A goal, a dare and unplugging from it all

Posted March 8th, 2013 in Mindset & Energy Awareness, Time Management & Productivity | 0 Comments

It’s been an incredibly abundant, wonderful first three months of the year. I’ve seen my clients’ eyes light up with wonder, knowing, and understanding more times than I can count.

Together, we’ve solved their problems related to time, clutter, systems, processes, delegation, and workflow.

I’ve seen the relief on their faces. I’ve received their hugs and thanks with so much gratitude I thought my heart would burst open with joy.

It’s a wonderful life.

And…

I’m tired.

I’m tired of sitting in front of the computer. Of keeping up with social media. Tired of trying to keep my inbox at a sane 25 messages. I’m tired of fiddling with flowcharts. I’m tired of making checklists look pretty and user-friendly all at the same time.

So, I’m taking a break.

It’s a short one. Just 24 hours.

And I’m putting the “unplugged” time to good use (see the P.S. below).

And I invite you…DARE you…to join me.

See, I read there’s National Day of Unplugging. It was officially last weekend, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is I’m going to do it. Starting tonight.

The deal is to unplug from technology and digital devices for a fully blissful 24 hours. No email, no cell phone, no TV, no radio, no computer, no texting.

Bliss. Fully. Silent.

Sign me UP.

How about you? Will you join me?

Sincerely,

Angie

P.S. During my very own National Day of Unplugging, you know I’m going to do? I’m getting rid of HALF of my belongings. I’m calling it The Great Purge. That’s my goal. Half my clothes, half my books, half my stuff. Gone (or at least boxed and ready for a garage sale, eBay, or Craigslist). I am simplifying my life in a big, huge way.

P.P.S. Nelson and I are making plans to simplify our lives in other big ways soon, and this is the way I can start right now. If less technology and less clutter equal less noise…and if less noise leads to more peacefulness…I’m looking forward to a very restful weekend indeed.

P.P.P.S. Will you join me – for the National Day of Unplugging or for The Great Purge? How about both? I dare you!

Watching videos of kittens actually improves productivity

Posted March 7th, 2013 in Time Management & Productivity | 0 Comments

Ok, if you’ve been a reader of mine for awhile, you know I have a love affair with cats. Especially this new wiggly, snuggly orange kitten in my life.

Knowing I love kittens, and knowing I’m always into learning about productivity tips, one of my networking buddies sent me the following joyful news:

A Japanese study found that the people who viewed images and videos of baby animals improved their performance, and were more focused and careful in their tasks.

Score! This means all the YouTube videos I watch with baby animals isn’t actually a waste of time.

Or is it?

I say everything in moderation.

This includes things like:

  • labeling stuff
  • making anything “matchy matchy”
  • keeping paper
  • using social media
  • checking email
  • scheduling your time
  • surfing the net
  • working
  • playing
  • working IN your business
  • working ON your business

The one thing I actually see business owners not doing enough of? Working ON the business. This often gets pushed aside for more immediate tasks, urgent issues, etc.

And it’s epidemic.

Just today, one of my clients said, “Gosh, if I had even just an hour every week to work on some strategy and planning…it would be revolutionary!”

So, when was the last time you took a time out from watching kitten videos or checking emails or responding to fires to STOP and take a deeper look at “how” you’re doing business?

P.S. If you find any particularly adorable kitten videos on YouTube, feel free to send me the link!

Client Choreography

Posted March 5th, 2013 in Business Systems & Processes, Small Business Ownership | 0 Comments

Late last week one of my former clients emailed me to share an example of some great customer service she’d received. This client is a CPA and this time of year, she is buried in taxes. Busy. Craaaazy busy.

Her car had been hit by another driver. She took the car to a local body shop, a pretty well-known one in fact, upon recommendation from the insurance company.

Within an hour of dropping the car off, she received an email from the company. A very good email.

It came from the president of the company and was quite specific about the make/model of her car, what was to be repaired, and included the full contact information for “her” service provider. A nice sign off saying they appreciated her business and looked forward to serving her topped things off nicely.

Better still, she received another email from the company four days later (this included two weekend days) explaining they’d found additional issues once they disassembled her vehicle. They outlined how long they thought the repairs would take and again thanked her for being a customer.

How is this an example of great customer service?

  • communication, communication, communication
  • thanking a client – repeatedly – for their business
  • letting them know what to expect next
  • staying in touch – without her having to call and ask
  • providing contact information should she have any questions
  • being specific in their communications/emails (nothing “generic” or canned)

Let me ask you, gentle reader, how can you ensure your “client choreography” is as smooth, thoughtful, and well-done as this?

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