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What You Must Make Time For To Grow Your Business
June 29th, 2010 by Kendall
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Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you’re making the most OF and FROM your time. All too often, I see women entrepreneurs spending their time on the wrong things, even though they have the purest of positive intentions at heart. The results they typically have to show for all of this time spent are too long of a to-do list, a shortage of high end, high quality clients, long days, late nights and not enough money at the end of the month.
The problem isn’t intention or energy; it’s simply that no one has likely taught you how to INVEST your time, leaving you to figure it out on your own. To top it off, you’re likely modeling the people around you, who are in the same boat, so you haven’t had the teachings, information and examples you need to break out of the entrepreneurial rat race.
If you feel like you end your day with more to do than you got done, then the tips I’m sharing in this article will help you get control of your time and learn how to invest your time in the activities that promise to pay you back with a handsome return on your investment.
Time Tip #1: There Is No Such Thing As “This Will Only Take A Minute”
Every time you switch tasks, allow yourself to be interrupted or try to multi-task you’re losing time. Remember, time is the one resource that is NOT in abundance, nor can it be replenished. Multi-tasking feeds our desire for an adrenaline rush, making us think we’re more efficient when studies show we actually lose more time than we gain.
Think of it this way: if you lose a minimum of 3 minutes every time you multi-task, and you multi-task a modest 10 times per day, you’ve just cost yourself a full 30 minutes of time. Ouch! Better to enjoy the feeling of focusing. You’ll get more done and will be more relaxed as a result, making you happier…and more sane!
Time Tip #2: Plan On A Daily Dose Of “Low Hanging Fruit” Marketing
While some marketing tasks — things such as building your list, social media, writing articles, etc. — take time to payoff, others offer an often immediate pay back for the time you invest in them. This is why you want to invest 15 minutes each morning in what I call, “low hanging fruit” marketing. These tasks can result in immediate new business, bringing in much needed ca’sh flow.
For example:
Picking up the phone to get booked to speak, where you’ll make an offer from the stage or podium
Time Tip #3: Include Three List Building Actions Each Week
Building your list is one of the single most important actions you can take to grow your business. By taking action to build your list three times each week, you’ll find your list growing quickly and with less effort. Be sure to include reaching out to at least one new joint venture (”JV”) or collaboration partner as one of your three weekly actions. JV relationships are THE fastest way to grow your list, period!
The Good News Is, By Making Time For The Important Business Building Tasks, You Naturally Squeeze Out The Tasks That Don’t Give You A High Return On Your Investment
Time is a non-renewable, limited resource, making it more rare and more precious than any other business resource you could possibly possess. By taking this mindset to heart you’ll find yourself valuing your time and how you invest it more now, than you ever have before. Not only will your business thrive and prosper, but you’ll feel more confident and happier, knowing you’re doing the right things, at the right time.
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Excellent ideas, as always, Kendall. You seem to always write just what I need
Comment by Meggin McIntosh — June 29, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
You caught me. I was trying to multi-task while I was reading your article; reading, texting and eating. I proceeded to knock over my glass of wine. Oops! Great article. And I proved you are right.:)
Comment by Patty Hedrick — June 29, 2010 @ 9:20 pm
Thank you so much for these reminders Kendall. I have been so stressed with financial concerns and family matters that I lose track of what needs to be done daily in order to rebuild my business in a better way! These tips are tremendous guidelines, so I am posting them on my wall! I work very hard not to multi-task, yet often find myself falling into it regardless. Realizing the lost time inherent in this process, I will eliminate multi-tasking from this day forward! You are a blessing… Hugs to you.
Comment by Marilyn — June 29, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
Love this article Kendall!
I especially love this, and I quote: “Time is a non-renewable, limited resource, making it more rare and more precious than any other business resource you could possibly possess.”
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!
Comment by Christine — June 29, 2010 @ 9:28 pm
Kendall - more great tips, as always. Thanks so much. I really appreciated the tips for focusing on the low-hanging fruit for 15 minutes each day. That’s what I’m going to do……..right now……gotta go :).
Pat
Comment by Pat Mussieux — June 30, 2010 @ 7:02 am
Kendall,
Once again, you made me feel as though you were speaking to me! I really need to beef up my efforts with the low hanging fruit strategy. Sometimes, it just takes picking up the phone letting your customers and prospects know you are in business and you care about them.
Thanks Again,
Nikki Curry~
Comment by Nikki Curry — June 30, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Thanks for this article Kendall! Just what I needed to hear today. : )
Comment by Pamela Catey — June 30, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
May I quote you, Kendall? “Time is a non-renewable, limited resource, making it more rare and more precious than any other business resource you could possibly possess.” Simple, yet so profound.
Thanks for the great post.
Comment by Rhonda — June 30, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
These tips are so helpful for me. They are good habits to develop these early on when building a business. Thanks so much.
Comment by Jeannette Koczela — July 1, 2010 @ 6:35 am
Wonderful blog! Brief, concise, helpful information that will, indeed, help me grow my business. Thank you!
Comment by Jean Morehouse — July 3, 2010 @ 1:26 pm