Actually, I feel a little odd writing about this because I am not an early filer. In reality I start thinking about taxes in March, and then in April I take it a bit more seriously and actually get them done. That’s what works for me, I just don’t feel really “taxy” in January.

I am not a CPA, accountant, or anything of the sort so I am not going to give a list of recycled tax tips for the self employed, but I will say this-

1) If you prefer to fill out forms by hand (do people still do this??) the IRS website is a great resource for downloading forms.

2) If you prefer a computer based solution, try out Tax Act. I started using it years ago. I’ll be honest and say the only reason I tried it was because it was cheaper than another popular tax software program. But, over the years it has proven itself to be a great solution.

I received some advice that I’ve been repeating to myself daily….”one at a time”. How simple yet profound!

When the baby is crying, the clothes need drying, documents need typing, and I’m trying to finishing skyping….one at a time. When dinner needs cooking, the house is dirty-looking, a client wants me facebooking….just one at a time.

Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and do one thing at a time. Don’t panic, don’t get overwhelmed, just relax and don’t focus on every single task on your list. Focus on one thing at a time and things will flow much easier.

By the way, you can thank my sleep deprivation for that little impromptu poem.

I’ve tried the mind mapping software, and it’s left me confused. I’ve tried a few organization apps, but I can never remember to use them. Now I’ll admit, there are a few tools that I find quite handy. But really, what I need in my life is a notebook and a sturdy binder. Every time I try something else, I come back to this good old strategy.

With my notebook I can write down ideas as they come to me. I can keep track of any usernames and passwords that I need on a regular basis. I can map out my to-do lists in a simple fashion. And I can access all of this without trying to recall where I stored the information, and how to log on.

My binder is useful because it contains my notebook. It also contains articles of interest and other things that I might want to print out and save for later. The pockets in my binder are handy for storing random pieces of paper that I sometimes need.

Technology is great, but sometimes you just have to keep it simple. Buy a notebook, buy a binder and you just might notice an increase in organization and productivity.

If you want to be a good writer, the most important thing to remember is to get to the point. There is no need to drivel on for 1,000 words when the point can be made in 500 or less. Likewise, never use a ten-dollar word, when a two-dollar word will do. Save your cash because it doesn’t make you look more intelligent, and in many cases it will appear as if you are trying too hard.

This is especially true if you are just rambling on and on and you don’t have anything of substance to say.

Of course, there are other rules to follow- use proper grammar, use active voice not passive voice (the dog bit the boy is better than the boy was bitten by the dog), and watch out for the run on sentences.

But ability to be clear and concise is the main thing that separates good writers from bad ones.

Which example would you prefer to read?

1) I like going places with Mr. Smith. The other day we went somewhere fun. We had such a good time going out. We went to the beach and Mr. Smith did something awesome. He found $50 and turned it in. He did not keep the $50 that he found. He is quite the magnanimous gentleman.

2) Mr. Smith and I had a good time at the beach. While we were there, he found $50 and turned it in. I thought that was very noble of him.

What is the lesson for the day? Keep it simple! Even if you are not good with style and syntax, just get the point and you will do well.

Many people these days are rude. Sometimes it is intentional because people really don’t care, and ego juice is a popular breakfast item. Other times it’s just a misunderstanding- people are busy, stressed, shooting off 3 emails at a time while texting and eating a snack; so sometimes their brevity or tone can come off as being rude.

If you don’t want to be lumped into the rude category then try smiling when interacting with people. Whether it’s talking on the phone, sending an email, or having a face to face meeting- just smile. Smile, smile, smile and it will show through in your delivery. This is especially important if you are angry and you’d really like to scream.

Don’t scream. Don’t be snippy. Take a deep breath, put a smile on your face, and then deliver your message. Trust me, it works. There is no need to be an angry bear. Just put on your happy face, and people will be more receptive to what you are saying.

I have several email lists that I manage. The most I email is 3 times a week, and that is because this specific list caters to that. I don’t have any list that I feel needs to hear from me five to seven days per week. True, some lists can pull this off, but you really have to be in a unique position in order to do so.

It’s too bad that these lists I was subscribed to did not have an option to reduce the frequency because I would have gladly kept the subscriptions as long as I didn’t have to get emails each day. That’s why segmenting your lists is so important. You need to find out what people are interested in, why they have subscribed, and what types of content they want. If you really want to boost your efforts, you can’t just slap up a subscription box and send emails everyday. That’s sloppy and lazy.

You need to test everything. Layout, frequency, types of content, subject line- etc. Do people immediately unsubscribe after receiving one email from you? Are there emails where the links always get a high amount of clicks? Do certain subject lines get opened more than others? Why do people unsubscribe?

Find a good software program and start using all the features. Don’t just login, send your email, and go on about your day.

I’ve tried just about all the major programs at some point. Right now I use Email Aces for my autoresponder campaigns. I like it because it’s efficient, it’s affordable, and frankly I’ve been using it so long that I don’t see myself changing services anytime soon. I write my messages (messages that can be sent anytime), load them in the interface, select the frequency I want them sent, and get to promoting the list. If I need to send a “real-time” instant update, I can do that as well.

Email Aces is $8.95 a month for one autoresponder and up to 2500 prospects, $14.95 a month for up to 10 autoresponders and 5000 prospects, and $19.95 for unlimited autoresponders and up to 10,000 prospects. You try an account for as low as $2.95. The only downside I see is that the interface isn’t that pretty but that’s a minor thing.

I am well aware that many people use a very well known and popular autoresponder service; but this is just the one that works for me.

For my non-autoresponder lists, I use YMLP. I’ve been using it for years and I don’t have any complaints. I have used other services but I keep coming back to this one. My main gripe was that they didn’t have good sample templates like another service, but that’s changed.

If you decide to try either of these services it will be the same price if you buy from one of my affiliate links above, or if you buy from this link or this one which are not affiliate links. It’s your choice, my opinions on the products are still the same.

For example, I like to take time to pray and make notes in a gratitude journal. I also try to study Spanish for a couple of hours each day. So I write the journal entries in Spanish- and what do you know, I have accomplished two things with one action.

It doesn’t end there. I also like to listen to an audio course, but I have to exercise. *Voila* Pop in an exercise tape and put on the iPod. But sometimes that doesn’t cut it because I need to play with the baby, exercise, and listen to my audio course- So I take the baby for a walk while wearing my iPod. So my thighs are getting smaller, the baby is getting fresh air, and I’m getting my course out of the way.

Oh that is too simple! What else.

I have reading to do for my herbal medicine class. But the baby still isn’t asleep. So I read aloud to the baby. *Bam* Two birds, one stone. Actually three because I like the idea of reading educational materials to my little Peanut.

This doesn’t work for everything. Do not try to give your baby a bath while having a conference call on speakerphone. Sometimes you really have to focus on one thing without trying to take shortcuts. But if you can swing it, go ahead and knock out those birds with one stone.

It’s no secret that I have a lot of business pet peeves, (those are three separate links) but this one is perplexing to me.

This is 2011 we all wear many hats. I get that, and it’s great. But do all of those hats have to have the same business card? I realize that I have an unnatural fascination with business cards; for instance, when I go to the restaurant that has the business card bowl- I take each card out, look at it, and put it back in. But really, my little quirk has nothing to do with this gripe.

It’s one thing if the hats match such as writer and editor, or photographer and videographer, or anything that goes together like peanut butter and jelly. But to be a Beauty Rep/ HR Specialist, or Dance Choreographer/ SEO Consultant doesn’t give off a professional appearance. Instead it makes you look unfocused and maybe a bit amateur.

“Well you should talk DJ, don’t you have like 5 million things going on at all times?!”

Yes, but if you meet me as DJ Nelson, Executive Editor of Veritas Wellness Magazine; you are going to get a card that says just that. If you meet me as DJ Nelson, online marketing consultant- guess what the card will say? And so on and so fourth.

Business cards really aren’t that expensive to have printed up. We all know about Vistaprint (aff) but they aren’t the only gig in town. However, they are good if you just need something inexpensive for a particular situation. I often order cards from there for various side projects that are not my main money makers.

So do yourself a favor and don’t try to cram everything on that one 3.5 x 2 inch surface. You’ll look much better if you make sure your hats match.

Need I say more?

And no, it’s not my lack of targeting or copywriting skills.

I’m bringing this blog back to life for several reasons.

1) I have a lot of things to get off of my chest, and I need a place to do it.

2) I feel odd not having a personal blog. After all, I consult with businesses on blogging practices and such- it would make sense for me to have one for myself; even if it’s not updated as frequently as I would like.

So here I am. The same person, but I am at a different point in my life. I’m not just a wife anymore, now I am a mom, but BusinessWifeMomandLife just isn’t catchy so I’ll leave the title “as is”. I’m involved in new ventures and I’m constantly learning new things, so I’m sure I’ll have a lot to blog about…when I have time that is.

So let’s dust this old domain off and get back to business!