I’m often asked how I get so much done or “where to start” once someone makes their Success Action List (sounds SO much better than “to do” list).

The answer is simpler than you may think. . .

First, look over your list and pick your #1 priority.  What is it that you’re going to work on in the next 30 minutes, 1 hour, however much time you’ve allotted?

Got your answer?

Great! Do the first thing you can and then, ask yourself “What’s my next action?”

By constantly asking yourself “What’s my next action?”, you eliminate the gap that frequently appears between today’s reality and tomorrow’s desired goal.

This simple question quickly clarifies things and you’ll be on your way in no time.

So, what’s your next action?

While walking one of my dogs this morning, we stopped at the usual big pile of brush by the firepit to “look for bunnies” (they live inside).

Sasha was SO focused on looking in this one spot, that she neglected to see bunnies running out from every other conceivable exit and so missed the opportunities to see bunnies running all around her.

Meanwhile, my shepherd Sheba was so intent on watching Sasha so she “didn’t miss anything” that she missed everything as well.

Now while this is cute when we’re talking about dogs and bunnies, it’s not cute when we’re talking about you and your business.

Are you so focused on a certain goal or project that you’re missing other opportunities?

Take time each day to reflect on what’s going on all around you — even if it’s 5 minutes before you shut down for the evening — your business will thank you!

While enjoying yet another fabulous breakfast at Binky’s Restaurant in Middleborough, Mass this weekend, I sat back and took a good look around at what makes Binky’s so unforgettable:

1. The atmosphere — Kim (daughter of Binky) and her staff have created an atmosphere where everyone is treated like family…from those of us who go all the time to those who walk through her doors for the first time.
2. While they make an incredible breakfast and also serve lunch, they’re “known” for their pancakes.  First off, there’s one of them and it’s the largest I’ve ever seen.  I still remember betting my (then) 10-year-old nephews that they couldn’t each finish one (yep, I won!).
3. Almost all of the customers are long term repeats or coming based on word of mouth referrals.

This simple breakfast led me to ask myself (and now you) a few questions…

Read the rest of this post »

You know that feeling when you sign up for a new program or service — this is THE one, the one which will answer all your questions, particularly if it comes with a resource library of some sort.

You go in all bright-eyed and then it happens. . .life interferes.

Perhaps another program caught your eye (and wallet) or a well-meaning coach told you you’re spending too much time working “in” your business and not “on” it.

Regardless, you’re pulled off course and don’t use the benefits you’ve paid for.

Read the rest of this post »

A past Feature Article included the below:

“I recently read a quote from Esther Dyson (a commentator on cyber businesses) who stated “I worry about something I call Mental Diabetes Type 2, a lack of ability to think in a concentrated fashion over a period of time.”

WOW! That’s a pretty strong statement and one that bears some attention not only from a “self” perspective and ensuring you stay focused, but also from a “client” perspective and keeping them engaged amidst a world of distractions (more on that next week).”

This blog focuses on how you, the business owner, keep your client’s attention in a world of constant distractions.

Read the rest of this post »

As my ezine readers are aware, I recently moved to a new service and a new format for my weekly ezine The Martini Advantage.

It’s gotten fabulous reviews (thank you!) .

It’s also led me to ask a fundamental question:

In today’s world, is receiving someone’s ezine a “right” or a “privilege”?

While I’m still debating the answer for my business, I’m leaning towards it being a “privilege”.  Here’s a few reasons why:

• I provide a TON of usable, real world content in my weekly ezines, in addition to a coaching activity. In fact, a reader recently told me that she prints them out and uses them as an action plan for her business.

• My ezine doesn’t bombard you with promotional info and I don’t accept advertising to stay true to my mission for the ezine.

• I put a lot of time and energy into providing quality content and want it to be valued.

So what does this mean?

Read the rest of this post »

Have you ever put up with things, tolerations as it were and then, finally, you have enough and refuse to deal with it anymore?

That’s exactly where I am with the design of my email newsletter.

I just don’t like it anymore.

And while a new one is currently being designed, I couldn’t bring myself to send out even one more issue with the design I’ve been tolerating.

So. . .there’s no standard ezine this week.

Instead, a few questions for you to ponder:

1. It’s midnight and you’re answering client emails. Is this a boundary issue or are you working on your terms?
2. You’re in the office Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm, have you created a J O B for yourself or are you maintaining boundaries?
3. Are you working when you THINK you should or when you’re most productive?

So what are you tolerating and, more importantly, what are you going to do about it?

As I plan for 2010 and reflect on all that happened in 2009, I realize that there are several things I was tolerating in 2009 which will not be a part of my 2010.
You may choose to call this “adhering to boundaries” or “acknowledging and eliminating pet peeves”, I simply refer to it as clearing space.

After all, if my energy isn’t being ursurped by the things which take, rather than nourish, there’s more space for those things which I want to attract.

Read the rest of this post »

Have you heard the story about the cobbler whose children had no shoes? Or the auto mechanic whose cars desperately needed attention?

The same is true for business owners.

We’re often SO caught up in caring for our clients and managing the day-to-day of our businesses, that we can neglect to give our business the same care we would a paying client.

After my recent private client retreat, I realized that while I certainly have written plans and goals for my business and systems in place so that things operate more efficient- and effectively, it’s been a while since I’ve taken my business through the “break it down, build it up” process we went through.

Read the rest of this post »

While internet marketers have online businesses, not all online businesses consider themselves internet marketers.

I was recently introduced as an “internet marketer” and was surprised at the immediate feeling of “oh no, not me” that welled up inside.

Before I ask whether you think of yourself as being an “internet marketer” or having an “online business”, let me share the definitions as I see them:

An internet marketer appears to focus first and foremost on the money — how much can he earn and how quickly?  He tends to send lots of emails and is always promoting something, whether his product or an affiliate’s.

Read the rest of this post »