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.

 

Missed Connections

I love gadgets. Just ask my husband. He calls me the Geek Goddess because I love playing with this stuff and taking advantage of something that promises efficiency. It's music to my organized little heart.

Ah, but there's the rub. What do we actually DO with the time we save? I don't know about you but if I'm not paying attention I simply fill it with more work, more chores, more should's and ought's. Those of you with a 'real job' (AKA a boss who wants you available 24/7) have a whole other set of expectations to deal with.

I once consulted for a company that insisted it's executives take their laptops, pagers and cell phones on family vacations! I'd shake my head as those poor souls trudged off to enjoy their 'down time'. Just last February, I watched a father walking through DisneyWorld with his kids who were desperately trying to have fun with their dad. Instead, he grew irritated with them because he was on the phone with his office.

What lesson do you think those kids learned?

And if you think you're more balanced than that, what happened the last time you tried to reach a friend or family member whose cell phone was turned off?   If you found yourself saying something like "Why are you going to carry one, if you're not going to turn it on?" you may need to examine your own beliefs about boundaries and personal space.

It's time to push back a little, to unplug ourselves. I'm not suggesting you get rid of it all. That's not realistic either. But you can declare some Technology-Free Zones in your life. Personally, I've stopped bringing my laptop home from my office in the evenings. (A side benefit – I'm sleeping better because I'm not stimulating my brain right up until lights out.)

I've stopped giving out my cell number except for specific instances, such as meeting a client for the first time and wanting to be sure we connect.

And the time I save when I do use my gadgets? I'm taking back some of it just for me. This week I sat on my deck with my morning coffee and journal. I gave myself full permission to enjoy the springtime. 

Want to join me on my deck and bring some sanity back into your own schedule? You can, you know. Just join me on July 10 for "The Time of Your Life." Click here to find out more.

And if you say you don't have time – well, think about what you just said…

 

Who’s In Charge?

When the phone rings, do you jump to answer or do you complete your conversation with the person standing in front of you?

When email arrives, do you answer immediately or do you respond at a time that supports your schedule?

 

We seem to have bought into the idea that technology trumps everything and everyone else in our day. Until you challenge that assumption, your schedule will always be at the mercy of others. And THAT leads to the feeling you never get anything done.

 

It's time to take back control. Start by naming your email, cell phone, instant messaging, etc for what they are – rude employees. 

 

If a staff member walked into your office demanding your attention "Right NOW!" regardless of what you were doing, I don't believe for a moment you'd drop everything. In fact, I suspect you might even be less than polite. At a minimum, you'd ask them to wait (unless there was blood or fire involved, of course). 

 

So why meekly roll over for technology? Who's in charge here? Respond to these technological bullies by showing them just who's boss. Choose to respond when it's convenient for you. Your schedule and your stress level will thank you.