Guest Blogs

 [Guest blog] Use Your Peak Time!

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When you own your own business, it’s discouraging to feel like you “aren’t doing it right.” A client recently told me:

“Today I didn’t have client calls but I struggled so much the first few hours of the day that really it was just time wasted. If I don’t have calls in the morning, I may as well not go to the office until after lunch…as soon as afternoon hits I am way focused. What do you think about client calls only until 1PM and then the afternoon is office time?”

There’s a simple three-step solution to making decisions like the one my client faced.

1. The first step towards adjusting your schedule to one that works for you is to become aware of your peak (when you are most alert and productive) and trough times (when you are least productive).

2. The next step is to create a menu of those tasks and projects that can go into those peak and trough times. [link to full blog]

For example, projects that require your strongest focus, motivation, and energy should be scheduled during your peak time. Tasks that require less brainpower, like filing, clearing your desk, or some email processing, could be checked off during your trough times.

3. Last, take advantage of as many peak times each week as possible by arranging your tasks into the appropriate time slots. When you plug tasks into your calendar with an awareness of “best times,” you’ll begin to create a new routine around scheduling. One tip I use for scheduling is to color code my tasks on my to-do list, purple to schedule in the morning and blue for afternoon.

I get it – it can be hard to leave a task undone and move it to the next day. What helps me push through that “undone” discomfort is a reminder that in the long run, when I match the task with the appropriate time of day, it typically takes me half the time.

Matching tasks to the right time of day is just one way you can gain more time each day. If you want to tweak how you schedule your peak and trough times, we can discuss in our next session!

Lisa Crilley Mallis MA, COC, ACC  

Helping service-based microbusiness owners eliminate day-to-day busyness. ImpactiveStrategies.com  

[Guest Post] Lessons learned from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – and How They Apply Today

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Contributed by: Jane Garee, Sales Strategist

I knew the world economic free fall of 2008 would come back to haunt me but I am more grateful for it than I can say.

In 2008, I was in the thick of the financial meltdown.  I was enjoying a successful career as a mortgage broker, in south Florida, and between the warm sunny days, doing work that I felt mattered and the life I had created over the past eleven years, I felt as if the world was my oyster.

Then it happened.  The crash of ’08.

Or as I later described the situation; the market crashed and then I crashed with it.

I lost everything and moved from my initial state of shock to one of utter despair.  It was years before I was able to turn things around and it was the most challenging period of my life.

I made a promise to myself that when I regained my footing, I would remember the lessons that period of time had given me, and that I would use that one day to help others.

I don’t know what you’re experiencing in the midst of what’s going on in our world currently. For me, it’s a strange time because there is much I am personally thankful for, and there is still the reality of what’s happening.

Frankly, there are days when I feel guilty for thriving right now, when others are struggling to survive.  I keep looking for ways to do what I can to provide support and am grateful that my business allows me to have the time and resources to contribute, even if it is small on the grand scale of creating change.

I wish I could give you some sort of bumper sticker wisdom that would make everything okay.

You know, “This too will pass”, “Tough times make tough people”, “’ Your true colors are showing’ used to mean your disposition, now it’s about your hair” (okay, I made that up to insert some levity).

I know I can’t say anything to magically make things better. However, I do want to share with you three coping strategies I learned during the fallout of 2008.

The power is in the present

One of the most life-changing mind shifts for me, was when I realized that in this moment, I am okay.  If you focus on right now, all your basic needs are being met, there’s no threat of imminent danger, you have people who love and support you, and you are alive, with a mind and body that works.  Stress comes from dredging up the past or worrying about the future.  Neither is productive.  The past is gone, and you don’t really know what the future holds.  Take a deep breath and be grateful for right now.  Miracles are called miracles because they are unexpected.  Yours might be coming this very day.

Redefine your long-term plan

You may have realized that planning for what’s next is something you’ve taken for granted.  Since you don’t know what will be true in the future, redefining your long-term plan to something more manageable can be helpful.

When I was struggling in 2008, my Dad told me that I needed to redefine what long term planning was and that a good long-term plan due to current circumstances, might be getting through that day.  That helped me get through the pain and uncertainty by setting a goal that seemed infinitely easier to accomplish than a vague, “I will get through this.” On really bad days, I would often say to myself, “My long- term plan is to just get through the next fifteen minutes.”   Savoring small chunks of victory can help fuel you to keep going.

Disappointment is not discouragement

It can be soul-crushing when experiencing traumatic events and being in a situation that is out of your control.  The fear, pain and sadness are real, and it’s profound.

Although disappointments in life are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

Discouragement is the false belief that everything is hopeless, and you are unable to do anything about your situation.  While hope may not be a plan, it is the thing that drives you to get up and keep going.

Discouragement loves nothing more than to tell you there is no hope, and that you are a victim, tossed around by the cruel winds of life.  Even when you can’t immediately change your circumstances, the hope that you can, is what will keep you going.  There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope.”  On my darkest days, I would ponder that.  If you’re truly a prisoner, there’s no escape. What would it be like to be unable to escape from hope?

My hope for you is that today, just for a moment, you take in that moment and not let any disappointment turn into discouragement.  Unsettling times like these can also lead to big mood swings so if you’re having a day where the future feels full of promise, reach out to someone who isn’t and see how you can be an encouragement.

I normally end my posts with, “To your selling success” but today, I want to close with,

To your success, and in all the ways that truly matter,

Jane

Jane Garee, known as “The Sales Strategist for the Non Sales Person” works with clients so they serve more people, make more money and realize their biggest dreams through their impact and influence, all while having FUN.

With over twenty years of sales production, sales training and sales team management experience, Jane is an award-winning salesperson, known for breaking revenue records and providing leadership and training to individuals and sales teams so they do the same. Prior to striking out on her own, she quickly worked her way up the ranks to Brand/Area Sales Manager with two different billion-dollar companies and was recruited to open the South Florida area for one of Inc 500’s Fastest Growing Companies.

Her dynamic and comprehensive sales background in one-on one sales conversations, copy writing, workshops and selling through speaking presentations bring exceptional knowledge and expertise to clients who desire a collaborative partner in creating higher conversions and building better buyer relationships throughout the entire sales process.

[Guest Post] Ultimately the Analogy Falls Short for Me

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I decided my word of the year would be failure. I kept fairly quiet about it because, who does that?

It’s a funny thing. Kind of like when you decide to buy a Honda Accord in Lunar Silver Metallic, and you start seeing Honda Accords in Lunar Silver Metallic everywhere. A friend posted her word of the year in our mastermind: Failure. Then another. Other friends texted me quotes about winning being the result of many failures. Failure was everywhere.

As a recovering perfectionist, I’m working to not avoid failure. But it’s one thing to get it intellectually. Like when people say, “What if a baby stopped trying to walk because she failed the first time?” Well sure, but the baby has a low center of gravity so it doesn’t really hurt. Plus, people are standing around cheering and clapping for her, even when she falls.

Not to mention, it’s expected. The baby isn’t given X number of tries and then we give up on her.

Ultimately the analogy falls short for me. Humans evolved to walk.

But there’s a critical take away: the muscle strength, coordination and balance gained by falling (failing) and getting back up – many times – is what made it eventually possible for each of us to walk.

Here are three ways I’m working with my clients – and myself – to build the strength we need to get from failure to win:

  1. Determine what muscles have atrophied. Or, where you need to strengthen muscles that you never knew you had (like how you feel the day after a strenuous workout). Failing is an opportunity to see what we’re missing. What information, strategies or support do you need to build those muscles so that you succeed?
  2. Because we’ve evolved to avoid danger, failing feels uncomfortable. So, plan for it. I prepare my clients that losing weight will bring discomfort. They make peace with difficult feelings, rather than give into the temptation to blot it out (e.g. the urge to snack at night in front of the TV). When you’re willing to feel discomfort and move through it, anything is possible.
  3. Self-flagellation is the worst response to failure. Have compassion for what you’ve been through, for the discomfort you feel…be kind to your “sore muscles.” Then, have good conversations with yourself. Ones that are helpful and serve your highest good. Asking “What can I change to get a better result?” is so much better than asking “What’s wrong with me?” There’s no good answer to that last one.

Avoiding failure means never really going after what you want. And to me, that’s the worst possible outcome for my life, both in my business and personally.

Professionally, if I’m not willing to pick up the phone and make a request, for example, because it’s too uncomfortable, I’ve already lost. I’d rather have the temporary embarrassment of rejection than the long-term angst of wondering “what if…?” Personally, when I set out to see what’s possible, I’m amazed at the results. Being willing to do hard things is the best thing that happened to my body and my health.

The thing is, you and I are only familiar with what’s possible in our past, so we can’t allow that experience to define – to limit – what’s possible for our future. Saying “I can’t lose weight, build a successful business, grow a large following… because I tried it before and it didn’t work” is nonsense. The only way to our goals is through failure. And the more we’re willing to experience it, the better our results.

Heather Moreno is a weight loss coach who helps women stop agonizing over diets and break the patterns that hold them back from losing weight. Her greatest desire is for her clients to enjoy food, love life, and feel like themselves again. Download her free 10 Hacks to Start Losing Weight and Feeling Better.

Do you excel at limiting yourself?

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Please welcome Adam Cravets as my guest blogger.

Are you a champion at limiting yourself? What’s your threshold?

Would you be able to look yourself in the mirror if you said “I can’t complete my day because I can’t find a pen to write my to-do list with?”

Here’s another excuse: “I can’t complete my day because I can’t find an empty piece of paper around the house to write my to-do list on?”

Or “I can’t go to work because I can’t find my car keys?”

Maybe its “I can’t work because I have a headache and can’t find an aspirin?”

Even if “I can’t pay my rent because I can’t find a job?”

Or the classic “I can’t find a job because my internet connection is down today?”

What about “I can’t earn money because I’m too busy raising my kids?”

And finally “I can’t help a friend because I’m so busy with all this stuff?”

Which of the above excuses are crap? Which ones are real excuses?

I suggest that the only ones that are real are…NONE OF THEM.

There are people with 2 jobs who also volunteer at their favorite charity, hang out with friends, help someone in need and get to the gym every day.

There are people with newborn twins growing their business and spending quality time with friends and reading a novel.

There are people raised in abject poverty who run up tens of thousands of dollars in loans to put themselves through college then start businesses or get jobs that make them rich and able to pay off their loans.

Time is not the issue. Money is not the issue.

The issue is the simple act of doing.

What are you willing to do? How often are you too busy to complete your to-do list but somehow spent 2 hours that day on Facebook? Is there a self help book sitting on your night stand unread because you are too busy watching a movie every night? Is there a money opportunity that requires investment but you are too scared to make the investment in yourself or your future?

Your subconscious is phenomenal at keeping you exactly where you are. It takes active effort to break out of your inertia (read “comfort zone”) and move forward towards all that you want.

My advice? Go fourth and DO!

P.S. I was inspired to write this post by Jen Sincero’s amazing book “You are a Badass at Making Money”.

You can get it too by clicking on the book image – I think you’ll love it and it may just change your mindset!

P.P.S. That link is an affiliate link which means there’s a small commission if you purchase the book, but the great news is that this won’t cost you a single cent more.

See what a Badass at Making Money you are already?

Don’t make an excuse…get the book!

 

Digital Marketing: Get Ready for 2018!

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Contributed by guest writer, Margaret Brown, SocializeLA

It’s my honor to give you some simple and strategic tips to get your digital marketing in gear for 2018. You’ll also find three ways to connect with me for more info (hint: 2 FREE options, and 1 Premium).

Let’s get started! Here’s what you should consider for your 2018 digital marketing:

What is successful digital marketing- and what ISN’T successful digital marketing?!

Successful Digital Marketing IS about building relationships. It ISN’T incessant selling. It IS a great place to funnel people into your Customer Journey. It ISN’T something that happens overnight. It IS a strategy of content, calls-to-action, and multiple layers.

What does successful digital marketing look like for your business?  

Successful digital marketing looks like your social media, email marketing, blogs, webinars, and/or ads are converting to new clients. Or, your social media, email marketing, blogs, etc. are growing in engagement (LIKES, Number of followers, Shares, sign-ups, etc.). It can also look like website traffic is increasing, consistent content (planned and published strategically), and multiple layers working together: website, landing pages, webinar registration, video, email marketing, blogs, and social media.

What is a Customer Journey, and how do you use it in your business?

A Customer Journey is how you lead your audience to learn more about you and ultimately become a client!  The journey is also known as a funnel. It can look something like this:

  • A social media post with a call-to-action
  • The call-to-action leads to a landing page
  • The landing page is a series of text, images, video, calling people to either sign up for a webinar, purchase a product, or some other option in addition to an instant sign-up or buy.  A call-to-action could be a value carrot of sorts to prompt the viewer to download the freebie and in turn signs up for your email marketing campaign.

The Customer Journey can be simple or intricate. You can start small and grow from there.

When is it time to review your digital marketing strategy, and how do you conduct a self-audit?

To determine when to review and how to self-audit, re-read the section on what success looks like.  Are you seeing this? Do you have a Customer Journey in place? You can also utilize this Free Self-Audit Download inside The Plan the Year Course (FREE) for more information!

What other questions should you consider for your digital marketing?  

Some other questions to consider are:

  • How much time should I spend on my social media?
  • Why isn’t my current plan working?
  • How can I make my current plan work more effectively?
  • Is this relevant to my business/industry?
  • Where should I turn for help?
  • How much should I spend in ads?

Now that you have an overview of how to kick off your 2018 digital marketing, please take advantage of these offers from myself and The SocializeLA.com Team! Join our Facebook Group for fun virtual co-working sessions, training, and more! You can also Sign up for a FREE call with Margaret, or Book a Discovery Session $97, with code MARYCRAVETS (Valued at $500). The Discovery Session includes:

  • 1.5 Training/Brainstorm Session with Margaret
  • Professional review of your current digital marketing efforts
  • SEO review and more!

I hope these tips sparked an idea and action for you to improve your digital marketing.  It’s essential to your business in 2018.  Be ready!

Feeling Motivated is Overrated

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Written by guest contributor Heather Moreno

More than 20 years ago I heard what is still my favorite definition of commitment: the ability to carry through with a worthy decision once the emotion of making the decision has passed. Emotion is what we tend to think of as motivation. We think we should “feel” like doing something in order to do it. But is that how you experience it?

For most of us, the answer is no. For instance, I never feel like doing the dishes, but I do them. I’m committed to a clean, cockroach-free kitchen.

Psychology Today defines motivation as “literally the desire to do things.” The desire to do something does not mean you will feel like it. Our human tendency is the path of least resistance (you know, burn as few calories as necessary) and our feelings keep us stuck there. We have to want the outcome enough to overcome our lack of “feeling” motivated.

I saw a recent interview with Admiral William H. McRaven, author of the new book Make Your Bed, in which he shares successful life principles learned during Navy Seal training. The title comes from the habit of making one’s bed first thing in the morning. And when we accomplish one thing, it sets us up to do the next. And the next. We can’t wait to feel like making the bed, we just have to make it.

Considering your health goals, what is one small thing you could do in the morning that would make a difference the rest of the day? For many, I suspect that thing is eating a balanced breakfast. If you regularly skip breakfast, and lunch is the first time food makes it past your lips, then waiting to feel like eating will not work. Your body’s metabolism has adapted by slowing down and you will not feel hungry in the morning.

Maybe for you it’s drinking 8oz of water first thing, meditation, prayer, or 10 minutes of stretching. Decide and do it. Then notice how the next step becomes easier. In essence, your initial step helps provide the “feeling” of motivation, the feeling that being successful at one thing can lead to the next.

Our lives are the sum total of mostly small decisions like this. Sure from time to time we make big decisions, but day-in and day-out we are formed by the millions of small choices we make each moment.

This is good news! Instead of thinking we have to take quantum-leap actions, we can focus on small daily habits that produce significant results.

 So, what small step would (ultimately) make a huge impact in your life? Share your decision with me on Facebook!

Heather Moreno specializes in helping working professionals who struggle to squeeze health and weight loss into their busy schedules. With a diverse background in exercise physiology, coaching and theology, she helps people to understand the root of what’s keeping them stuck so that they can stop spinning their wheels and know exactly what to do to experience success. For more information, go to www.HeatherMoreno.com.