Some Simple Answers

 One of the big questions I encounter when I speak to business women is how to leverage the internet. There is so much coming at them and it always seems to be changing that they don't know where to begin. And oh yes, add in a healthy dose of skepticism about the social networking tools and their application to a business setting.

It seems no one is answering the basic questions  – just what do I need and why? We want some simple answers so we know what to focus on. We don't have time or resources to waste. And we don't need one more item on a long to do list.

The trick, of course, is knowing what is valuable and what you can leave alone. What's really useful and what is just the ‘flavor of the month’? Nobody wants to invest a lot of time and money in training or services only to find out it’s not what you need!

What you do need is someone to cut through the hype. You want straight information in plain English in a quick format so you can make informed decisions that work for you and your business.

That’s why my Business Builder Series is just the ticket. I have over 25 years in the technology field. I was on the internet before there was even a world wide web. And I'm a coach and mentor to small business people. As a small business person myself, I understand the limits of time and budget as well as the questions you have.

My new Business Builder Series wasn't designed to be an in-depth training course but rather a place to get some information and your questions answered. The cost is reasonable ($40 per course or get a deal by taking all 5) and it won’t take a lot of your time. Plus you can choose between a live workshop or a teleseminar.

Think of it as a taste spoon, like those little pink ones you get at the ice cream shop. A sample of what's available removes the guesswork and uncertainty.

To find out more just click here.

 

Change the Heart of Business

Are you using the economy as an excuse not to claim your bolder life?

In these days of economic bad news the temptation for business people is to lie low and keep your head down. And, not to put too fine a point on it – that's absolutely the worst thing you can do. However, you can't just run around trying every random idea, praying that you'll hit a home run with one of them and find success. That's the highway to burn out.

The gift of this slower economy is Time. Time to get to know your Self and what you really want. We often miss this important step because our society values action, not reflection. Plus it's scary. Most of us don't spend time alone with our thoughts, getting to know what we really want. How can you make intelligent decisions about where to spend your time and efforts if you don't know what you're creating?

Eleanor Roosevelt once famously said "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."  

Too often we tell ourselves stories. We say that we simply can't, there's not time or someone won't let us. But if you don't take the next step you've allowed fear to stop you and you'll never know the real version success that reflects what you believe in and your Why.

When we get clear on and claim our unique purpose in this world, when we courageously step up and take the next step and the next, we cannot be stopped. Yes, there may be sacrifices. There may be dark hours of doubt and fear, but each deliberate action joined to deliberate intention moves us into the role we are meant to fill.

Let go of your fears and create the change you were put here to create. It's time to let go of your excuses and try. The world needs this from every one of us but especially from business people. Part of the economic crisis was created by people who weren't operating from a sense of purpose and made money their only goal.

Imagine the new face of society if business operations stemmed from a real desire to make a difference. I'm not talking about Mother Teresa stuff here (although the world can always use more of her kind.) This is about the hairdresser who listens to her clients because providing a safe place for troubled hears brings her joy. The courier who arrives with a warm greeting because spreading smiles gives him a feeling of fulfillment. The salesperson who truly believes her product will make a difference in someone's quality of life and yes, the banker who finds satisfaction in helping people stay in their homes.

Like every revolution, it starts with a small group, sometimes just one person, who possesses a vision and dedication.

Why not join me? Find out how at www.aprillejanes.com/lifesizedbusiness.htm.

 

 

Why Facebook?

Over and over I have people ask me why they should bother with Facebook? How can something created to let college kids connect possibly have any relevance to business people?

Some of these people dismiss it, I'm sure, simply because any kind of change is threatening. But most of the questioners I've come across are sincerely looking for answers.

And my answer is 'It is for business – if you use it that way."

I don't post family pictures and seldom update my status with "Just had breakfast." Instead I try to offer real value to anyone who reads my status updates. I feed this blog into the Notes section. And I block almost all applications. (Sorry. I don't throw snowballs.)

In other words, I behave on Facebook the same way I would behave in a live business setting. I talk about my business, I maintain a sense of humour without going crazy. I offer a personal touch without revealing my private life. Finally, I strive to offer value before I ever ask to be a vendor.

I consider Facebook critical to my success.

If you want to know more about the business side of Facebook then I recommend Mari Smith. She's considered one of the top experts on Facebook and relationship marketing.

 

Message Management – Part 2

Hopefully you've established a routine now around when you read and answer messages so here's another best practice that will help you manage even more effectively.

Clean out your Inbox every day. Don't let things languish in there, creating mental clutter. Scan for content and immediately answer what you can unless time is a constraint.

Move anything you can't act on right away into a folder marked "Follow-up". You could break this down even finer into folders marked "To Do", "To Read" and "To Follow Up."

If you're using Outlook, flag important items. You do this by simply clicking on the flag to the right of the message. By right-clicking on the flag and selecting "Custom" you can even specify a specific date and time to be reminded to respond.

Finally, did you know you can drag your emails to your Calendar or Task list in Outlook and it will create a new item for you? All pertinent infomation becomes part of the event or task without you having to re-key it all.