Tip #1: Re-commit to your Top 3 goals
We all have some goals for the year that we have still not accomplished. Make a new list of your goals, and get down the business of getting them done. Be honest, take ownership, acknowledge where you are. Evaluate whether it’s a realistic goal and reflect on the reason(s) why you haven’t fulfilled it already. Build an action plan and get a nudge or an accountability partner. Its all about moving forward–don’t repeat history.
I’ve re-committed myself to getting my new blog up. I have a whole new brand that’s been getting a lot of attention. In order to maximize it I need to have my entire online brand working for me. I also visit my top competition’s website every day.
Tip #2: Clean out the Clutter
You cannot do your best work in a cluttered work environment. Perform a “waste walk” around your office and your house. Get rid of stuff with no home or that you do not use. If the printer is broken get rid of it!
As a reformed pack rat, I can tell you that sometimes you need to bring in uninvolved parties to help part with things, but it is worth it. Your friends will work for food. Invite a few over to power through your clutter. Get 3-4 bins and label them. If anyone picks up something from a bin category – drop it in. It feels good to work in a clean space. Cluttered spaces are draining. Clean your work space at least twice per year.
Tip #3: Do Something to Build Your Skills
Last year at this time, I wanted to have a major footprint in social media, but I really only understood Linkedin and YouTube, so I broke down and hired a social media coach for Twitter lessons and bought a few books on social media. Well, as a wife mother and business owner, time is not something I have in abundance, but still, I knew I needed to update my skills.
Part of being a successful business owner is being a life long learner. Nowadays, I am a social media coach and I have a significant presence on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube. Additionally, I host a weekly talk show on Twitter called #Smallbizchat. Do not run your own business with skills that are out-of-date. Make it a point to examine your skills, invest in yourself and read a book you would never buy. Always challenge yourself to grow. My motto is “Grow yourself to grow your business.”
Tip #4: Create a mastermind group
No one does it alone. We have all had mentors and in some cases sponsors, but at a certain point you need to engage with people at your level to really get something accomplished. A mastermind group is a peer-to-peer mentoring group; a team of likeminded people working together to make everyone better. You meet regularly to discuss goals, resources, successes and challenges. It’s good to get support and let people who do a better job at something, teach you how to do it, too.
Isolation is the enemy of entrepreneurship. My mastermind group helps me and inspires me to be my best. We talk 3 times per month and email resources to each other in between. After every conversation I come away feeling motivated and supported.
Tip #5: Make your workout productive!
If I’m exercising at home on my treadmill, or taking it to the street for a quick jog, this can be time consuming. I make it productive by using the time to brainstorm by running in silence to plan my tasks for the week. Or, I’ll keep up with business trends by listening to podcasts on my MP3 player. Now rather than focusing on how much time it takes to workout, I look forward to this uninterrupted time to be with someone as smart as I am to strategize!
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Melinda Emerson is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #smallbizchat on Twitter. #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business. Melinda’s first book, Be Your Own Boss! How to Quit Your Job and Start Your Own Business 12 Months or Less! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in early 2010.
If you’re ready to start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog. www.succeedasyourownboss.com
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