Posts Tagged ‘Focus’
|Is Multi-tasking A Thing of the Past?
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
“I’m a multi-tasker!”
That was once the coolest and most valuable line job-seekers included in their cover letters when applying for jobs. But that’s so
1990s!
Today, with a significant increase in the number of self-employed professionals, multi-tasking has taken on a whole new dimension. And in most cases, it’s not really something to brag about. According to many business leaders and career experts, multi-tasking reduces productivity rather than enhances it.
Bruce Weinstein from Bloomberg Businessweek says multi-tasking today is so complex that many professionals lose their focus on what’s really important to their business. Whether that’s making money, acquiring more clients, and selling more products or services, Weinstein says “technological advances that once seemed so liberating [have] become oppressive.”
He suggests that it’s time to stop the multi-tasking madness: put down the iPod or Blackberry and pay attention to the task at hand. Today’s computers make it so easy to seamlessly switch from one program, window and tab to the other, making it possible to answer emails, research, invoice and build spreadsheets without pausing for a coffee break. But the more you do, the tougher it is to focus on one activity.
BOSS Director, John Sanchez implements a system he calls Mission Control to maintain his focus and manage everything. Here are his steps for prioritizing tasks:
Step #1: Download information from your brain.
Step #2: Compile a TO DO list and prioritize everything.
Step #3: Schedule each task into your calendar, delegate, and follow-up with other tasks.
Step #4: Get rid of tasks you are not going to do and communicate that. He says “it’s okay to say no when it’s warranted.”
Knowing HOW to do multiple things is fine, but it’s even better to focus on what you do best and filter out the rest.
Tags: Business Leader, Career Experts, Focus, Mission Control, Multi-Task, Technology
Posted in Business Advice | No Comments »
Stand Out From the Crowd… Be of Service!
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Business owners love networking!
For many businesses networking is the lifeblood of new opportunities – especially smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.
From my experience running the last BOSS meeting, I have a much better understanding for what causes success at networking meetings, and what doesn’t. I learned some of the habits many business owners develop during meetings – not all business owners, but many:
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(1) love talking about their business (as they should…)
(2) are primarily looking for quick sales as opposed to long term relationships (understandable in today’s economy I guess…)
(3) When not speaking about their business, can be distracted very easily
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Pretty simple right? And yet everyone falls victim to operating this way at some time or another – myself included. It’s human nature. But focusing on talking, quick sales, and your own business, is a recipe to be forgotten! You may generate some immediate sales, but you wont be remembered as easily, or be kept top of mind as someone to follow up with. In other words, you wont STANDOUT!
It’s about the ‘WOW’ factor! (more…)
Tags: Business Relationships, Community, Focus, Greater Success, Listening, Networking, Opportunities, Service, Value
Posted in BOSS Thoughts, Business Advice, Business Networking | No Comments »
The Similarities Between Owning a Business and Golf…
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
As an avid golfer, with this spring weather upon us, I imagine any other golfers out there are thinking the same thing that I am – when can I play! So, for any golf fans out there I present to you my
Top 10 Reasons Owning & Running a Business Can be Compared to Golf
(1) Ninety-five percent of the game is mental – the player with the strongest mental game will win.
(2) Success over the long term comes to those most dedicated.
(3) Success is dependant on how quickly a player can change and adapt to their environment. A player that cannot adapt their game to their environment will not excel.
(4) Mistakes are inevitable. The best players are the ones who can shake off their mistakes, move on and continue to focus in the now.
(5) Every shot must be analyzed before any action is taken – think first, swing second.
(6) Visualization, goal setting and mental preparation is often overlooked but can create significant results.
(7) Consistent scores are gold!
(8) It can be the most challenging and humbling experience, but at the same time the most fun, rewarding and satisfying!
(9) Normally the simplest, most consistent swings are most effective.
(10) You and you alone have control over your results.
Tags: Adapt, Effective, Focus, Gold, Golf, Mental Game, Visualization
Posted in Business Advice | 1 Comment »
