The Productive Entrepreneur

The Mind-Body Connection

There's an increasing emphasis these days about holistic health - the concept of taking care of yourself by acknowledging the connection between mind, body, spirit, and emotions.

Don't ignore this connection. When we are at our best and feeling great, we have engery and confidence that transfers into the work we do. When we're tired, emotionally drained, or in physical pain, we procrastinate, avoid work, and just muddle through the day.

We can all probably relate to the physical aspects that we feel we were are stressed to the max. Don't ignore these signs. Often, our bodies react and hold in the tension, even if think we've moved beyond it. Give some thought to the the vital information that other "parts" of yourself are giving you. When you use only your head, your experience of yourself and the world is more limited.

What is your body telling you? Notice the messages your body is giving you. You probably know many of these, but here are some physical signs of stress:

* Back pain

* Change in appetite

* Chest pain

* Constipation or diarrhea

* Dry mouth

* Extreme tiredness

* General aches and pains

* Headaches

* High blood pressure

* Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

* Lightheadedness

* Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is racing)

* Sexual problems

* Shortness of breath

* Stiff neck

* Sweating

* Upset stomach

* Weight gain or loss

If you are experiencing some of these signs, you should probably take a time out. Check in with your doctor, and if nothing else is wrong, figure out how to de-stress. Let go of activities that aren't important, ask for help with chores and responsibilities, get a massage, have a long talk with a trusted friend - anything to give your mind and body a break.

When you're pulled down by the physical signs of stress, your emotional well-being and spiritual passions will be pulled down as well. To regain a successful and postive outlook, you need to heal your body and your mind.

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

Repairing A Disconnect

Who are you? What do you believe? What do you really need?

When we discover who we really are, we stop living on auto-pilot and start to live with intention, focus and purpose. Our choices become clearer. We begin to make active choices in our life, instead of making excuses or passively living with the status quo.

If you feel a disconnect between your work and your life, then maybe your initial plans haven't been very successful at helping you carry out your passion about who you are, what you believe, or what you really need.

Think about these questions and consider actually writing down your answers. This gives your thoughts a permanent home, and once you have them out of your mind, you not only have a reference for what to work on, but you also have a clearer head to do so.

• What makes you happy?
• What ideas or thoughts do you have that you haven't expressed?
• What do you value most?
• What unique gifts, talents and skills do you bring to the world? How are you using them (or not)?
• Who do you need to forgive? How about yourself?
• What beliefs are holding you back or getting in your way?
• What can you let go of in your life?

 

Be honest. Now is the time to start being candid about who you really are. Encouraging those unlived parts of ourselves to emerge can provide an exhilarating sense of discovery and optimism, a new source of energy to carry out your passion and define a new path for your career.

Successful entrepreneurs know how important it is to stay connected to their dreams. Performing this exercise when you're feeling frazzled or out of touch can help you assess what's missing and give you a clearer picture of your status. You can then begin to plan a new course or slightly deviate from the one you're on to better connect your actions with your passions.

*** Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

Connect With YOUR Reality

I've been talking a lot about how important it is for entrepreneurs to connect with other people. I'd like to switch gears a little to talk about connecting your business to reality.

 

The economic news these days isn't good. It seems some good people made some bad decisions, and the effects continued to snowball. Now we're threatened with an avalanche that could severely damage an industry vital to our country's economic security.

 

I can't stress enough the importance of keeping your business connected to the real world. You absolutely need to understand how you fit into the grand scheme of things. Certainly you are going to have to take risks. That's part of the spirit and challenge of being an entrepreneur. But there's also a time to realize when specific actions aren't advisable – whether based on your economic situation, your ability to commit the time required, or the strength of the support system you have in place.

 

A successful entrepreneur understands his or her own economic position inside and out. You are responsible for knowing what you can and can't afford – no matter what any lender or salesperson tells you. Make your purchasing and borrowing decisions based on the real picture – not one someone else would like to create for you.

 

Again, I don't want to discourage you from dreaming big and setting ambitious goals. That's how you grow and succeed. But learn from the lessons that are directly in front of us right now in this country. Living beyond your means and having no plan to reconcile bold business maneuvers with the reality of your own condition will eventually come back to haunt you.

 

Unsure how to do this? I'd love to work with you to create your plan to grow in ways that are sound and sure for your business. Send me an e-mail and let me know how I can help!

I’ve Met Someone – Now What?

Once you’ve had a successful networking experience, it’s time to think about how you will nurture the connection. You could immediately send them a thank you note with an information packet about your services and check off the “followed up” step on your list. And this might be appropriate for many of the people you’ve met.  But if you’ve found a person who you believe could be a true asset to your business, then make the extra effort to get to know the person and their business.

Make a phone call. During the call, introduce yourself again, thank them for visiting with you at the event, and ask if they enjoyed the event and who they met. If you talked to someone they didn’t but should have, mention the name and what that person could offer. If you are interested in one of their services or products, ask for more information.

Meet for coffee. A face-to-face meeting can really help you get to know the other business owner. Ask a lot of questions and try to find something you have in common. This can be a link that helps you relate to the person and give both of you a reason to stay in touch. If, during the conversation, you hear an issue or problem that you can help with, mention it.

Refer and be a resource. Help the person out by referring clients and friends that you know, as well as watching for information that you might be able to pass on to them. If you read a good article or find a helpful website, stick it in the mail or send an e-mail.

If it’s occurring to you that these suggestions are focused on the other person, you’re right! But the great thing is, the other person will no doubt return the favor for you.  You’ll continue to meet new people and learn new things through this connection, so take time to develop it properly.

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM.  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com.  Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

I'm Not An Outgoing Person - How Do I Survive A Networking Event?

It's never easy to meet new people when you enter a room full of unfamiliar faces. We've all been there, and it isn't easy for anyone - even if you are outgoing! When you find yourself in this situation, it's easy to stand in the back of the room and watch, rather than approach someone you don't know and strike up a conversation. But do your best to resist this temptation! Here are a few tips:

• Focus on the people you are meeting - not yourself. Instead of trying to impress people, consider how they are making an impression on you. If you find yourself liking someone's approach, take note of their style and manner. Or, if someone comes on too strong, take note and work to avoid their slip-ups.
• Consider your body language. Keep smiling, make eye contact, and be friendly. Think about how others might be reading your body language. If you're standing in the corner with your arms crossed, you might not appear as though you want to meet new people.
• Start a conversation with a neutral topic. Questions like "How do you know (the host)?" or "How did you get involved in (the organization)." are great segues into conversations that will help you learn more about the person.
• Ask a lot of questions, and not all about business issues. The "father of modern networking," Ivan Misner, says "The longer I've been involved in networking, the more I've seen the power of personal interests in making connections. Networking is about building personal relationships." Find out about a person's interests away from business and try to find a connection with yourself or someone you know.
• Listen carefully. This is an ESSENTIAL communication skill. As you hear others talk, pay attention to opportunities that allow you to be a resource – recommend a book or website, suggest a meeting with one of your acquaintances, or provide information about a company or business trend that you know about.
• Be open to sharing a little about yourself and your business. Go beyond "yes" and "no" answers and offer some information that will help others get to know you. Talking about your business and your other interests will give others a chance to find something in common with you and find an instant connection to you or your services.
• Don't try to meet everyone in one night. Spend time getting to know two or three people and find a way to connect. Plan on following-up with them to explore ways you might become a resource for each other.

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

Resources to Find Your Opportunities

Finding ways to be a connected business owner can sometimes be challenging, so I thought I'd give you some resources to help you find the perfect situation for you.

 

Business & Industry Oriented:

 

Chamber of Commerce – A classic, reliable resource for businesses of every size. Start with this general site, and then enter your city to find the information for a local chamber near you.

 

BNI – If you want an organization dedicated to business networking, this is the perfect resource. Again, this general site will help you find your local chapter.

 

NFIB – An association of small businesses with a focus on monitoring and influencing state and federal legislative activity. Perfect for all of those politically savvy folks, or those who want to be! Local chapters also offer business resources and networking activities.

 

NAWBO – The National Association of Women Business Owners and its affiliated local chapters provide membership meetings, socializing, business resources, and networking opportunities especially for women. You can find links to your local chapter here as well.

 

Community service-type opportunities:

 

Volunteer Match.org – a site that matches people interested in volunteering with organizations who need them.

 

United Way – An all-encompassing organization that can use your help or direct you to specific organizations that would appreciate your involvement.

 

Google Search – Find your own! Just enter your interest along with "volunteer" and your location in the search box, and you might find the perfect opportunity for you.

 

 

Board of Directors - Another way to build your credibility and connect with other movers and shakers – serve as a director on a non-profit board. Start by asking colleagues and friends about possibilities, or find an organization that interests you and give them a call. It never hurts to show your interest!

 

Do you have other ideas? Share them with me and our readers, and thanks!

 

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

 

You Need Involvement

In "A Charlie Brown's Christmas," poor Charlie Brown is feeling disconnected and discouraged. Turning to the only psychologist he knows for advice, Lucy tells him, "You need involvement," which leads him to accept the role as director of the Christmas play.

Well, if you're looking to build connections for you and your business, then you need involvement, too. Networking requires you to know other people, and successful entrepreneurs know the best way to do that is to be involved.

In a recent post, Entrepreneur.com blogger Ivan Misner says you have to go the extra mile. "Take the initiative in developing a relationship with someone who could be of help to you in networking your business," he suggests.

So, take advantage of opportunities to be involved in your community and relevant business organizations. Here's how you can benefit:

• Learn about the important issues in your community or neighborhood and be a part of solving problems and developing and enhancing the area where you and your family live, work, and go to school.
• Find out the important issues pertaining to business and your industry. Work with other leaders to promote a healthy environment for your business to succeed.
• Meet other leaders who can be great assets to your network, as well as great examples of achievement. Watch them in action and take notes!
• Build up the talents and skills you already have and use the experiences to make you wiser and more business-savvy.
• Help someone who needs it! Service to those less fortunate or those in difficult situations is one way to give back to your community, not to mention the perfect way to connect you to the community at large and gain perspective about your own situation. Feel good about what you can do for others!
• Establish yourself as a leader. Your willingness to take a leadership role will tell others that you are not afraid of responsibility, and that you're willing to work hard to reach goals.
• Establish yourself as a credible source of business information. Instead of telling people that you are great at what you do, show them. When they need information or more in-depth business services, they will know who to call.

One note of caution: you don't have to go out and join every organization you can think of. You owe it to yourself, your business, and others in the organization to commit the time needed to be an effective participant. Focus your talents in organizations that mean something to you and ultimately help you fulfill your business goals.

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

Networking Goes Beyond Business Cards

We hear a lot about the value of "networking", the process of making contacts and connecting with other professionals and potential customers. There's no doubt –networking is an effective tool to meet new people and introduce them to your business and services. But it's more than just handing out your business card at a trade show or organizational event. Building a network that is a true resource for your business requires time and patience, as well as a genuine desire on your part to build relationships.

 

Remember that network relationships are built on trust and reciprocity. Those in your network must believe that you will deliver on your promises, or they won't risk their reputation and good name to refer you to their colleagues and acquaintances. And once they do promote your name, it's only logical that they would expect you to recommend their services as well.

 

This arrangement takes time to develop. You can't just show up at a membership meeting of your local chamber or business group and expect to find a built in referral program. Networking requires a few contributions from you:

 

1. Get involved! Don't just join an organization to be on the membership list. Take part in meetings, offer to present a program or arrange for a speaker, and volunteer to serve on committees. You will not only enhance your own organizational skills, but you will also show that you have what it takes to be a leader, as well as give you an avenue to demonstrate your credibility and expertise.
2. Follow-up! Stay in touch with the people you meet and arrange one-on-one meetings over lunch or coffee. It not only gives you a chance to share your business with others, but you will also discover new resources and services for your own business as you get to know new people.
3. Help others! Rather than look at networking as an opportunity to meet new people who will recommend and use your services, think of ways your services can help the people you meet. Become a source of reliable, credible information in any way that you can. If you can help someone, tell that person what you can/will do for them, and then do it!

 

It should be obvious that these things won't happen overnight. Successful entrepreneurs spend time cultivating those relationships with frequent communication and involvement. They don't try to sell their services after the first handshake; rather, they build a rapport of trust and respect, knowing that one day, the relationship could potentially bestow rewards beyond expectations.

 

What’s It Mean to Be Connected?

Have you ever thought about all the different ways we can be "connected?" We can be connected to another person, a computer network, the Internet, to our inner selves. Our house can be connected to cable, water, sewer, electricity services. A hallway connects two adjacent rooms. The telephone company connects us with the people we call. We might desire to be buddies with someone who has connections. We might have to rush through the airport to board a connecting flight. Baseball players connect when their swift-swinging bat hits the sweet spot of a baseball. Basketball players connect when they hit their shots. We reconnect with distant relatives or old classmates at family and high school class reunions. We connect ideas to form theories and gain understanding.

The concept of "connecting" is all around us – we connect to our families, colleagues, friends, and strangers in various ways as we go about our daily life. These connections mean something to us, and in the business world, they mean something to our success. Successfully connecting with our clients, customers, and colleagues means we create relationships, build loyalty, and grow our businesses. To be productive and successful entrepreneurs, we must maximize the positive impacts of each connection we make and then use them to build confidence, momentum, and energy.

So what's the BEST way to connect our purpose for being in business with those who need our services? Throughout the next couple of weeks, I'll explore some meaningful ways to do this. I'll give you suggestions and resources that will help you build connections and use them to reach out to new clients and customers. But let's hear from you, too. How do you connect with your clients and customers? What strategies have you used to make productive and helpful connections? I'm looking forward to hearing them!

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Joy Duling is a business strategist and creator of The Productive Entrepreneur ProgramTM. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore the resources available at www.theproductiveentrepreneur.com. Each month, Joy presents resources and educational opportunities aimed at helping self-employed, entrepreneurial business owners increase their personal productivity so that they can accomplish BIG goals.

 

Avoiding Drift

Often when I talk to small business owners about business planning, they have a tendency to set annual goals. 

 

It's always been my thinking that we ideally need a mix of long and short-term goals... having short-term goals is actually the piece that keeps you from drifting too far off course.

 

For example, you might specify a daily call goal, a monthly revenue goal, or a quarterly client goal.

 

Not all of your measures need to be short term, but certainly some should be.  

 

Every month, at a fixed day and time, make an appointment with yourself to evaluate progress and adjust your plan.

 

Note this appointment on your calendar and keep it.  Don't consider it to be something that can be cancelled for a client or other demand on your time. 

 

It is only through establishing goals for yourself and monitoring progress that you'll know if what you're currently doing is working.

Recovering From a Disaster

With Hurricane Gustav bringing flooding rains and damaging winds to Louisiana and 2 other tropical storms threatening to make landfall soon, I start thinking about disaster recovery. Would my business survive if my house or office didn't? Could I quickly evacuate my office and still communicate with my clients?

As an entrepreneur, it's a question you should be able to answer with a resounding yes. You may not live in the path of a potential hurricane, but other natural disasters, fires, personal or family illnesses, or even certain industrial accidents could have a damaging effect on your business and your status as an entrepreneur. If you depend on the income that you make (and who doesn't!), you owe it to yourself and your dependents to be prepared.

Your disaster plan should include strategies to save important records, quickly recover important equipment, such as computers and software, and find a safe and stable place to temporarily work until you can establish a permanent office again.

During the month of September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security focuses America's attention on disaster preparedness with "National Preparedness Month." Officials want citizens to "prepare, plan, and stay informed" and encourage you to develop an emergency plan for your home, family, and business. For your business, you can learn more at http://www.ready.gov/business/index.html. You'll find some helpful tips and suggestions, as well as a number of free downloads to guide you through the planning process.

A few things to think about as you plan:

• Do you have an inventory of your office assets – furniture, equipment, software, etc.?
• Is your insurance up-to-date and adequate coverage?
• Do you have important papers in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe?
• Are you faithfully creating back-ups of your computer files?
• Do you have someone else as a "back-up" to help you communicate with your clients and temporarily fill-in for you?

My thoughts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Gustav!