Do you find that your business is so dependent on you that you just can’t get away from it?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could just press a button and your business would take care of itself? Well, then - here's the good news! ActionCOACH Tim Dollmeyer tells us that it's possible, but we need to understand one fundamental fact: People should never run a business – systems should. You need the people to run the systems.
Systemizing your business is vitally important for the survival of your business – not to mention you and your relationships.
All too often, business owners get caught in the trap of doing everything. They feel that nobody can do anything, or at least the “important” things, as well as they can. They obsess over the smallest details, and then wonder why their employees can’t seem to do anything without strict supervision. They spend all of their extra time looking over the work of their staff, and correcting all of their mistakes. They take all of the customer calls because their relationship is with the owner.
Stop the crazy delusion that you are the only one who does what you do. Start to realize the power of systems. You see, about 80% of what’s done in your business can be systemized. Take some time to figure out all of the routine things that are done in your business. Now document the best way to accomplish these tasks.
However, creating systems is not enough.
You need to be sure that the systems are easy to follow, and easy to do. If you don’t make it easy, it will not be done, or at least not consistently. Here’s an example. Let’s say you create a sales system. Besides the scripts for all of the human interactions (that’s right, scripts), you have an information pack to be sent to your good prospects. Instead of putting this packet together each time you have to mail one out, pre-pack them so all you have to do is print a letter, insert it into the packet, and send it out. Sure, this seems obvious, but you may be surprised at all of the obvious inefficiencies that exist in your business.
The more you look, the more you will find that there are creative ways to make your business easier. The documentation also needs to be easy to understand. Use short, bulleted instructions – no long paragraphs. Use pictures, diagrams, even videos to make the information easy to absorb. It should be so easy that a third-grader could follow it.
So remember, there is an easy button available for your business.
And Easy is spelled S-Y-S-T-E-M-S.
Source: ActionCOACH newsletter, ActionSTEPS: article written by ActionCOACH, Tim Dollmeyer.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ask the Coach: How do we use technology grow our business?
Coach Reggie and ProfitCLUB members offer suggestions to these questions...
How do I direct traffic to my blog?
Include your blog address in your email signature
Link to your blog from your website
Build your blog content
Localize your content. Sprinkle your content regularly with regional and local keywords (Wilmington, NC for example)
Participate in relevant topics – comment on their forums and blogs
What are the best ways to market free seminars?
On-line and newsletter announcements
Blog posts
Include a link to more information in your email signature
List the seminar with related companies - in their blogs, websites and newsletters
Post your event in community announcements - on line, newspapers and magazines
Write an eye-catching press release and send it off to the media
Host the workshop or seminar with one or two business owners who share your target market
Look to see who else is drawing a crowd and collaborate with them
How do you deal with information overload?
Do you have too many email, phone, social media interruptions?
Allow yourself a specific time for these tasks
Use a system to compartmentalize: set up your email to show up every 30 minutes, or at a specific time.
Phone calls can wait – don’t interrupt something you are doing to pick up the call.
Use voice mail for your messages
Try to put a batch of tasks into a time frame. (for example, set a timer and check your emails for 30 minutes)
Explain the situation up front – leave a phone message for example, that you’ll call back within 24 hours.
How do you avoid spending too much time with social media?
Have a business and marketing plan
Be realistic – you don’t have time for everything
If many of your clients, customers or prospects are on Facebook - spend a few minutes daily checking in.
Become involved with one social media at a time.
Do it because it’s fun, not to make money.
Do what you like, and what’s easy for you.
How do I direct traffic to my blog?
Include your blog address in your email signature
Link to your blog from your website
Build your blog content
Localize your content. Sprinkle your content regularly with regional and local keywords (Wilmington, NC for example)
Participate in relevant topics – comment on their forums and blogs
What are the best ways to market free seminars?
On-line and newsletter announcements
Blog posts
Include a link to more information in your email signature
List the seminar with related companies - in their blogs, websites and newsletters
Post your event in community announcements - on line, newspapers and magazines
Write an eye-catching press release and send it off to the media
Host the workshop or seminar with one or two business owners who share your target market
Look to see who else is drawing a crowd and collaborate with them
How do you deal with information overload?
Do you have too many email, phone, social media interruptions?
Allow yourself a specific time for these tasks
Use a system to compartmentalize: set up your email to show up every 30 minutes, or at a specific time.
Phone calls can wait – don’t interrupt something you are doing to pick up the call.
Use voice mail for your messages
Try to put a batch of tasks into a time frame. (for example, set a timer and check your emails for 30 minutes)
Explain the situation up front – leave a phone message for example, that you’ll call back within 24 hours.
How do you avoid spending too much time with social media?
Have a business and marketing plan
Be realistic – you don’t have time for everything
If many of your clients, customers or prospects are on Facebook - spend a few minutes daily checking in.
Become involved with one social media at a time.
Do it because it’s fun, not to make money.
Do what you like, and what’s easy for you.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How to Write Advertising That Sells
- Are you frustrated because you have spent money on advertising and it doesn’t work?
- Have you given up on advertising because you are convinced that it doesn’t work for your business?
- Would you like to learn the secrets of becoming a marketing genius so that your advertising is an INVESTMENT & not an EXPENSE?
If you have answered YES to any of the questions above, I would like to invite you to attend the April 7th Next Level Seminar “How to Write Advertising That Sells!” presented by ActionCOACH Reggie Shropshire in partnership with the Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center. The session will be held from 5:30 – 8:00pm at Cape Fear Community College Downtown Campus.
This will be a very hands-on event that will help you walk away with not only new learnings on how to advertise more effectively but also will allow you put together the critical building blocks to effectively advertise your business. In addition, there will be “live critiques” of ads that are submitted by the attendees of the seminar so that you can learn from real life local examples.
To register: http://thenextlevelapr09.eventbrite.com
In this seminar you will learn…
· How to build killer headlines to stop them in their tracks and grab their attention.
· How to hold your target markets interest.
· Tips on building desire so they want to contact you.
· How to build offers that will compel them to take action & contact you.
· A system to serve as a ‘litmus test’ to measure your ad against.
· Learn ‘tricks of the trade’ that professional copywriters use to increase results.
· Why image building ads don’t work for small business owners.
· How to layout your ad so that it gets better results.
If you want to attend you must register at http://thenextlevelapr09.eventbrite.com. There is NO CHARGE to attend this workshop as it is sponsored by the Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center but you must register if you would like to attend. Our seminars that are focused on sales & marketing tend to fill up quickly, so I would recommend that your reserve your seat if you are planning to attend.
Also, if you know of a business owner who would benefit from attending this seminar, please feel free to pass this along to them and have them register. They will get value and you will be a hero, a win all the way around!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Make it a great day!!!
Coach Reggie
ActionCOACH
(910) 471-2181
www.coachreggiewilmington.com
www.coachreggieblog.com
ProfitCLUB Highlights
"Is your company leveraging the power of the Internet?
Coach Reggie shared a few highlights of last week's Power Breakfast, hosted by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal with ProfitCLUB members and guests:
Coach Reggie shared a few highlights of last week's Power Breakfast, hosted by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal with ProfitCLUB members and guests:
- The web has more opportunity than you have money!
- You may never know your web customers. Website visitors come and go anonymously. The power has shifted back to the customer - so, make sure you provide value.
- Have a strategic marketing plan for your website. Don't just 'wing it'. Instead, have a plan for what people see and for what you want them to do next.
- Your webiste should shift and change as the market does. Frequently add new and updated content.
- Go Ugly Early! Get something up on your website and have a presence. It doesn't have to be perfect or pretty...just do it!
- People are beginning to not trust their non-solicited email. They cautiously open emails from someone they don't know. Take time to build relationships. Use Social Media for them to learn to trust your message (i.e., Twitter, FaceBook, Linked-In, etc.).
- The web is changing fast and your web marketing must change with it. For example, social media is replacing in-person social interactions, allowing more real, personable interactions. Another example is the use of testimonials. More websites include customers' written, audio and video testimonials.
- Make sure you are talking with people who want to talk to you. If they are not interested, you are wasting your time!
- Test and Measure. Some websites have learned that increasing email frequency to existing customers, offering multiple offerings on multiple days, increases sales. They have learned how to communicate with their customers more often. They also learned it's more effective to communicate with each segment in different ways.
- Take the time to craft a good email marketing message. Put time into it. Make your emails personalized and interesting - with an exciting subject line!
Make it a great day!
Cool Happenings in the Wilmington, NC Business Community
Mark your calendars...for these upcoming events:
April classes at Cape Fear Community College:To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216 – Free classes:
4/2/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (I), L-107 – 6 to 8:30 PM
4/7/09 (Tues): Monthly Business Coaching Clinic: “How to Write Advertising that Sells!” N-202 - 5:30to 8:00 PM
4/9/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (II), L-107 - 6 to 8:30 PM
4/14/09 (Tues): MS Word Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 – 2 to 5PM
4/21/09 (Tues): MS Excel Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 - 2 to 5 PM
4/23/09 (Thurs): Doing Business With The Government, L-107 - 6 to 8:00 PM
April 7 (Tues): CFCC-SBC and ActionCOACH present another dynamic ‘The Next Level” seminar: “How To Write Advertising That Sells!” - 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Contact the ActionCOACH office for details: 910-471-2181. Free with registration
April 7 (Tues): North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours: 5:30 p.m. Asset Storage on Blackwell Rd. in Belville will be hosting Chamber Members at their new and modern facility. They're havin' a pig pickin', with a band and most assuredly your beverage of choice. Contact the chamber office for information.
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): Cape Fear Wedding Association, 5:30 to 7:30. Hosts ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaking to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU Management". Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228, http://www.capefearwedding.com/
April 13 (Wed): Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7:30. Hardee Field Beer Garden at Legion Stadium, Hosted by Copiers Plus, Inc. and Wilmington Sharks. Networking event for Chamber members featuring food and beverages.RSVP to 762-2611 ext. 101.
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 22 and 23: (Wed and Thurs): ActionCOACH Business Coach Reggie Shropshire presents, "6 Steps to Building Your Business To Thrive in a Tough Economy" Wednesday evening: April 22: 6 to 9 PM or Thursday morning: April 23, 8 to 11 am. Free with registration.
April 25: (Sat) The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 25: (Sat) Hands On Wilmington (HOW). Annual community service event under the Chamber Foundation's leadership that brings people together to tackle community projects.
Susie Kelley: 762-2611 ext. 222.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488. On-line registration: http://qtiacaau.eventbrite.com/.
April 30: (Thurs) 2nd Annual Today's Woman Conference & Expo
Coastline Conference & Events Center. This one-day conference and expo features guest speakers from across the state. Up to 35 exhibitors will also be on hand. This event is geared towards professional women and businesses that have women as their targeted clientele.
Kathryn Freeman: 762-2611 ext. 212. http://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/
Save this date in May:
May 21: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 pm. Lower Cape Fear Hospice (Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center) 1414 Physicians Drive. Networking event for Chamber members featuring food and beverages.RSVP to 762-2611 ext. 101.
April classes at Cape Fear Community College:To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216 – Free classes:
4/2/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (I), L-107 – 6 to 8:30 PM
4/7/09 (Tues): Monthly Business Coaching Clinic: “How to Write Advertising that Sells!” N-202 - 5:30to 8:00 PM
4/9/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (II), L-107 - 6 to 8:30 PM
4/14/09 (Tues): MS Word Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 – 2 to 5PM
4/21/09 (Tues): MS Excel Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 - 2 to 5 PM
4/23/09 (Thurs): Doing Business With The Government, L-107 - 6 to 8:00 PM
April 7 (Tues): CFCC-SBC and ActionCOACH present another dynamic ‘The Next Level” seminar: “How To Write Advertising That Sells!” - 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Contact the ActionCOACH office for details: 910-471-2181. Free with registration
April 7 (Tues): North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours: 5:30 p.m. Asset Storage on Blackwell Rd. in Belville will be hosting Chamber Members at their new and modern facility. They're havin' a pig pickin', with a band and most assuredly your beverage of choice. Contact the chamber office for information.
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): Cape Fear Wedding Association, 5:30 to 7:30. Hosts ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaking to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU Management". Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228, http://www.capefearwedding.com/
April 13 (Wed): Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7:30. Hardee Field Beer Garden at Legion Stadium, Hosted by Copiers Plus, Inc. and Wilmington Sharks. Networking event for Chamber members featuring food and beverages.RSVP to 762-2611 ext. 101.
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 22 and 23: (Wed and Thurs): ActionCOACH Business Coach Reggie Shropshire presents, "6 Steps to Building Your Business To Thrive in a Tough Economy" Wednesday evening: April 22: 6 to 9 PM or Thursday morning: April 23, 8 to 11 am. Free with registration.
April 25: (Sat) The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 25: (Sat) Hands On Wilmington (HOW). Annual community service event under the Chamber Foundation's leadership that brings people together to tackle community projects.
Susie Kelley: 762-2611 ext. 222.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488. On-line registration: http://qtiacaau.eventbrite.com/.
April 30: (Thurs) 2nd Annual Today's Woman Conference & Expo
Coastline Conference & Events Center. This one-day conference and expo features guest speakers from across the state. Up to 35 exhibitors will also be on hand. This event is geared towards professional women and businesses that have women as their targeted clientele.
Kathryn Freeman: 762-2611 ext. 212. http://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/
Save this date in May:
May 21: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 pm. Lower Cape Fear Hospice (Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center) 1414 Physicians Drive. Networking event for Chamber members featuring food and beverages.RSVP to 762-2611 ext. 101.
Monday, March 23, 2009
How To Get More Sales With Less Effort
Getting sales results is more about possibility thinking and less about “We can’t...” or “That won’t work” statements.
One of the keys to getting massive results in sales is to think “outside the box.” Get creative and ask positive questions - avoid those limiting statements. For example, instead of making the statement, “That would never work for us,” ask the question “How could I apply that to my business?”
With that in mind, here are questions that challenge traditional thinking and encourage creativity. Please use them and add any others that get your creativity going. Remember that no idea is a bad idea until it is proven otherwise.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself in developing your sales and business development strategy:
Their Jobs The industry The market
One of the keys to getting massive results in sales is to think “outside the box.” Get creative and ask positive questions - avoid those limiting statements. For example, instead of making the statement, “That would never work for us,” ask the question “How could I apply that to my business?”
With that in mind, here are questions that challenge traditional thinking and encourage creativity. Please use them and add any others that get your creativity going. Remember that no idea is a bad idea until it is proven otherwise.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself in developing your sales and business development strategy:
- What is my objective?
- What is the target we would like to achieve?
- If we needed to double the businesses revenue, what could we do?
- What other strategies no matter how outrageous could we consider (list at least 20)?
- What are the obstacles that we need to overcome?
- What outside assistance do we need?
- What structures can we put in place to measure the effectiveness of the strategy?
- How could we determine if the idea would work?
- Considering that we are in the people business, what can we do for our customers?
- Knowing our business the way we do, what are our customers looking for (outside of the price/service area)?
What are our customer saying about...
Now, for each strategy:
- Who is our target market?
- Where do they go?/What do they read?
- Which clubs or groups are they involved in?
- How do we target them?
- When is the best time to contact them?
- Why do they need us?
These are just a sample of guiding questions. Your limitations are based on your current thinking..creativity can boom…and so can business!
Source: Adapted by an article written by ActionCOACH David Guest
Friday, March 20, 2009
Brad Sugars Six Steps to Massive Results #5
This is the fifth video in our five part series featuring Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH.
After watching please post comments on the following:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Business Tip of the Week: STOP IT!
Do you find yourself and your business doing things you know you don’t want to do, or doing things you know you should not do?
Here is a video that we used as an exercise in a recent ProfitCLUB session with members of the Wilmington ActionCOACH Community...
Before you START doing new tasks, projects or activities to move your business forward, first take time to look at what you can STOP doing...it’s time to stop doing the 80% of things that give you 20% of the results!
What can YOU stop doing? Here are some of the things that the Wilmington ActionCOACH ProfitCLUB suggested in a recent brainstorming session....
Stop…
Here is a video that we used as an exercise in a recent ProfitCLUB session with members of the Wilmington ActionCOACH Community...
Before you START doing new tasks, projects or activities to move your business forward, first take time to look at what you can STOP doing...it’s time to stop doing the 80% of things that give you 20% of the results!
What can YOU stop doing? Here are some of the things that the Wilmington ActionCOACH ProfitCLUB suggested in a recent brainstorming session....
Stop…
- spending too much time on emails
- speaking with unannounced walk-ins
- following up with unexpected interruptions
- procrastinating
- jumping around form one task to another
- getting frustrated
- working 7 days a week
- over-thinking
- adding more to your plate that you can accomplish
- expecting too much for 2 little from others, or from yourself, team members or employees
- scheduling so many meal-time appointments...they can easily take too long
- engaging in water-cooler talk
- complaining
- answering the phone…let your assistant do it!
- spending time on the little things that can wait
- waiting for the perfect situation to start working
- putting up with your ‘B” customers
- wasting time on useless emails
- being side-tracked by life when you work from home
- focusing too much on the competition
- reacting to fires and getting off track
- spending too much time on ONE thing (instead, set a timer, and move on to your next task!)
- selling myself short. (Think instead, “I DO have more capability that I realize!”)
STOP doing the $10 and $20 per hour tasks, and transfer that time to sales and marketing or delivering your product or service. Commit yourself to stopping those activities that are NOT the best use of your time...STOP IT! Learn to say “NO” to things out of your priority. Be intentional about what you do!
Cool Happenings in the Wilmington, NC Business Community
Mark your calendars...for these upcoming events:
March and April classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216 – Free classes
3/24/09 (Tues): Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T-100 - 6:00 to 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 (Wed): How To Finance Your Small Business, L-107 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM
4/2/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (I), L-107 – 6 to 8:30 PM
4/7/09 (Tues): Monthly Business Coaching Clinic: “How to Write Advertising that Sells!” N-202 - 5:30to 8:00 PM
4/9/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (II), L-107 - 6 to 8:30 PM
4/14/09 (Tues): MS Word Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 – 2 to 5PM
4/21/09 (Tues): MS Excel Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 - 2 to 5 PM
4/23/09 (Thurs): Doing Business With The Government, L-107 - 6 to 8:00 PM
March 20 (Fri): LAST DAY...5 PM...to submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 23 (Mon): BNI - Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International: Café Basil, 6309 Market Street. 11:30 to 1:00 pm. Lunch is $15 (checks please). RSVP to Terry Santore, Quicksilver Business Solutions: 910-547-6490. Bring a minimum of 50 business cards.
March 24 (Tues): Brunswick Community College Small Business Center: Seminar on "How to Identify, Bid, and Win Government Contracts": 7:30 am to 10 am. This SBC seminar is designed for area business, from very small to large, that want to learn how to expand their business into government contracts. Location: The new Event Center at the Odell Williamson Fine Arts Center. A light continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 until 8 a.m. and the seminar will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Reservations are required, please call 755-7380.
March 25 (Wed): BNI - Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International: 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email (megan_kopka@ml.com) or phone: 256-7707.
April 7 (Tues): Cape Fear Community College, Small Business Center - and ActinCOACH, Reggie Shropshire present another dynamic ‘The Next Level” seminar: “How To Write Advertising That Sells!” - 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Contact the ActionCOACH office for details: 910-471-2181.
Arpil 7 (Tues): North Brusnwick Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours: 5:30 p.m. Asset Storage on Blackwell Rd. in Belville will be hosting Chamber Members at their new and modern facility. They're havin' a pig pickin', with a band and most assuredly your beverage of choice. Contact the chamber office for information:
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): 5:30 to 7:30, Cape Fear Wedding Association hosts ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaking to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU management. Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228, http://www.capefearwedding.com/
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19 (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 25 (Sat): The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. 10 am to 5 pm at Brusnwick River park. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 30 (Thurs): ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488. On-line registration: http://qtiacaau.eventbrite.com/.
March and April classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216 – Free classes
3/24/09 (Tues): Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T-100 - 6:00 to 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 (Wed): How To Finance Your Small Business, L-107 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM
4/2/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (I), L-107 – 6 to 8:30 PM
4/7/09 (Tues): Monthly Business Coaching Clinic: “How to Write Advertising that Sells!” N-202 - 5:30to 8:00 PM
4/9/09 (Thurs): How to Start Your Small Business (II), L-107 - 6 to 8:30 PM
4/14/09 (Tues): MS Word Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 – 2 to 5PM
4/21/09 (Tues): MS Excel Applications for Your Small Business, T-100 - 2 to 5 PM
4/23/09 (Thurs): Doing Business With The Government, L-107 - 6 to 8:00 PM
March 20 (Fri): LAST DAY...5 PM...to submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 23 (Mon): BNI - Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International: Café Basil, 6309 Market Street. 11:30 to 1:00 pm. Lunch is $15 (checks please). RSVP to Terry Santore, Quicksilver Business Solutions: 910-547-6490. Bring a minimum of 50 business cards.
March 24 (Tues): Brunswick Community College Small Business Center: Seminar on "How to Identify, Bid, and Win Government Contracts": 7:30 am to 10 am. This SBC seminar is designed for area business, from very small to large, that want to learn how to expand their business into government contracts. Location: The new Event Center at the Odell Williamson Fine Arts Center. A light continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 until 8 a.m. and the seminar will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Reservations are required, please call 755-7380.
March 25 (Wed): BNI - Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International: 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email (megan_kopka@ml.com) or phone: 256-7707.
April 7 (Tues): Cape Fear Community College, Small Business Center - and ActinCOACH, Reggie Shropshire present another dynamic ‘The Next Level” seminar: “How To Write Advertising That Sells!” - 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Contact the ActionCOACH office for details: 910-471-2181.
Arpil 7 (Tues): North Brusnwick Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours: 5:30 p.m. Asset Storage on Blackwell Rd. in Belville will be hosting Chamber Members at their new and modern facility. They're havin' a pig pickin', with a band and most assuredly your beverage of choice. Contact the chamber office for information:
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): 5:30 to 7:30, Cape Fear Wedding Association hosts ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaking to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU management. Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228, http://www.capefearwedding.com/
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19 (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 25 (Sat): The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. 10 am to 5 pm at Brusnwick River park. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 30 (Thurs): ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488. On-line registration: http://qtiacaau.eventbrite.com/.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Brad Sugars Six Steps to Massive Results #4
This is the fourth video in our five part series featuring Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH.
After watching please post comments on the following:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Cool Happenings in the Wilmington, NC Business Community
Mark your calendars...for these upcoming events:
March classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216
3/17/09 - The Business of Computer Games L - 107 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3/19/09 - Creative Marketing & Selling in Today's Environment, L 107 - 6:00- 9:00 PM
3/24/09 - Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T - 100 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 - How To Finance Your Small Business, L 107 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
March 13 (Fri): Spectrum Art and Jewelry Open House
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Spectrum Gallery proudly hosts monthly "Second Friday Open House & Wine Tastings" along with several special events during the year. These events provide wonderful opportunities to mingle with the artists, watch a demonstration, or simply soak up the beautiful atmosphere. This is a free event and is open to the public. Location: 1121-B Military Cutoff Rd (The Forum Shopping Center, next door to NoFo Restaurant). Contact the gallery: (910) 256-2323.
March 14 (Sat): Community Fun Festival, Noon to 4 pm: ROCK Church invites you to celebrate community. Enjoy lots of fun rides, good food, public service and safety exhibits and live performing arts with friends and family from surrounding neighborhoods. Admission, Free.
March 14 (Sat): St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Noon to 6 pm: Wilmington's Downtown Business Alliance presents its 2nd Annual Guinness St. Patrick’s Day Festival – on the Riverfront. Admission is $3.00, children under 12 free. Parking located at Water and Princess Streets. Irish music, dance, food, artist and crafter booths, Bannerman Vineyards wine tastings. Go to http://www.dbawilmington.org/ for more information.
March 14 and 15 (Sat and Sun): Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Expo and Remodeling Show: 10 am to 5 pm (Sat); Noon to 5 pm (Sun). Location: Schwartz Center, Downtown Wilmington at Front and Red Cross Streets. Featuring over 70 exhibit spaces focusing on “Green” products and all the latest in new construction, remodeling, home décor, lawn and garden, floor and wall coverings and more. Price: $3. Phone: 799-2611.
March 18 (Wed): Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s Power Breakfast: Breakfast and Networking, 7:30 to 8:30 am; Panel Discussion: 8:30 to 10 am. Location: Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Is your company leveraging the power of the Internet? Learn from local innovators about SEO, PPC, other new acronyms, social networking and more. The discussion will be moderated by Rob Kaiser, publisher of the Business Journal. Cost: $35 per seat or $350 for a table of ten. Seats must be purchased in advance. To reserve yours today, call 910-343-8600 x201. Register on-line.
March 20 (Fri): Submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 25 (Wed): Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International (BNI), 7:15 to 8:45 am. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email (megan_kopka@ml.com) or phone: 256-7707.
April 7 (Tues): CFCC-SBC and ActionCOACH present ‘The Next Level” seminar: 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Stay tuned for details!
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): Cape Fear Wedding Association. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaks to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU management. Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228.
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 25: The Brunswick County Springfest: Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell , North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, at 443-2154.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488.
March classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216
3/17/09 - The Business of Computer Games L - 107 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3/19/09 - Creative Marketing & Selling in Today's Environment, L 107 - 6:00- 9:00 PM
3/24/09 - Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T - 100 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 - How To Finance Your Small Business, L 107 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
March 13 (Fri): Spectrum Art and Jewelry Open House
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Spectrum Gallery proudly hosts monthly "Second Friday Open House & Wine Tastings" along with several special events during the year. These events provide wonderful opportunities to mingle with the artists, watch a demonstration, or simply soak up the beautiful atmosphere. This is a free event and is open to the public. Location: 1121-B Military Cutoff Rd (The Forum Shopping Center, next door to NoFo Restaurant). Contact the gallery: (910) 256-2323.
March 14 (Sat): Community Fun Festival, Noon to 4 pm: ROCK Church invites you to celebrate community. Enjoy lots of fun rides, good food, public service and safety exhibits and live performing arts with friends and family from surrounding neighborhoods. Admission, Free.
March 14 (Sat): St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Noon to 6 pm: Wilmington's Downtown Business Alliance presents its 2nd Annual Guinness St. Patrick’s Day Festival – on the Riverfront. Admission is $3.00, children under 12 free. Parking located at Water and Princess Streets. Irish music, dance, food, artist and crafter booths, Bannerman Vineyards wine tastings. Go to http://www.dbawilmington.org/ for more information.
March 14 and 15 (Sat and Sun): Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Expo and Remodeling Show: 10 am to 5 pm (Sat); Noon to 5 pm (Sun). Location: Schwartz Center, Downtown Wilmington at Front and Red Cross Streets. Featuring over 70 exhibit spaces focusing on “Green” products and all the latest in new construction, remodeling, home décor, lawn and garden, floor and wall coverings and more. Price: $3. Phone: 799-2611.
March 18 (Wed): Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s Power Breakfast: Breakfast and Networking, 7:30 to 8:30 am; Panel Discussion: 8:30 to 10 am. Location: Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Is your company leveraging the power of the Internet? Learn from local innovators about SEO, PPC, other new acronyms, social networking and more. The discussion will be moderated by Rob Kaiser, publisher of the Business Journal. Cost: $35 per seat or $350 for a table of ten. Seats must be purchased in advance. To reserve yours today, call 910-343-8600 x201. Register on-line.
March 20 (Fri): Submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 25 (Wed): Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International (BNI), 7:15 to 8:45 am. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email (megan_kopka@ml.com) or phone: 256-7707.
April 7 (Tues): CFCC-SBC and ActionCOACH present ‘The Next Level” seminar: 5:30 to 8 pm at CFCC. Stay tuned for details!
April 8 (Wed): ActionCOACH – ActionCLUB, 9 am to 11 am: 8 Practical Group Coaching sessions. To learn more about the kick-off to this business success program, call the ActionCOACH office to register: 471-2181.
April 15 (Wed): Cape Fear Wedding Association. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. ActionCOACH Business Coach, Reggie Shropshire – speaks to the group about “It’s not TIME management, it’s YOU management. Call John Meyer, Editor to learn more: 910-392-5228.
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan,Exhibit Chair, at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138. They have only 8 available remaining spaces (out of 90!).
April 25: The Brunswick County Springfest: Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell , North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, at 443-2154.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info: (910) 338-0488.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It’s not TIME management…it’s YOU Management!
Here are some notes from the ActionCOACH “The Next Level Seminar” titled “It’s NOT Time Management, it’s YOU Management!” that was held Tuesday, March 11th at Cape Fear Community College, Small Business Center in Downtown Wilmington, NC.
Time is Life’s Greatest Asset!
Sometimes it seems like there is never enough time to accomplish what we want to accomplish. How do you get more time? Think for a minute, what would you do if you were given an EXTRA hour in your day? Would you take a nap? Schedule a massage? Get some exercise? Read a book, Go fishing? Enjoy a few chocolate bon bons? Clean out a closet or drawer? Call a friend or colleague? In reality we cannot create MORE time, but we can make a conscious effort to do the things that matter.
To take action today, at the conclusion of this post you'll see two ActionCOACH worksheets you can download to get started!
There are three Fallacies of Time Management:
- "You can get more time.” You already have all the time that you need…you just need to make the best use of your time!
- “You can save time – bank it to use later.” You have to spend the time you’ve been given, every day!
- “You can manage your time.” Time marches on without without you!
Implement the Four Quadrants of Priority Management:
IMPORTANT and URGENT:
Important activities come with consequences and need our immediate response.
Urgent activities must be acted on immediately.
Think about 20 things that you have done in the last 24-48 hours, and put them in one of these four quadrants:
- Urgent and Important: Activities in the quadrant of “Demand” require an immediate response; activities where we respond to needs and challenges: meet deadlines, make repairs, answer phone, report or project due, a systems problem, etc.
- Important and Not Urgent: Activities in the quadrant of “Quality, Productivity and Balance” are in line with our highest priorities and values; activities where we do our long-range planning to anticipate and prevent problems: Time with family, complete projects before deadline, meeting preparation, pay bills, exercise, etc.
- Not Important and Urgent: Activities in the quadrant of “Deception or Delusion” feel like you must do them now: meetings, projects or phone calls that aren’t relevant, interruptions, popular activities. These activities create the illusion of importance. However, they are usually only important to someone else!
- Not Urgent and Not Important: Activities in the quadrant of “Waste and Excess” are not in line with your highest priorities: excessive TV, emails, Internet, gossip around the water fountain, computer games, etc.
Three steps to Plan Your Time Better:
- Learn how to say, “No” with ease & almost with a smile to the stuff in the forth quadrant! And, stay clear and focused and say “Yes” to your most important priorities.
- Identify the purpose of your business. Be clear on your vision and dreams. With a clear big picture and long-term plan, you’ll be able to get your work done, and work hard. Set goals: these are your markers along the way to let you know you are on the right course. Break them down into smaller segments.
- Planning and tasks: Make a weekly to-do list. A daily list leaves too much room for chaos and the unexpected.
Time to Take ACTION: Take a look at each Priority Management quadrant and ask yourself…
- How you would feel if you spent all your time in this quadrant?
- What are the long-term impacts?
- If it’s not important to you – could it be important to someone else?
- Read more about this in Stephen Covey's First Things First
Have clear Vision, Dreams, and Values...and Goals:
Think for a moment, what you want your life to look like in 10-20 years. These visions, dreams and values are what we base our decisions on the actions we take. Identify the values that are important to you. A lack of values does not mean that you are living a valueless life - it just means that you won’t be as focused.
Think about each role you play in your life: (Spouse, parent, business owner, etc.) and make sure you have goals in each one:
- Start with 5-10 Years
- Where to you need to be in 3 Years to be on track
- Where do you need to be in 12 months to be on track
- What do you need to do this 90 days
Talk to a partner and go back 10 years and describe your life as you thought it would be today. Also, talk about your life 10 years from now.
Take time and make room to “Sharpen your Saw” in these four areas of your life-each week:
- Physical: Get enough sleep, rest, exercise, proper nutrition
- Social/Emotionally: Connect with family and friends, enjoy a ‘date night’, Service projects, Networking, Social media
- Mental: “Brush Your Mind” daily with positive, educational information. Educate yourself: read, go to the library, puzzles, computer or video games, continuing education, conferences, pod casts, time with a mentor
- Spiritual: Prayer, meditation, journal writing, camping, nature walks, massage, etc.
Plan Weekly: Take 20 – 30 minutes each week to plan. If you don’t do it, you will manage your life by crisis and other people’s definition of what is important will take precedence. It will be all about short term…time will tick away!
Use a Default Schedule: Determine the ‘Big Rocks’ that you want to fit in first! Plug it in to your schedule or diary. STUFF WILL HAPPEN - Crises will happen! A weekly plan will take the EMOTION out of the situation.
Plan Daily: Some of each day is already determined by ‘The Big Rocks” – your highest priority, Important but Not Urgent activities. Fill in your schedule with what time remains. Make a realistic list…don’t be tempted to plug in everything that we can think of in a given day! Never plan for more than 65% of your available time.
Prioritize your list: Things you must do today and things you would like to do today. Do it in the morning or evening – Whichever works for you. Creating the list is one thing but actually DOING is another.
Time to take ACTION!
This process creates a map for the destination in your life. You will get off track on occasion but the map will let you know when you are off course and will put you back in the right direction. Remember…don’t confuse MOTION with ACTION. Discipline yourself to get these things done, weekly!
Download the ActionCOACH Weekly and Daily worksheets to get started! Click on the links below to download your copy of these worksheets:
Week in Preview – The Tasks “I Must Do” this week, and The Tasks “I Would Like to Do” this Week.
Daily in Preview: The Tasks “I Must do” today…The Tasks “I Should Do” Today.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Business Tip of the Week: How to Make a Fortune in Your Business!
5 Steps to move your business to the next level.
In order to move your company forward, it is critical that you start delegating routine tasks to wage earners so you can start focusing on the top-line activities that will drive revenues and add to the overall growth of your company.
If you delegate without proper planning or a system, the entire process becomes self-defeating. Delegation turns into abdication. So where and how do you begin this process? Simply, follow the five steps and move your business to the next level.
In order to move your company forward, it is critical that you start delegating routine tasks to wage earners so you can start focusing on the top-line activities that will drive revenues and add to the overall growth of your company.
If you delegate without proper planning or a system, the entire process becomes self-defeating. Delegation turns into abdication. So where and how do you begin this process? Simply, follow the five steps and move your business to the next level.
- Know your worth in terms of time: Define your value in your business in relation to the time you put in. Twenty-five, $50, $300 an hour? How much do you charge you’re your time in your business? What should you charge? These questions will help you better understand the types of tasks you should be doing to leverage your own time and value in your company.Once you know your value, you will know how you can outsource certain tasks.
- Find out where you spend your time: Keep a track of how you spend your time in your business for a week or two, and you’ll have a better handle on how you can adjust your tasks and activities in more profitable ways. For most business owners, very little time goes into actually getting sales, and most of it is spent on delivering the product or service, administrative or managerial tasks. Always remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of all results come from 20% of effort. And if 80% of your efforts are managerial in nature, you can immediately see where your sales results are at.
- Delegate routine, basic tasks: Once you know how you spend your time, start finding ways to systemize your most routine tasks and delegate them to wage earners. Start from the bottom up, and make sure you have a system in place before you place an untrained person in a position.
- Get more training – for yourself: Honestly sit down and assess your sales and marketing abilities, and if you need help – go get it. You will be benefiting the most by increased sales. It is not easy to get additional education and training if you in the office doing books or answering phones. Again, pay the wage to someone who can do it better and for less money than your time is worth, and hone your skills to enhance your own business.
- Go out there and do it! Get out of the office and start engaging with your customers. Talk to them and find out how they are doing. They will soon start referring your business to others – which is by far the best way to leverage your “sales” time in any business.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Brad Sugars Six Steps to Massive Results #3
This is the third video in our five part series featuring Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH.
After watching please post comments on the following:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Cool Happenings in the Wilmington Area, NC Business Community
Mark your calendars...for these upcoming events:
February classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216
3/17/09 - The Business of Computer Games L - 107 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3/19/09 - Creative Marketing & Selling in Today's Environment, L 107 - 6:00- 9:00 PM
3/24/09 - Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T - 100 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 - How To Finance Your Small Business, L 107 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
March 10 (Tues): Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Business BEFORE Hours: 8 to 10 AM. Hosted By: Staples, 5613 Carolina Beach Road (Monkey Junction - near Home Depot).
March 10 (Tues): ActionCOACH and CFCC-SBC: The Next Level Seminar: "It’s Not Time Management, It’s You Management!" Same time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm; New location on campus: S – 002. . For details, Call 910-471-2181. Free with registration: http://www.thenextlevelmar09.eventbrite.com/
March 11 (Wed): Solution Focused Selling presents Executive Briefing: “The Quiet Evolution that Occurred in Selling”, 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM. Location: Landfall Executive Center, 1213 Culbreth Drive. Contact Ron Silver for information, 336-689-2287 or register: http://executivebriefing-emailinvite.eventbrite.com/. Join them for a delicious lunch from the Osteria Cicchetti. This invitation is extended to business owners, sales professionals, sales managers, VP sales, and C level executives who want to learn how to improve their top line revenue.
March 11 (Wed): WPG: Wilmington Professional Group: http://wilmingtonprofessionalgroup.ning.com/ (WPG) 6pm to 8pm. Hosted by Giorgio's Italian Restaurant at 5226 S College Rd (Monkey Junction): http://www.giorgios-restaurant.com. Sponsor: Terry Santore, Quicksilver Business Solutions.
March 13 (Fri): Spectrum Art and Jewelry Open House
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Spectrum Gallery proudly hosts monthly "Second Friday Open House & Wine Tastings." These events provide wonderful opportunities to mingle with the artists, watch a demonstration, or simply soak up the beautiful atmosphere. This is a free event and is open to the public. Location: 1121-B Military Cutoff Rd (The Forum Shopping Center, next door to NoFo Restaurant). Contact the gallery: (910) 256-2323, http://www.spectrumartandjewelry.com/
March 18 (Wed): Greater Wilmington Business Journal's Power Breakfast:
Breakfast and Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 AM; Panel Discussion: 8:30 - 10 AM. Location: Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Is your company leveraging the power of the Internet? Learn from local innovators about SEO, PPC, other new acronyms, social networking and more. The discussion will be moderated by Rob Kaiser, publisher of the Business Journal. Cost: $35 per seat or $350 for a table of ten. Seats must be purchased in advance. To reserve yours today, call 910-343-8600 x201, visit http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/events.php
March 18 and 19 (Wed and Thurs): ActionCOACH Business Building Workshop: 6 Steps to Build Your Business to Thrive in a Tough Economy: Wed evening, 6 to 9 pm and Thursday morning, 8 to 11 am. This extremely informative and interactive ActionCOACH workshop is filled with great information for you and your business. Not only is the event filled with great information on how to increase the performance of your business but it is also a great networking opportunity. Call 910-471-2181 or register: Wednesday evening: http://www.6stepsmar09pm.eventbrite.com/ or Thursday morning: http://www.6stepsmar09am.eventbrite.com/
March 20 (Fri): Submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 25 (Wed): Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International (BNI), 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email: megan_kopka@ml.com or phone: 256-7707.
April SAVE THE DATES
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138.
April 25: The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: "Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info and to register: (910) 338-0488.
February classes at Cape Fear Community College:
To Register: http://cfcc.edu/sbc/ or phone: 910-362-7216
3/17/09 - The Business of Computer Games L - 107 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3/19/09 - Creative Marketing & Selling in Today's Environment, L 107 - 6:00- 9:00 PM
3/24/09 - Computer Freebies for Your Small Business, T - 100 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,
3/25/09 - How To Finance Your Small Business, L 107 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
March 10 (Tues): Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Business BEFORE Hours: 8 to 10 AM. Hosted By: Staples, 5613 Carolina Beach Road (Monkey Junction - near Home Depot).
March 10 (Tues): ActionCOACH and CFCC-SBC: The Next Level Seminar: "It’s Not Time Management, It’s You Management!" Same time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm; New location on campus: S – 002. . For details, Call 910-471-2181. Free with registration: http://www.thenextlevelmar09.eventbrite.com/
March 11 (Wed): Solution Focused Selling presents Executive Briefing: “The Quiet Evolution that Occurred in Selling”, 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM. Location: Landfall Executive Center, 1213 Culbreth Drive. Contact Ron Silver for information, 336-689-2287 or register: http://executivebriefing-emailinvite.eventbrite.com/. Join them for a delicious lunch from the Osteria Cicchetti. This invitation is extended to business owners, sales professionals, sales managers, VP sales, and C level executives who want to learn how to improve their top line revenue.
March 11 (Wed): WPG: Wilmington Professional Group: http://wilmingtonprofessionalgroup.ning.com/ (WPG) 6pm to 8pm. Hosted by Giorgio's Italian Restaurant at 5226 S College Rd (Monkey Junction): http://www.giorgios-restaurant.com. Sponsor: Terry Santore, Quicksilver Business Solutions.
March 13 (Fri): Spectrum Art and Jewelry Open House
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Spectrum Gallery proudly hosts monthly "Second Friday Open House & Wine Tastings." These events provide wonderful opportunities to mingle with the artists, watch a demonstration, or simply soak up the beautiful atmosphere. This is a free event and is open to the public. Location: 1121-B Military Cutoff Rd (The Forum Shopping Center, next door to NoFo Restaurant). Contact the gallery: (910) 256-2323, http://www.spectrumartandjewelry.com/
March 18 (Wed): Greater Wilmington Business Journal's Power Breakfast:
Breakfast and Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 AM; Panel Discussion: 8:30 - 10 AM. Location: Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Is your company leveraging the power of the Internet? Learn from local innovators about SEO, PPC, other new acronyms, social networking and more. The discussion will be moderated by Rob Kaiser, publisher of the Business Journal. Cost: $35 per seat or $350 for a table of ten. Seats must be purchased in advance. To reserve yours today, call 910-343-8600 x201, visit http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/events.php
March 18 and 19 (Wed and Thurs): ActionCOACH Business Building Workshop: 6 Steps to Build Your Business to Thrive in a Tough Economy: Wed evening, 6 to 9 pm and Thursday morning, 8 to 11 am. This extremely informative and interactive ActionCOACH workshop is filled with great information for you and your business. Not only is the event filled with great information on how to increase the performance of your business but it is also a great networking opportunity. Call 910-471-2181 or register: Wednesday evening: http://www.6stepsmar09pm.eventbrite.com/ or Thursday morning: http://www.6stepsmar09am.eventbrite.com/
March 20 (Fri): Submit your application or nomination for 2009 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Award: UNCW's Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are joining together to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. Each of the 10 category winners will spend 20 minutes with the panel, be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 1 Business Journal and be honored at a May 14 awards event at UNCW's Burney Center. To apply or nominate a business or non-profit click here. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 20. For more information, contact Jenni Harris at (910) 343-8600 x213 or jharris@wilmingtonbiz.com.
March 25 (Wed): Visitor’s Day meeting of Business Network International (BNI), 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM. Location: Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty Training Room at 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington. RSVP to Megan Kopka, via email: megan_kopka@ml.com or phone: 256-7707.
April SAVE THE DATES
April 18 (Sat): Hanover Shopping Center (Across Street from Independence Mall): 3rd VENDOR SHOWCASE AND SIDEWALK SALE! This is your opportunity to partner with HANOVER CENTER to display, showcase and sell YOUR products and services to an audience of thousands. Limited space for the day long sale and showcase starts at $200.00 and goes up according to positioning and size. Tents, tables, chairs are available. Interested? Email Bruce Henderson - bhenderson6@ec.rr.com.
April 18 and 19: (Sat and Sun): 30th Annual Coastal Living Show, sponsored by The Wilmington Woman’s Club. Schwartz Center – Cape Fear Community College – 610 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Exhibit info: http://www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com/, Nancy McGowan at 910-799-3604 or Ida Newton at 910-791-5138.
April 25: The Brunswick County Springfest: http://nbchamberofcommerce.com/index.htm Live music, good food, children's rides, crafters, and other exhibitors combine to make this event fun for all ages. For more information on exhibiting or performing, please call Jeff Harvell at 443-2154.
April 30: (Thurs) ActionCOACH and QuickTrainer, Inc. host FREE (with registration) Informational Business Seminar... Increase Customers, Increase Cash Flow & Increase Profits! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. ActionCOACH: “The 10 Biggest Sales & Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them” and QuickTrainer, Inc: “QuickBooks and Your Business: "Tips, Tricks and Business Decisions.” Call for info and to register: (910) 338-0488.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Ask the Coach: Why should customers do business with you and your company?
The primary reason customers choose to do business with you is your expertise and the relationships you have with them.
Think about your relationships with your clients and customers...How well do they "know, like and trust you"? How easy are you to get in touch with? How responsive are you to their questions and concerns? How quickly do you reply to their phone message or email notes? This perceived value can make the difference to your customers and clients – and it will make the difference to your prospects and clients as you grow your business. Don't let 'perceived indifference' be the reason a prospect or new client or customer chooses to do business with your competitor!
Become the expert in your field...read and listen to new books and audio programs - learn what's new in your industry.
Remember to ask questions that are meaningful to your clients and customers. Listen to what they say. Take action! The way you choose to follow though and the preparations you make to respond to their questions and needs will differentiate your business from others.
Think about your relationships with your clients and customers...How well do they "know, like and trust you"? How easy are you to get in touch with? How responsive are you to their questions and concerns? How quickly do you reply to their phone message or email notes? This perceived value can make the difference to your customers and clients – and it will make the difference to your prospects and clients as you grow your business. Don't let 'perceived indifference' be the reason a prospect or new client or customer chooses to do business with your competitor!
Become the expert in your field...read and listen to new books and audio programs - learn what's new in your industry.
Remember to ask questions that are meaningful to your clients and customers. Listen to what they say. Take action! The way you choose to follow though and the preparations you make to respond to their questions and needs will differentiate your business from others.
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