Do you feel like you’re drowning? I do. Look at all the stuff that is coming at us. Cable news channels, blogs, podcasts, emails, text messages, Instagram, and on, and on. Thomas Frey in the post on future skills you will need ( http://bit.ly/2yFqvos ) cites a study done by UC San Diego. That study showed in 2008 the average American spent 11.8 hours a day gathering information. The study also stated that number was increasing at approximately 2.6% each…
Did you know how you manage your communications can affect your mental health? Once long ago, in a land far, far, away, people lived in a simpler world. There were only 3 TV networks, one or two daily newspapers in your city, and there was only one telephone on a little table in the entrance hall to your home. News broadcasts were two or three times a day, only lasting about 30 minutes including weather, sports, and financial markets. …
In my original post in this series ( http://bit.ly/2v8mXJm ), I discussed the 10 critical skills you need to succeed in the chaotic job market of the next few years. Today, I would like to talk about the #2 skill, Critical Thinking. Just What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is one of “those terms.” It has risen to near the top of skills employers are now seeking. Go search for a good definition though, and what you get is a lot…
Busy or effective. Which one are you? Did you know it’s possible to do away with almost 80% of your to do list? Here is a myth about being self-employed. You start a business. You work 80 hours a week to build it up. In 5 years or so, you are a roaring success. In my last post (https://successfulcm.com/2017/04/28/stunning-simple-secret-improves-productivity/) we discussed how you can choose the hours you want to work, and then use the 80/20 rule to accomplish the…
Getting it all done when you’re the only one there can be frightening. How can you improve your productivity? Using Pareto’s simple 80/20 rule can cut your work week in half You wanted freedom. You wanted to do something you loved. And…you wanted to get paid for it. So you went into business for yourself. Now you have this huge list of stuff that needs to be accomplished to get your business off the ground. How are you going to…
As small business owners, sooner or later we are faced with hiring our first employee. So which kind is best: full time employee or independent contractor? Here’s a great post with all the pros and cons. The Pros and Cons of Hiring: Employee vs. Independent Contractor BY LAURA SHERMAN | SMALL BUSINESS [This article is a piece of part 11 of our Smart and Simple Guide to Starting a Business – scroll to the end to see the other parts]…
As Small Business Owners we know growth is the name of the game. But, did you know you can grow too fast? Here’s a great post warning you about what can happen. 5 Dangers of Overly Fast Small Business Growth Strategies By Suzanne Kearns Posted in: Small Business Comments1 When you start your own small businesses, you immediately start thinking about growth. Maybe you just dream of eventually opening a second store, or you might envision becoming a huge conglomerate or…
What is the biggest challenge facing small business owners today? “How do I compete against the big guys?” Here’s a simple two word answer: Customer Service. How many times have you heard it? I could never talk to a real person. They kept switching me from department to department I was on hold for 15 minutes and then got cut off. Do you think these folks will ever come back? 91% of them won’t (source: “Understanding Customers” by Ruby Newell-Legner)…
As small business owners, we are all worried about going up against the “big guys”. Great customer service is the best way to out perform your competition every time. Here’s a great post telling you how. How small businesses can deliver good customer service Satisfied customers remain loyal to you and recommend you to others. Alastair Kight, managing director of GRITIT, offers five simple steps for delivering good customer service Skills can be taught, so it’s more important to employ…
Ever wanted to start a small business? It can be the most fun you’ve ever had. Here’s a great post telling how to do it it in 6 simple steps. Image credit: Shutterstock MATTHEW TOREN CONTRIBUTOR Serial Entrepreneur, Mentor and co-founder of YoungEntrepreneur.com BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION 5 Ways To Boost Your Business’ Cash Flow THOMAS SMALE BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION 4 Tips for Revving Up Revenue When You Need It Most JAY DESMARTEAU BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION How a New, Mobile-Friendly Website Gave a…
