A Swift Kick

I was talking with a client today about helping him expand his business. As we chatted he told me about how hectic his days are due to work and family commitments.

It made me realize that most of us have the same problem: we get distracted by everything else and we lose focus on what puts bread on the table…finding new business.

It’s hugely important to keep our eyes on the prize when it comes to business expansion and increasing leads and sales. Here are some actions that will help:

1. Set time aside daily: Getting new and repeat business is the lifeblood of any endeavor. Schedule time every day to either follow-up with prior customers or prospect and network for new business. There are ways of automating the follow-up process in order to save you time.

2. Clear your mind: Our lives are full of distractions. Find time each day to get away, even of it’s for five minutes. Read a book, go for a run, watch mindless TV, meditate…just do something other than work. You’ll find that once you make that personal time a habit you’ll look forward to your “me time” all day.

3. Partner up: With this one I don’t mean that you have to find a business partner. Just find someone that can help you refocus. Sometimes you need a pat on the back or a helping hand. Sometimes you need a swift kick in the ass! Have someone that will help keep you accountable. Maybe even a business coach like me :)

Bottom line, stay focused and you will succeed. Put on your blinders just enough. Don’t ignore everyone and everything, but set time aside for YOU and for YOUR BUSINESS.

Until next time!

Sometimes I really have to remind myself that making a snap decision may not be the best thing for me.

For example: acting on my compulsion to buy a 30-lb barrel of olives at Costco may not be the best idea even though that small taste was fantastic. What the heck would I do with all those olives? Take a bath?

Sometimes it’s easy to make the same mistake in business. As a business owner I hear about A LOT of “great” ideas. Yes I have jumped on a few based on some gut compulsion. Hopefully I’ve learned from those mistakes. :)

It’s more important to step back for a second and analyze the situation. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t over-analyze. I weigh the pros and cons then act decisively.

Does it work all the time? Nope. You know why? Because I’m human, I’m passionate and I’m still improving.

So be decisive in your decision-making…but try not to be so damned compulsive!

Oh, and try the blue cheese stuffed olives on aisle 3.