How to Get All that Stuff from Last Week Done
March 12, 2007
by Guest Blogger, Lena West
What a great response to my Online Business Wake-up Call post from last week! Someone even linked to the post in Italy (can't find the link now). Who knew??
But, Bonnie, over at The Best Online Earning Strategies, brings up a totally valid point when she gives a great plug for the post on her blog, "Heck, it’s hard enough for me to be reactive to this fascinating, complex and ever-changing world of online marketing. I’m supposed to be proactive, too? Sheesh!" Now, granted Bonnie said this a bit tongue-in-cheek but, she's kinda right. So, Bonnie, this one's for you. I hope it's helpful.
<soapbox>
Yes, business owners need to be proactive. I respectfully submit that that's what real business is all about. Now, no judgments or disrespect intended...because I've been there but, If you're reacting, you're not really running a business - you're managing an expensive hobby at worst or moonlighting (even if you don't have a day job) at best.
Here's why I say this:
Michael Gerber of EMyth fame and a bunch of other super-smart and stupidly successful people have proven that the way to business success is through shifting out of the "technician role", proper planning, forethought and effective delgation. If you're not getting the success you'd like online (or in your business in general), why wouldn't you want to take advice from someone like Michael Gerber? Unless you're OK with running around like a chicken with your head cut off - in which case, jog on. If you're not, you need to ask yourself why. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So, if you say don't like being in "react mode", why don't you change it? Newsflash: It's no longer 'cool' to be "busy".
Business is defined as "that with which a person is principally and seriously concerned". I'm asking...how can you be principally and seriously concerned about your business, if you're wigging out and putting out fires? You can't.
Clients who want our help in turning their online businesses around, must be prepared to put the work in. They have to want success - and be willing to back it up with focus, commitment, determination and a hunger for something greater - for themselves and the World. Because to the degree that you don't have it together online, the less you are able to help the World benefit from your products and services. And that just stinks.
We don't sell the set-it-and-forget-it dream. It's a lie. It doesn't work. It's crappy. It makes people delusional. Someone has to (wo)man the machine. Someone has to put the time in now - writing articles, pitching the media, posting to the blog, creating programs, developing products, building strategic alliances - so everyone can grow later. I'm not saying it's easy but, it is simple. What's easy is saying you're too busy. What's easy is being overbooked. What's easy is living day after day in relative chaos. Sliding downhill is easy. Standing up and walking (or running) uphill? Now, that's not easy but it's simple.
We always tell our clients, "We'll teach you, mold you, support you and help you - but we won't carry you."
</soapbox>
So, how do we get to proactivity? How do you start making time to do the strategic activities to grow your business - like determining answers to the list of questions I asked last week?
It's a little thing called a dedicated business development day. Some people call them focus days. Some people call them work days.
Each Friday, I gather together all my business development activities (brainstorming new white papers/articles, outlining a new program, working on our brand overhaul, telecons with potential clients and strategic alliances, etc.) I prioritize the list and mercilessly slice through it.
It gives me a jazzed feeling during the week knowing that I'll get to my business development tasks relatively soon and the sense of accomplishment at the end of the week always kick-starts my weekend!
But, here's where my system differs from most. Rather than letting tasks go undone for months at a time, whatever I don't get done that still really needs to get done (yes, this happens), I schedule work days with my business friends once or twice THAT month to clear out all those undone tasks. These are usually Saturdays (although I try not to work on weekends sometimes it's inevitable) and we call each other every hour or two to make sure we're still on-target. Usually, we only need the first two calls and then we're off to the races.
Next week, I'll share with you a really effective tool that I use to meet anyone. So far, it's worked every time! Or, maybe, I'll talk to you about my Percentage Method for getting work done. The Percentage Method worked really well for Beth over at proimpact:
"Lena's advice and recommendations have dramatically changed the way I operate my business. I was given a system to reduce my pile of 'to-do’s' into percentages. Now I can take on everything I need to tackle in a day without dropping the ball anywhere. This is such a relief. "
Or, why don't you tell me which you'd rather hear more about?
This is a good article I understand I respectfully submit that that's what real business is all about. Now, no judgments or disrespect intended...because I've been there but, If you're reacting, you're not really running a business. If you are interesting visit the site business brainstorming
Posted by: Rakesh | May 18, 2007 at 02:45 AM
Thanks, Beth!
I'm glad it's still working for you!
-Lena
Posted by: Lena West | March 14, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Hey Lena,
You are right on the percentage thing, I continue to use that method to divvy up my day and it's magic. Awesome post!
Best!
Beth Cole
Posted by: Beth Cole | March 14, 2007 at 07:26 AM
Woops, here's the correct link: http://www.grittyva.com/the_gritty_virtual_assist/2007/02/my_business_mon.html
~Danielle
Posted by: The Gritty Virtual Assistant | March 13, 2007 at 04:50 PM
How funny! Were you reading my blog? LOL
I posted on this very same topic back in February: http://www.grittyva.com/the_gritty_virtual_assist/business_savvy/index.html
It really is critical that business owners actually work ON their business. And I believe it's actually the most important thing we can do to be truly of service to clients. Because when we examine our businesses, make them run better--both for ourselves and those we serve, make them more profitable so that we can actually stay in business and continue to help people, that's ultimately the very best thing you can do for clients, and yourself.
~Danielle
Posted by: The Gritty Virtual Assistant | March 13, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Bonnie:
Yes, it was for you - and everyone else, too, of course!
I hear the sentiments you shared all the time and I wanted to address them in a really comprehensive way.
I'm glad it was helpful.
Thanks for reading,
Lena
Posted by: Lena West | March 13, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Wow, Lena... this was for me? You are so nice! ;-)
And I certainly DO find this article helpful. Very helpful.
I tend to be organized, busy and efficient... but not always EFFECTIVE. As you point out, there's a big difference.
Thanks to your articles, I'm already making big improvements. Thank you for the virtual kick in the ass -- it was just what I needed!
Posted by: Bonnie | March 13, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Thanks, Yvonne!
I just no longer "buy" the I'm-too-busy-to-get-around-to-doing-the-things-I-know-I-need-to-do-for-the-growth-of-my-business excuse. It's hogwash.
The truth is, people are either scared or not as interested/serious about business success as they say. It's either one or the other.
Here's what I know: people do what they want to do.
Thanks for chiming in!
-Lena
Posted by: Lena West | March 13, 2007 at 12:22 PM
This is an outstanding post, Lena. Wish I'd written it! But, am very glad YOU did! I think I'll make it required reading for my clients (and myself.)
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | March 13, 2007 at 09:56 AM