It's Spring Cleaning Time...Let's Make Room For Abundance!
I gathered some things you can do this spring while you take a
minute to smell those roses. There are things we need to do to
clear our space and to reflect on what exciting things we'd like
to bring in. My approach to Spring-cleaning touches on areas
that all professionals and entrepreneurs can relate to:
- Reevaluation of our businesses - Follow Up Calls - Getting Rid
of Clutter - Fire That Client - Take "Me Time" Breaks
1. Re-evaluation Time:
We are halfway through the year. My, how time flies! How has it
been for you thus far? I suggest you give yourself a "Company
Evaluation" every month to make note of your progress and see
where you still need to tighten up your act. I made a similar
format to the evaluation form used at one of my past jobs. I
tried it on myself for a few months and it really helps you
re-focus and remember what your overall VISION was in the first
place. It also brings your strengths and weaknesses to the
forefront!
Try it now, looking back on your own performance since January.
Here's an example of how to do it. List your responsibilities
and objectives and rate each one. 1 being the worst and 5 being
the best:
EXAMPLE...
Evaluation of The Sweet Tooth (Pastry company): -Make an income
of $3,000+ with orders for June: 2 -Develop a buzz about my
company: 4 -Increase catering for events to at least 5 parties
per month: 3 -Improve time management: 1 -Manage and build an
effective team: 5
Pros: I did great with developing buzz, because of the press I
received in the Daily News. Giving the editor free pies worked!
Cons: I was late for two important meetings, because of poor
time management.
I like to write out the pros and cons of the overall performance
as well. What did you do exceptionally well and why? What are
the steps needed to make next month's evaluation better? When
you elaborate on your highs and low, you can be your own coach
to some extent. You can then set goals to make improvements
instead of floating through each month with no direction. Having
this on paper might help stop you from repeating the same
destructive patterns. You might even want to get a folder or
binder to keep them all in, so you can note your progress. FOR
MORE TIPS: http://www.gotstohaveit.com/may03_newsletter.html
2. DUST OFF YOUR ROLEDEX with "How ya been?" calls Have
customers you haven't spoken to in over six months? Pick up the
phone and call them, even if it's just to say hello. It's even
better if you have a special "SPRING TIME" promotion in mind
just for old customers. Following up is very important, although
it's hard to do. Make the time for it, starting today!
3. Get Rid of the Clutter: Spring Clean your office/home office
But of course, it's what first comes to mind when we say
spring-cleaning! The question is: how many of us actually take
action in getting rid of the clutter and start organizing?
Are you someone who... * Consistently misplaces things in your
home? * Forgets to pay your bills? * Has a war-zone for a home
office? * Still has that outfit from 1983 (that you KNOW doesn't
fit)? * Wants to improve the energy and harmony of your home or
office?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then
you'll love the resources we have available to you! Get rid of
the clutter that has invaded your life. Learn how you can create
balanced harmony in your home, office, and life with the help of
these Gots To Have It friends...
La Shell Wooten http://www.spiritspacefengshui.com Feng Shui for
urban living? Is it possible to have balance in an urban
environment? Contact La Shell and learn about the basics of the
ancient Chinese technique called Feng Shui. Find out how to
change the energy of your home and office and to improve your
daily living with effective Feng Shui Consultant La Shell
Wooten. (La Shell was most recently featured in September 2004
Essence Magazine!)
Tonja Oates, CPA, http://www.thetmogroup.com Ever wondered what
other professionals do to get their financial mess in order?
Learn basic tips to keep track of your finances, set goals, and
best practices for keeping sound records with Tonja Oates of The
TMO Group.
Two Give ' N Take members who offer superb cleaning services...
Sincerely Chores, "Organic Cleaning for You & Yours"
laverne@sincerelychores.com (718) 846-2104
Nikia Sharp of Domestic Diva http://www.domesticdivanj.com/
(973) 865-8826
4. Fire That Client!:
Yes, it's true, sometimes you must let go. Are you drained by
the negative energy of a particular client or project? Do you
just have personality clashes? Are they asking for more than you
agreed upon originally? Unfortunately, it happens. Sometimes you
do have to let go and move on to keep your sanity. Unless you
have a contract that is holding you to it, you do have the
choice of who you want to work with. That's the beauty of having
your own business. Consider "Firing a Client" if...
- They try to take advantage and ask for more than what you
originally agreed on AKA trying to get the "HOOK UP". - The
client is not respectful of your time. - Invoices are nit-picked
to death or payments are consistently late. - The client fails
to review critical documents in a timely manner.
When you do send them on their merry way, always have a person
to refer them to. And most importantly, try to leave things on
good terms even if you did not see eye to eye.
Go here for more articles on how and why to fire that client:
http://content.talentmarket.monster.com/contractor/freeagentguide
/managingyourbusiness/fireaclient/
http://welchwrite.com/dewelch/ce/ce991203.asp
5. Create "Me Time" Rituals Throughout Your Day
Now the weather is getting nicer, take short breaks in your day
to go for a walk. Sit outside in the park and eat lunch. Do
something that is a little rewarding for yourself after you
finish a major project. People feel guilty sometimes just taking
a 15 minute break (I know, I'm one of them...lol), but what most
people don't realize is that those "me time moments" allow you
to recover and put your all into the rest of your day.
DO IT FOR YOURSELF, YOU DESERVE THOSE GUILT FREE MOMENTS.