Many small business owners feel overwhelmed with what they have to do and the time constraints they have for accomplishing both big goals and everyday tasks. I heard an interview with Zack Hample (who wrote a book about baseball). Zack has a 203 pound rubber band ball in his home. The interviewer asked Zack if he was obsessive. Zack replies, "I …
What’s Your Learning Plan?
People always focus on New Year's resolutions at the end of December, but I have a better way of ringing in the new year. I love to learn fresh ideas and new skills. The phrase Lifelong Learning truly defines the way I live my life. So this week, I wrote my "learning plan" for the next 12 months, in terms of business and …
Is Election Stress Affecting Your Business?
Whether it’s the USA election or Brexit, September 11 or Hurricane Katrina, the uncertainty that surrounds world events brings up anxiety in people and changes their behavior, which in turn affects your marketing and sales. I've spoken with several colleagues who are having a difficult time filling autumn classes or getting clients to commit to a …
Don’t Wait to Become “an Expert” in Your Field
There’s really only three ways to get known as an expert in your field: teaching, speaking, writing. Let’s do it! Do not wait for someone's approval or permission. Don't wait until you know more -- there's always an audience who knows less about a topic than you do -- and there's always an opportunity for you to learn more. Don't wait until …
How To Create A “Perfect” Life: Kathleen’s Story
Everyone believed that Kathleen Wiltshire had a great life. She had a close and loving family, a business she loved and for which she was well-paid, and a bright and cheerful outlook on life. Kathleen also had too much stress in her life. Both of her elderly parents were ill, her mother with advanced heart disease, and her father with …
The Importance of Kitchen-Tested Recipes
When a cook is writing a cookbook, he tests each recipe in his own kitchen to make sure the instructions are 100% accurate. He may also have friends and colleagues test the recipe, as ovens, ingredients and altitude have a sneaky way of affecting a recipe's success. Let's relate this back to selling services and products. Regardless of your …