Choose Your Words Carefully from Beth Andrus on Vimeo.
Archive for the ‘Approach’ Category
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Choose Your Words Carefully
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
The Best Use Of DIY Courses
As you know, I’m a big supporter of DIY (do-it-yourself). Sometimes it’s your only option, especially in the early stages of business. There are tons of books, courses, seminars and webinars out there, covering everything from PR to accounting. And many of these are good. But even if you learn everything and understand what needs to be done, there are only so many hours in the day.
Frequently, after taking a course, we realize we don’t have the time or interest in handling the tasks ourselves. When this happens, we are inclined to hire the person that taught the course. There’s nothing wrong with that, but assess your time and personality before shelling out money for anything. If you think might hire a professional in the end, don’t waste your money on the DIY course. Instead, put it toward hiring a professional.
If your budget won’t allow for that, and your schedule won’t allow for you to do everything, there is an alternative. Take DIY courses and/or read some books, and then hire a temporary assistant, virtual assistant, or bookkeeper to do certain things for you.
Once you know the what, how and why of certain business activities, you can direct someone to do what you would be doing (if you had the time) at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. The more you know, the less likely you are to overpay for relatively simple tasks, or to hire an unqualified person. Learn as much as possible about all aspects of your business. Then do what you can, and farm out the rest. Taking this approach will save you some money, and keep you from hating your business.
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Is It Venting Or Just Complaining?
Venting from Beth Andrus on Vimeo.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Listen To The “Experts” But Don’t Lose Sight Of Your Path
Whether it’s marketing, social networking, PR, or sales, there are a lot of experts out there. And every 12 to 18 months, a new star is born. Everyone worships at their altar – for a while, anyway, until the next “business genius” steals the spotlight. I believe many of these people have a lot to offer. Their experience and knowledge gives them a certain perspective, and this insight helps people who are trying to get their business up and running.
But I believe we all need to be selective when taking the advice of others. Not necessarily everything someone else has done will work for you. Your business and goals are unique, so an approach that propelled them toward their goal could actually put you on a detour away from your goal.
So how can you avoid that? Get clear on what you want your business to look like and what you want it to do – for you and for your customers. Once you know what this means for you, step onto your path with confidence. Then you can easily determine what will assist you in reaching your goal. There is so much good advice out there, but treat it all like a buffet or dim sum. Take only what will work for you.
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Lessons From Rollerskating (Rerun)
Lessons From RollerSkating from Beth Andrus on Vimeo.
This video is a rerun. I will have new videos, again, starting next week.
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Start Mixing It Up – Bring Your Online Connections Offline
I know I keep talking about reaching out to your online community, but for a reason. I don’t see enough people doing it. Recent research shows that, even with the emergence of social networking, we ultimately interact in the way we always have. We have the same number of people (approx 4-8) in our “inner circle”, and we form relationships with people whom we make a more-than surface level connection.
Don’t get me wrong. Social networking has changed a number of things; most importantly, the length of our reach and the size of the net we can cast. The online community we create is significant in the same way as our offline acquaintances. We frequently hear about opportunities or learn information via a friend of a friend - online or offline, it’s pretty much the same.
But online we also cross paths with people who may be a good personal or business fit, whom we might not have met, otherwise. To truly benefit from our online community, we need to connect with some of these people offline. But which of your 5,630 followers and 1,216 friends should you contact? You will figure that out the same way you always have – gut instinct.
By reaching out, you increase the potential for more meaningful interactions. Not everyone you contact will be receptive. And not all of these relationships will develop past acquaintanceship, but the ones that do will pay off in the form of collaboration and friendship. So make the first move. You may be surprised how ready and willing people are to connect.
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Even With Coaching, How-To Books, And Seminars… It’s Still Up To You
This is an extraordinary time to venture into business ownership. The Internet has changed the entire game. There is unprecedented access to information and guidance, and this has leveled the playing field.
But whether you work with a business coach, attend seminars, or read how-to books and blogs, you are the one who has to make it happen. All of these activities are there to give you direction and/or tools, but only you can get your business up and running. Only you can create the business you envision.
Take an honest look at how much time and money you’ve recently invested in any or all of these things. Then take a look at where you are with your business. How long have you been operating at your current level, compared to how long you've wanted to take it to the next level?
A lot of people get stuck in the “information gathering” stage. In this stage, it is easy to convince ourselves that we’re doing something. But if you’ve been on a merry-go-round of learning and development activities, the reality is, you’re avoiding doing anything. The best way to actually move your plans forward is to take a break from the planning. Put the information you’ve gathered to use by creating an action oriented to-do list, and start moving through it.
For some of you, the next level is actually getting your business set up. For others, it means expanding your product or service line or building your customer base. Wherever you’re at, you are responsible for being there. And wherever you want to be, you are responsible for getting there. Feel confident from your past achievements, use the knowledge you have gained, and start moving toward your goals.
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
Flattery Will Get you Everywhere
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
But How Do You Know It’s Your Passion?
We all hear it and read it every day – your work/job should be something you’re passionate about. As much as we all want to follow our bliss, many people don’t know what that is for them. This is understandable. Throughout our lives we’re told what it means to be successful, and which paths will lead us to fulfillment. But upon arrival, we realize we were following the path of someone else’s dream. So how do we switch directions and head toward our dream?
First, you have to remember what makes you happy. Go back as far as your memory will allow. You will find clues in the games you liked the most, and the kids you played with. Did you create neighborhood newspapers, or set up elaborate lemonade stands during the summer? Did you like putting on plays with your friends? We’re you the actor? Or the producer, joyfully bossing your friends around? Did you draw and paint pictures, or create costumes from your mom’s discards? What you loved doing as a kid is what you still love, just maybe in another form.
Once you determine the “what”, spend some time figuring out why you liked these activities. Was it the problem solving, the creativity, the organizing? It may take a little time, but as you get closer to the truth, you’ll know it, because you’ll feel energized and engaged.
The final step is simple, but not necessarily easy. Step onto your path. Changing the direction of your life is scary, but it can be done. Approach the process as if it were a marathon, not a sprint. Maybe take on a hobby or side job that reflects the true you. That may be enough for you to be fulfilled. As your comfort level increases, though, you may find yourself wanting more. And now that you’re on the right path, you’ll know what to do, because when we’re in touch with our true desires, we’re also in touch with our instincts. So take the first steps, and the rest will fall into place.
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
The Winds Of Change Are Always Blowing
As 2010 gets under way, business owners struggle to make progress,as each day brings more discouraging news about unemployment, and credit continues to elude many. The signs of battle fatigue are apparent.
It is important to realize, though, that throughout the country’s history, the economy has undergone a number of structural changes. These shifts were brought on by both negative and positive circumstances. Of course, the stock market crash in 1929 is an obvious example of a negative occurrence. But technological advances have also wreaked economic havoc. Established industries (and their jobs) have disappeared or shrunk dramatically and quickly. And the new industries taking their place needed a few cycles before they substantially contributed to economic growth.
No matter what the cause, over time, the economy has reorganized and stabilized, just like it will again. And I can tell you that this is the time to push your hardest. As some people close their businesses, it clears the field and provides you an opportunity to increase your customer base. Also, because of general angst and burnout, companies want a change and you can be the person to provide that fresh outlook. When things do improve – and they will – you will be out in front of the crowd.
Keep in mind that things are always changing, in all aspects of our lives. As a business owner you need to be prepared for the upswings, as well as the downturns. The less you fear change, the more easily you’ll adapt. And that is the key to survival.
