Spinning your Wheels

Posted on March 1, 2012 by sassy

In the early morning hours, you sit at your computer with the best intentions of productivity.

The Master To Do List is laying out before you.

  • Emails to send
  • Phone calls to make
  • Errands
  • Appointments

Oh yeah, and let’s fit actual WORK in there somewhere!

If you feel like each day you’re ending up where you began, with no real visual progress, here’s a few tips to get you moving forward in a positive manner.

  • Categorize – Take that HUGE to do list, and put it into 5 categories.
  • Prioritize – Take each category, and list from Front Burner {most important}, to Back Burner {least important}.
  • Prompts – When you have an ‘aha’ moment, jot down the minimal details that will bring you back to the original idea.

 Here’s to measurable daily accomplishment.

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“How can I help you?”

Posted on January 3, 2012 by sassy

Customer Service – do you really give it your all?

Think of how cynical many of us are when we enter a retail shop. Really a timely subject, with the holiday madness now behind us.

We either feel swarmed by ‘greeters’, or completely ignored. Where’s the happy medium?

Customer service needs to be continually developed and improved upon, in my opinion. You have to be great at reading people, and if you don’t get a strong vibe, have some sort of effective baseline to rely upon.

Rejection is just a part of the service game. But when you know you gave it your all, were attentive, authentic and confident – you can walk away with your head held high!

Here’s to a prosperous 2012.

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The Impact of Client Disorganization

Posted on February 17, 2011 by sassy

This is a touchy subject.

Yet, a common denominator in never-ending projects. Wouldn’t you agree?

We’re all guilty of some level of disorganization, but when it becomes a frenzy {extraneous loose papers everywhere, file folders scattered over multiple desks}, it’s a HUGE time waster.

Not to mention the ultimate frustration magnet.

I recently learned from observing a client that Paper Clutter = Mental Clutter. 

It impacted the project in a negative way, and put it into a tailspin. 

Every scheduled meeting began 20 minutes late. There was no clarity as to the end result.

So, I put on my big FOCUS mitts, and took charge of the situation.

Here’s 3 crucial steps to move a project along::

1) Create an Accomplishment Outline

Bring a targeted outline to each & every meeting. Send it to the client as a PDF, and bring multiple hard copies. Cover all bases when you need to. They can’t misplace it when it’s right in their hand {hopefully}.

2) Schedule Brainstorming Sessions

This is such a great exercise for clients + experts to have. It’s a bonding experience, helps to gel your working relationship, and opens up the idea mill. You never know where it will take you, and that’s the point. Schedule them during the project, to problem-solve in a timed environment.

3) Set a Project Deadline

Most clients need to have this visual motivation, so set a date to make it clear in their mind.  They want to get their project accomplished on time just as much as you do. Time is money people!

By setting clear parameters, it gives all parties a sense of purpose in the end result.

Loose papers be gone!

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Planning with the End in Mind

Posted on February 2, 2011 by sassy

You have a brilliant project idea.

Details are swirling in your head.

Overwhelmed with all that is necessary, you’re struck with fear as to where to start.

Plan with End in Mind.

Here’s 5 Steps that will breathe success into any project:

 

  1. Mini-Step Breakdown :: Take the time to look at the project as a whole. Categorize the tasks and details. Create incremental stages to complete. Accomplishment breeds momentum, and kicks self-doubt to the curb. You feel in control, and that’s a huge confidence booster.
  2. Vision :: Can you see yourself crossing the finishline? What does it look like, feel like, taste like? If you can envision the end result, you’re level of committment will increase. Paint a picture, and keep it close.
  3. Calendar Mapping :: This is just Accountability 101. You can’t ignore time carved out on your day planner. Don’t push it off, use it to your advantage.
  4. Collaboration :: Who’s input or feedback do you crave? Is there someone whom you can bounce ideas off, or help you with steering the project, in case a ruffle comes up? Have these collaborators and support system in place before you begin. Then you don’t need to reinvent the wheel with each conversation.
  5. Fictitious Deadline :: There’s nothing like a target date for motivation. Your level of productivity increases with that deadline looming. Of course, you have to Believe it. Write it down. Gift yourself upon completion.

Accountability is the great motivator when it comes to successful completion.

Anyone can create a plan, but without direct action, it’s just an idea.

Set yourself up for success.

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Crazy Form + Function = Inspiration

Posted on January 27, 2011 by sassy

Who knew an office supply could provide such creative inspiration?

I mean really, how many red high heel tape dispensers do you see in a day?

This little gem was in my Christmas stocking, and I smile every time I look at it.

It’s like she’s taken on a life of her own. Yes, I said she.

I sometimes wonder, ‘What’s her story?’ ‘ Did she intend to become an office supply all her life?’ ‘What were her dreams? aspirations?’

This may sound silly, or just plain bizarre. But don’t you find that inspiration comes in all shapes & sizes?

You can get that ‘creative juice’ from so many things :: people, weather, pictures, tokens, memorabilia.

So keep your eyes open. You just might catch a high heel staring you down, wanting to join the conversation.

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Would You Buy Your Own Services?

Posted on January 20, 2011 by sassy

You’ve had this grandiose idea for a while.

You delve into market research, develop the offering, and put it out there.

Marketing materials are developed, promotionals tools online & offline are in full force, you even spread the word with phone conversations.

The response?  Nada. Crickets. Deafening Quiet.

Doubt creeps in. It spreads from this idea, to all the services that you offer.

You begin to ask, ‘What’s really the point of my business?’

You Must Believe in Your Own Hype.

If you aren’t fully committed to the idea – heart, mind & soul – it will come through in your words, interactions or lack thereof.

There must be synergy between you & the service you’re bringing to market.

Otherwise, it’s a complete disservice.

To your business, reputation, livelihood, and potential clients.

No entrepreneur wants to deliver a faulty idea, and no client wants a lackluster result from money invested in an expert who shouts from the rooftops about how great their stuff is.

Dig Deep. Focus on ideas that resonate with you.

They are a match. They’ll give you power even on days you feel weak or beaten down.

Keep it Simple.

Believe in Your Offferings.

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Words are the Catalyst

Posted on January 12, 2011 by sassy

They inspire, provoke, stimulate.

Brainstorm. Breakthrough. Dream. Strategize. Plan. Initiate. Implement.

Drop Your Guard. Turn off the Stimulus.

Your Image. Your Voice. Your Vision.

It isn’t based on someone else’s riff.

Shut the door. Go outside. Get in touch with who you are.

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Remember when you launched your business?

Posted on October 25, 2010 by sassy

Take a moment, and revel in that level of gusto, enthusiasm, passion. Don’t get bogged down by all of the mundane tasks that just suck precious time away from conquering the market.

You know who you are.
the life changer, idea machine, dream achiever. 
you want what you want, and are hungry & eager to meet the challenge.

You’re also…
overscheduled, sleep deprived, technologically challenged, trying to achieve ‘balance’, so time poor you’re creative light has dimmed, not confident in your ability to put ideas into meaningful verse.

BusyGirl Inc. delivers strategic solutions to entrepreneurs who are big on ideas, but short on time.

virtual assistant seattle, communications writer, strategic business planning, brand identity, social media marketing, west seattle business

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