to help me to stay on track and to help you to see exactly what you can expect from my information and services.

What do you think?

I showed you mine, how about showing us yours in the comment section below? 

HOW TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENT RESOURCES 

Here are a few resources that you can use to get you started on creating your own mission statement, the heart of your business.

Business Plan Preparation: The Mission Statement

The process of creating a mission statement forces companies to address a fundamental question that is often deceptively difficult to answer—just what business is the company engaged in? While it is typical for companies to define their …

Developing My Mission Statement

On the podcast interview I conducted on Developing a Mission Statement, Henning Fischer mentioned the sheer simplicity of Jet Blue’s mission statement, and I have to agree — it’s very straight-forward. It goes like this: “Jet Blue Is a …

Developing your mission statement could be one of the best things you do for your business this week, so don't forget to make a space for it when you create your plans for the week.

If you haven't done it already, todays the day to get out your planning tools for the week and make yourself an Action Plan. 

Remember, you want to focus on results.

What activities are giving you the most bang for you time and money?

Focus on those, cull what ever you can from the list either by dropping it completely or getting some help. 

Cozy up in your favourite chair, spend a minute thinking about your big picture and what you would like to accomplish with your business outside of making money. 

• What do you want to provide for others?

• What makes YOU special? 

• What is the soul of your business?

• What do you want to accomplish with this opportunity to serve?

• Work from there.

• What better way to start a Monday morning?

Be sure to do it before anyone else is up and moving, or close your door for this time. 

Give yourself at least 1/2 hour, or what ever amount of time that you need. Don't skimp.

This could be the most important time pocket of your week. 

TOOLS

• Day Planner - online or paper
• Calender
• White Board
• Checklist
• Graph

Day Planner - Create a master plan where you will decide on your major time pockets - when and what they will be.

Calendar - I use the calender to plan my monthly themes and mark in daily tasks such as my blog posting schedule (I have multiple blogs so this helps to keep posting on track) and newsletter entries.

White Board - This works well for an at a glance checklist of reoccurring items or for mind mapping. I like to think of it as a dynamic place to keep my major FOCUS items in front of me.

Checklist - Tweak your daily/weekly/monthly checklist if it needs it.

Graph - Create a graph for your current projects and map your progress. This really helps to motivate and will show any patterns in loss of productivity - or leaps in productivity as well. 

Don't Forget to Use It!  - Get in the habit of checking your schedule daily in the morning and after each time pocket.

SETTING UP YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TIPS

For more information on using time pockets and themes, you can read about them here and listen to the WAHM in Focus Podcast shows about these topics.

Using Themes for Increased Productivity -transcript is available. Listen on iTunes. 

The Power of Single Minded Focus - transcript is available. Listen on iTunes.

A Step Beyond Single Minded Focus - transcript is available. Listen on iTunes.

Creating Your Online Business Systems - article.

WORK AT HOME FORUM

Don't forget to check out the iShine work at home forum to discuss goal setting, time management and productivity. 

WAHM IN FOCUS

Don't forget to get your free weekly work at home focus tip and resources to help you stay on track.

TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK 

This weeks article is about empowering yourself to achieve your goals instead of just day dreaming them.  We all have the best of intentions, but making a plan isn't enough.  We have to make a plan, and then follow it.

The Power to Accomplish Any Goal

End your week by setting yourself up for next week.

File your file folder and anything else that needs to be sorted, put away and accounted for.

Make this a habit and you will be amazed at the stress that is taken off your shoulders.

You will find things easier and faster and you will also reduce missed deadlines.

It's well worth the few minutes it will take you every Friday.

FILE IT FOLDER

I have a stand that holds file folders on a stand right beside my desk.

In that stand goes a general file folder where I put everything that needs to be filed.

If I don't do that folder regularly you know what happens… I suddenly, 'as if overnight' have a big, hairy monster sitting on my desk next to me.

Imagine the pressure!

You know how big hairy monsters are… they want, and want and want some more.

It wants to be put away, every minute of the day, every time I look at it.

And if I need anything, guess where the first place I need to look is.

And it isn't pretty.

Save yourself… file it Friday! 

SET YOURSELF UP 

In the same file holder, I keep folders for current projects.

While your at it, gather any papers etc for projects that you will need next week and put them in a file folder for that particular project.

Put it on your stand and you will be good to go.

Don't forget to add in any notes to yourself so that you can get off to a quick start next Monday, without having to back track and remember what you were doing.

This is a time saver like no other and really takes not more than a few minutes, especially once you get in the habit of maintaining these files at the end of each project time block (that is a not so subtle hint to get in the habit of maintaining these files at the end of each project time block ).

Try it today, and see how much more smoothly things start going for you.

Be sure to subscribe (buttons are on the top right hand corner) so that you can receive your reminder every Friday and never fall prey to the big hairy File It Folder again. 

WORK AT HOME FORUM

Don't forget to check out the iShine work at home forum to discuss goal setting, time management and productivity.

WAHM IN FOCUS

Don't forget to get your free weekly work at home focus tip and resources to help you stay on track.

TODAY'S ORGANIZING AND PRODUCTIVITY ARTICLE

This article sets out 3 very simple guidelines for organizing a system for research and longer term files.

The main take away that I get from this article is… motivation!

Remember, the first step in successful filing and record keeping is to have a system.

If you don't have one, use this article to get you going.  

3 Simple Filing Guidelines for Setting Up a Filing System

GUEST POST:

A tongue in cheek look as summer holidays and working at home on Sparkplugging.

Surviving Summer 

We're all hearing it.

It's all around us.

The work at home buzz.

We're all so busy.

Producing content, tweaking for conversions, and the latest work at home craze, social networking… which can take a good chunk out of the work day, especially because it's so darn fun.

Who said work couldn't be fun?

But at the end of a fun filled day, are you finding yourself lost? 

Are you wandering aimlessly through endless interactions, endless words that are taking you no where…

There are a few things that may help give you a little focus and make your marketing efforts stick in todays flurry of activity.

METHOD TO YOUR MADNESS - A few really good activities that can be time well spent are

1 - DO GUEST BLOG ARTICLES - think big. It's important. The worst they can say is no. There are plenty of blogs to choose from out there, and you can always use it on your own blog and try another article if it doesn't work out. Providing content and making these contacts can open new worlds and over time can be a huge source of traffic and opportunity. I highly recommend that you put aside some time and join the 30 Day Challenge. It will set you up with all that you need for finding and tracking blogs to keep you busy and so much more.

2 - BLOG CARNIVALS - this is something new that I'm trying. I've heard it can work well, if the carnival is well established. Worst case scenario - you get a link back, the more the better for SEO. Check out www.blogcarnivals.com for a great carnival listing on almost any topic.

3 -  TWITTER - You've probably been hearing a lot about twitter lately. I've seen quite a few people claim to get a lot of traffic this way. I personally haven't seen this but I recommend it for different reasons. I have made some amazing contacts. You can open yourself to people and resources you never would have otherwise and it is an easy way to contact some people who would otherwise be unapproachable. It's been called the office water cooler. It certainly is a gathering place where a person can go to kick back, trade stories and talk biz (I had typo'd talk big. You can do that too!).

One caution - don't get carried away. It can be distracting if you let it. Set boundaries. Meet me on twitter.

4 - JOIN A FEW SOCIAL NETWORKS. Again, if you don't get carried away you can make some great contacts and get exposure.  If you are looking at getting back in shape or staying that way, there is nothing like Club FYM (for ladies only, sorry guys!). We have our own social network at the iShine Community targeting work at home harmony and balance - Home… Biz… and You!

5 - GO BLOG HOPPING - One of the best things about blogs are the way they can call attention to yourself.

• post quality comments on other sites. An awesome tool to be notified when a new post has been made on your favourite blog is comment sniper.
• social bookmarking - I like stumbleupon - and don't forget to stumble this article if you like it!
• link to other blogs inside of your post. Many times they will check out your blog and who knows?
• interact with people who comment on your blog. People like to feel acknowledged and interesting.

6 -  If you get an opportunity to CONTRIBUTE TO ANOTHER SITE - take it. You never know what this can open you up to. I currently contribute at

• Lynne Terry's Self Starters Forum as a moderator - Goal Achievement and Brain Storming
• Because Mom Said So Community Blog
• Show Mom the Money - Time Management Articles Column
  
• FYM Makeover
• Guest article on B5Media - Home Biz Notes - What Do We Think We're Doing It For
• UPDATE: Watch for articles coming up on Sparkplugging and Internet Marketing Sweetie.

You will be able to find a listing at the bottom of my new blog anytime.

WHAT ABOUT FORUMS?

Forums are the original social networking platform. They can still be used effectively by choosing one or two to be active on so that regular members can get to know, like and trust you.

The drawback of forums is that you just don't get the same tools that you can use to really get yourself out there - blogs, RSS feeds etc that enable you to create your very own network within a network sometimes on autopilot with no more than the initial setup effort. 

Be sure not to forum hop - watch your stats to see which ones are returning traffic and watch that browsing time!

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR EFFORTS…

TRACK - are you seeing traffic from your efforts? I've been using Site Tracker by Joel Comm. I find that I can see in an instant exactly where my traffic has come from for any given day or time period. Especially helpful if your trying to track your online footprints.

BALANCE - The keys to success are balance and doing the right things. Decide on the main tasks that you'd like to do, decide how long and how often you need or want to do them and create a schedule. Stick to it. List and Traffic June 2008 has a great package that I am personally thrilled to have, including Jimmy's Finish Early report, outlining his own productivity secrets.

DOING IT RIGHT - Social networking is about interacting with your peers, keeping up on the latest industry developments and getting your website out there to get more traffic.

Social networking is a big part of today's marketing and online business experience, but be forewarned, it has it's pitfalls - number one being it can be a massive time suck if you don't use it properly and number two - many of the social networking clicks have a low ROI (return on investment). I'm really looking forward to learning the finer points included in the Traffic Secrets 2.0 course.

SOCIAL NETWORKING PART TWO -

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT 

Part one covered the basics, in part two I'll talk more about the heart of social networking.

ACTION TIPS

• Spend a little time exploring various social networks, see which ones are a good fit for you and set them up. Be sure to put your contact links on your website.
• Be sure to participate as a community member using each one in the way that they are intended. Basic rule of thumb - give to get.
• Check out my networks listing at the bottom of this page. Join me, I'd love to hear from you.

NOTE

The podcast is coming!

I've had a few technical difficulities (like part of it flatlining - that means no recording in bits and pieces throughout - an editors nightmare… so I will be doing my best to patch it up and get it up here asap. This one was quite a bit longer than usual as I found myself being quite social and chatting up a storm so I don't want to re record… alas… a good 10 minutes is wiped out regardless. Rest assured, everything is alive and well in KAOS Land ) 

I thought I should chime in because I have the first version and I am chomping at the bit to get my copy of the latest version, for a couple of reasons.

- I found the first one to be very comprehensive. Had I jumped on it when it first came out - even at the full price of about $1,000.00 - focused on the cutting edge information it contained and utilized it, I'm sure I would have been much further ahead, much earlier in the game - I am not going to make the same mistake twice.

 - It's much easier to do it right this time, the price point is much reduced - it's selling for $395.00 - making it affordable for anyone who is serious about their business and who wants to jump in on the newest techniques using a complete traffic system.

THE BIGGEST SELLING POINT? 

- What I'm always talking about. He's put it together as a complete system that you can go through step by step with what appears to be a very easy to use and organized interface. 

In his own words he calls it a step by step, simple process. Watch video number 2, at 2:29 he shows a glimpse of the interface. I'm hooked.

For years I've been harping on the power of using systems, focus and doing the right things. Traffic Secrets 2 has it all and more.

It even comes with a personal tracker that will show what steps you've taken and what steps you need to complete. Heaven! 

There is also a private discussion forum for everyone who purchases Traffic Secrets 2.0.

Another aspect of learning that I absolutely believe in. Ongoing support and community.

And after this purchase, you never need to update again. John calls it a license, and we get free access to any future changes or additions to the course.

It's a winning proposition.

These days $400 doesn't get you very far. 

Personally, I believe that making this investment - both in money and time - is going to get places online that I'd like to be.

To pay for it all I need to do is focus on using it and quit buying stuff willy nilly around the internet  and it will be paid - a strategy that is also going to help my business at a core level. 

I WILL NEVER HAVE TO WONDER WHAT I'VE MISSED 

John Reese has built on the success of the first version of Traffic Secrets to the point that I can't imagine NOT buying it… and working it… to tap into the lifeblood of my business… any business… a steady flood of growing traffic. 

Those of you who have built something great and sit disappointed because no one is seeing it, will know exactly what I'm talking about - here's your chance.

THE COURSE INCLUDES

12 Interactive CD Roms's - complete system of cutting edge information of how to get more traffic in today's online world.

Workbook - I have to tell you, in the last course the work book was one of the best tools that I've had, one reason was that it got me in the habit of using one - highly recommended and business changing.

Training Guide - transcripts of the CD's.

Blueprint Handouts - another thing I love - at a glance, focused actions to keep us on track.

Traffic Secrets Forum - huge added benefit to help us get maximum benefit from the course.

The whole thing fits into a nicely designed package that will slide right onto your bookshelf for easy access. 

Click the link before noon and you will have access to his prelaunch videos, each contain a good amount of traffic tips to get you moving in the right direction.

At noon, it will redirect to the purchase page which will outline details of the system and you can go ahead and make your purchase.

I will be creating my own private forum for owners of Traffic Secrets 2.0 where we can discuss in a smaller group how and what exactly we are doing with it as we work through it.

It will be a great opportunity to get even more from the course in a more intimate and private setting.

You can check out the videos before noon today or see the purchase page after noon at

Traffic Secrets 2.0  

A FEW DETAILS ABOUT TRAFFIC SECRETS 2.0 

Here is some additional information about the course that John sent to us…

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced
marketer.  And it doesn't matter what business 'model' you may be
using (i.e. ecommerce store, affiliate marketing, infoproducts,
blogging, etc.).

It also doesn't matter what niche market your business is in.  The
course can take you by the hand and have you generating an increase in
traffic.  Period.

Traffic Secrets 2.0 is all about…

- Social Media Marketing & Strategy
- Advanced Content Syndication
- Cutting-Edge Video Marketing & SEO
- Leveraging Software & Widgets
- Setting Up Automatic 'Content Factories'
- Building An Affiliate Army
- And so much more.

And Here's A Real 'Shocker'…

Traffic Secrets 2.0 (for those that move fast and get 'grandfathered'
in) will receive the following…

- LIFETIME UPDATES To The Course
- Private Coaching & Mastermind Community
- Web-based 'Action Tracker' Learning System
- And more!

Once you buy your license to Traffic Secrets 2.0 you don't have to buy
it ever again!  Even by the time that "Traffic Secrets 11.0" comes out
you'll have gotten all of the other versions FOR FREE.  (What an
amazing offer.)

You *know* that traffic generation techniques will continue to change
over time so it's great to know that you'll be getting all the updated
information and strategies for free.  (This is truly an INVESTMENT in
your business.)

You'll also get access to John, his staff, and all the other TS2
owners in a private community.  You'll get unlimited, lifetime access
for ZERO monthly fees.  It's all included with your single purchase of
the course.  (This makes it a no-brainer offer that every serious
marketer should take advanage of.)

But you'll need to ACT FAST and get your copy of the course right away
so you can be guaranteed to be 'grandfathered' in and never have to
pay any additional fees to access the course updates or the private
community site…

Get Your Copy Of Traffic Secrets 2.0 Today

My son has his driver's license now, so the hours of the past summer's spent driving him to work and teaching him how to drive are over.

This summer I find myself driving my oldest daughter to her friends houses and my youngest to the beach, with a trip to town first to pick up her friends, at age 10, it just isn't fun… or cool anymore to go to the beach alone with your mom.

EVERY YEAR WE GET OLDER 

As every year we all get older, I realize that some of my most precious quality time, and most interesting conversations have taken place while rolling along the back roads. 

As I was driving home tonight from dropping my oldest daughter off, my youngest being at nana and papa's house, my son at the movies, I realized that even though I had a list of things I wanted to do, I wasn't rushing.

I wasn't trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by playing beat the clock - against all odds. 

Actually, I was in perfect awe of the beauty around me and completely content in the moment.

I was taking my time and loving every minute of it.

I find myself doing a lot of that lately.

I CALL IT BEING TICKLED 

That little tickle in the solar plexus that replaces the elephant stampede that used to be there.

It makes me smile and do a little happy dance sometimes when I'm walking up the driveway, bare feet and arms spread wide. I'm sure my kids think I'm a lunatic.

They'll be old(er) some day.

I hope that they remember to feel joy and a tickle too. And that they're kids think they're nuts.

I've slowed down… in every area.

And it shows in my driving.

HOW DO YOU DRIVE? 

Notice the next time your out and see if it is a reflection of your life.

Try slowing down and enjoying the drive.

Both on the road and off.

Let me know how it goes.

I'd love to hear all about it.

THEME THIS WEEK: Productive Time Ratio - be aware of WHAT you are doing and strive for results during your working hours rather than busy work.

If you haven't done it already, todays the day to get out your planning tools for the week and make yourself an Action Plan. 

Remember, you want to focus on results.

What activities are giving you the most bang for you time and money?

Focus on those, cull what ever you can from the list either by dropping it completely or getting some help. 

Cozy up in your favourite chair, spend a minute thinking about your big picture and what you would like to accomplish with your business outside of making money. 

• What do you want to provide for others?

• What makes YOU special? 

• What is the soul of your business?

• What do you want to accomplish with this opportunity to serve?

• Work from there.

• What better way to start a Monday morning?

Be sure to do it before anyone else is up and moving, or close your door for this time. 

Give yourself at least 1/2 hour, or what ever amount of time that you need. Don't skimp.

This could be the most important time pocket of your week. 

TOOLS

• Day Planner - online or paper
• Calender
• White Board
• Checklist
• Graph

Day Planner - Create a master plan where you will decide on your major time pockets - when and what they will be.

Calendar - I use the calender to plan my monthly themes and mark in daily tasks such as my blog posting schedule (I have multiple blogs so this helps to keep posting on track) and newsletter entries.

White Board - This works well for an at a glance checklist of reoccurring items or for mind mapping. I like to think of it as a dynamic place to keep my major FOCUS items in front of me.

Checklist - Tweak your daily/weekly/monthly checklist if it needs it.

Graph - Create a graph for your current projects and map your progress. This really helps to motivate and will show any patterns in loss of productivity - or leaps in productivity as well. 

Don't Forget to Use It!  - Get in the habit of checking your schedule daily in the morning and after each time pocket.

SETTING UP YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TIPS

For more information on using time pockets and themes, you can read about them here and listen to the WAHM in Focus Podcast shows about these topics.

Using Themes for Increased Productivity -transcript is available. Listen on iTunes. 

The Power of Single Minded Focus - transcript is available. Listen on iTunes.

A Step Beyond Single Minded Focus - transcript is available. Listen on iTunes.

Creating Your Online Business Systems - article.

WORK AT HOME FORUM

Don't forget to check out the iShine work at home forum to discuss goal setting, time management and productivity. 

WAHM IN FOCUS

Don't forget to get your free weekly work at home focus tip and resources to help you stay on track.

TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK 

This weeks article is an article inspired by Alex Mandosian about how to best use your time by planning your tasks around a productive time ratio - the core skill to doing things that will grow and prosper your business instead of treading water - or sinking…

A Productive Time Ratio