Just Say NO:

Take a closer look at the activities that are taking up the majority of your time each day. Are they absolutely necessary? Are they brining you new business? Are they helping to spread your brand message? I looked back on my business in 2007 and realized I had done too many free speaking gigs.  So as the inquiries started coming in for 2008, I realized I needed to say NO.

Create a BRUNCH trust

Many books recommend starting a BRAIN trust or a MASTERMIND group. Those titles can scare people off as they sound too much like MORE WORK. Brunch on the other hand, is a fun, social event. So think about creating a casual fun brunch where you’ll discuss what’s going on in your life and your business. I’ve gotten more great ideas, suggestions and support from my casual ‘girls only’ brunch group than any of the other professional groups I am a member of. Make sure you invite positive, creative women who can make a commitment to show up to the majority of the brunches.

Create a “TWO DO” list

Focus on accomplishing just TWO goals each and every day and anything else you do will be gravy. How many times have you started a TO DO list that is 20 items long and checked off 10 trivial tasks while feeling the pangs of guilt about the 10 items that still remain on your list? And how often do you leave at least 2 URGENT action items on that undone list? Well, that stops TODAY. Start a TWO DO list and get excited about crossing off those two ultra urgent items first. Last week I accomplished my  TWO Dos by 9:15 am on a Tuesday. Sure I had some anxiety about what to do with the rest of the day, so I happily dove into a TWO DO for Wed.

Master Your Messaging.

How many times have you been caught out there stammering and stuttering when someone asks you, So, What do You Do? Take some time to really think about who you are and what you bring to the table. What services and products do you provide that are better than anyone else’s? Customers want to buy the best. (And if they are just looking to buy the cheapest, let them look elsewhere.) If you have crisp, clear messaging, it becomes a lot easier to promote yourself and ask for the sale. If you are nervous and unsure of yourself, it’s more likely that you are going to say yes to the wrong client.

Change is Good TM

Many people think of change as scary. It’s the fear of the unknown. However, if you take an honest look at your business and know that you need to change, why not decide to think of it as a fun opportunity to grow and prosper? If you are afraid to change, that’s just going to hold you back. My colleague Barry Sarner embraced change so fully, he actually trademarked, “Change is Good” for his promotional items business. He’s on the right track. Come to think of it, I hope I can use ‘Change is Good’ here in this article. Well, I’ll take a chance and go for it! After all, I can always change it later.