Planning is Everywhere
Yes, it is Monday Morning, but think back to Saturday morning and waking up imagining all you are going to get done and how your day will be so productive. Now, come back to Monday Morning.
Did you get all you planned done?
Did you get some of what you wanted done?
Are you wondering where the weekend went?
In my gardening world, I often call my work in the yard "project begetting". One project or job can't be started until another is completed and starting one task sometimes leads to other side jobs that will be nice. Oh yes, and then I need to take a trip to the hardware store for something I'm missing. . . and it goes on and on. Overall I don't mind when it comes to gardening because it is my hobby and it usually doesn't have a "to be finished by date". Come to think of it, I know my garden won't be done until my ashes are recycled in the yard.
The work of business is filled with life happening, chaos reigning and tomorrows becoming yesterdays at an accelerating pace. That said, the businesses that will be great are those that get comfortable, very comfortable with planning. If you hear yourself saying "I'll get to that" or "first I have to do. . .", realize you are experiencing project begetting. Planning is the key to managing this syndrome.
We need to approach all the work of business as not just a task or project, but as aligned to our goals. If what you are doing right now does not support your goals why are you doing it?
Getting your plan on paper starts the process and then we
Implement
Check
Review
Correct
Repeat!
If you want to be gainfully moving forward, get a plan aligned with your goals! Don't know where to start? Give me a call and I'll help you design the plan of your dreams.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Tax Thoughts to Give You A Chuckle
February is here, so your mailbox should be stuffed with the various W2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other paperwork you'll need to complete your taxes. Gathering that information isn't much fun, so here's a collection of tax quotes to brighten your day.
"Worried about an IRS audit? Avoid what's called a red flag. That's something the IRS always looks for. For example, let's say you have some money left in your bank account after paying taxes. That's a red flag."
Jay Leno
"The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
Mark Twain
"The difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets."
Will Rogers
"Two years ago it was impossible to get through on the phone to the IRS. Now it's just hard to get through. That's progress."
Charles Rossotti (former IRS Commissioner)
" A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."
G. Gordon Liddy
"Day in and day out, your tax accountant can make or lose you more money than any single person in your life, with the possible exception of your kids."
Harvey Mackay
"If you get up early, work late, and pay your taxes, you will get ahead - if you strike oil."
J. Paul Getty
"If you are truly serious about preparing your child for the future, don't teach him to subtract - teach him to deduct."
Fran Lebowitz
"Our party has been accused of fooling the public by calling tax increases 'revenue enhancement'. Not so. No one was fooled."
Dan Quayle
"The question is: What can we, as citizens, do to reform our tax system? As you know, under our three-branch system of government, the tax laws are created by: Satan. But he works through the Congress, so that's where we must focus our efforts."
Dave Barry
"I wouldn't mind paying taxes... if I knew they were going to a friendly country."
Dick Gregory
We hope you enjoyed these quotes. But please remember this: there's nothing funny about paying taxes you don't legally have to pay. If you're looking for a plan to pay less tax, call us today!
Copyright 2010
Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
Recycling & Being
Recycling - the Sault Way - Part 2
This week we are back at Sault Sainte Maria with Jim and Charla my gurus of Recycling.
Question: What do you mean when you say "Think beyond the Recycling Center for recycling and the office".
Jim: So many people now are recycling regularly at the curbside with the help of their municipality or trash collection service. Every little bit helps but sometimes, you can "repurpose" things.
Charla: Often we start by thinking about taking things to Goodwill, Savers or Salvation Army. This is a great way to get usable clothing and household goods to others. (Plus, if you get a reciept you may take a tax deduction-Linda).
Here are some of the creative ways we keep things out of both the trash AND recycle bin.
Charla's Favorites:
When we sort through our mail we share all our mail flyers, unused return envelopes and postcards with staff at the Cooperative Nursery School so that they can use them when the children play as mail carriers.
If you receive promotional calendars, note cards, or note pads share them with your local senior citizens center so they can give them to their elders who cannot afford them.
Use old 3-ring binders to keep projects organized, or last year's receipts. There is no need to go buy a new one for each new project. Same goes for file folders - most can be reused multiple times.
Toner cartridges from copiers are often collected by non-profit groups to raise revenue. Start a collection box and find a recipient. In our area the local hospice accepts them.
Jim's favorites are uses that go beyond the office and then some.
Old newspapers can be used for mulching in your garden beds. They work better at retaining water, suppressing weeds and breaking down; landscape fabric that you purchase never breaks down. Caution: This process take a long time because of all the news articles you did not read the first time!
Old bowling balls, vases, chipped tea pots, other treasured but odd office heirlooms can be used for art in the garden. If you don't believe us, check out Linda's garden - that orb covered with shiny pennies is Pop Pop's old bowling ball!
Old clothing can be stripped out and have all the buttons and zippers removed to be sold to painters or auto mechanics for rags or given to artists who make old time rag rugs. Do you have old wool sweaters? Other artists boil them and make mittens!
Shredded paper may be used by pet owners for bedding for their iguana, hamster, or even in the dairy barn. Then after it is used that second time it can be composted. What a great use for old legal documents!
Rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and hogs, are composters' best friends. These animals are a great step between your kitchen sink and the compost pile.
Composting at work is similar to doing it at home: it has to be easy, you need a container that is cleaned out often and does not smell. It takes a dedicated employee to keep it going. One place I know has a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and it is emptied nightly. Details on management of your urban compost pile can be found under "backyard composting", again from your favorite search engine. It is important to have a balance of food scraps and shredded paper to keep the smell down. Compost is like a good wine, the older it gets, the better it is for your plants.
We are exploring the idea of under the sink worm culture at work. Google "worms eat my garbage" for details.
If you would like to share your favorite recycling program, please send me an email and we will post them on the website - linda@changinglanes.biz.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Who are you BEING?
Have you noticed your state of BEING lately? Are you happy, healthy, financially free, and peaceful, or are you sad, depressed, financially strapped and angry? Have you even noticed your state of being?
Most people are so busy with the "doing" of their life that they don't even give their state of BEING a second thought. When you consciously choose your BEING, you give your life purpose and direction.
Choosing your BEING is just like incorporating a value into your life.
First, consciously choose the state of BEING you desire. For example, let's say you choose to be prosperous, abundant, successful or financially free; describe it in the way that feels right to you.
Second, determine why this is important to you. If you lived the rest of your life in the state of BEING prosperous what would that mean to you? Is there something about being financially free that you believe is significant to the quality of your life? If you don't have a compelling reason for your choice of BEING, it will be difficult for you consistently act upon your choice.
Which brings me to the third component of this process - consciously making choices based upon the state of BEING you've chosen. For example, if you want to be financially free, you might have to give up instant gratification spending decisions.
When you've chosen a state of BEING, you are motivated to take new and different actions from an entirely different state and you most likely won't even miss those impulse purchases. Before you know it, your new actions will be incorporated into your life in a way that will be so important to you that you won't be willing to give them up.
Spend some time consciously incorporating the state of BEING you desire and you'll find your life will unfold exactly as you desire.
Copyright 2010 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
This week we are back at Sault Sainte Maria with Jim and Charla my gurus of Recycling.
Question: What do you mean when you say "Think beyond the Recycling Center for recycling and the office".
Jim: So many people now are recycling regularly at the curbside with the help of their municipality or trash collection service. Every little bit helps but sometimes, you can "repurpose" things.
Charla: Often we start by thinking about taking things to Goodwill, Savers or Salvation Army. This is a great way to get usable clothing and household goods to others. (Plus, if you get a reciept you may take a tax deduction-Linda).
Here are some of the creative ways we keep things out of both the trash AND recycle bin.
Charla's Favorites:
When we sort through our mail we share all our mail flyers, unused return envelopes and postcards with staff at the Cooperative Nursery School so that they can use them when the children play as mail carriers.
If you receive promotional calendars, note cards, or note pads share them with your local senior citizens center so they can give them to their elders who cannot afford them.
Use old 3-ring binders to keep projects organized, or last year's receipts. There is no need to go buy a new one for each new project. Same goes for file folders - most can be reused multiple times.
Toner cartridges from copiers are often collected by non-profit groups to raise revenue. Start a collection box and find a recipient. In our area the local hospice accepts them.
Jim's favorites are uses that go beyond the office and then some.
Old newspapers can be used for mulching in your garden beds. They work better at retaining water, suppressing weeds and breaking down; landscape fabric that you purchase never breaks down. Caution: This process take a long time because of all the news articles you did not read the first time!
Old bowling balls, vases, chipped tea pots, other treasured but odd office heirlooms can be used for art in the garden. If you don't believe us, check out Linda's garden - that orb covered with shiny pennies is Pop Pop's old bowling ball!
Old clothing can be stripped out and have all the buttons and zippers removed to be sold to painters or auto mechanics for rags or given to artists who make old time rag rugs. Do you have old wool sweaters? Other artists boil them and make mittens!
Shredded paper may be used by pet owners for bedding for their iguana, hamster, or even in the dairy barn. Then after it is used that second time it can be composted. What a great use for old legal documents!
Rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and hogs, are composters' best friends. These animals are a great step between your kitchen sink and the compost pile.
Composting at work is similar to doing it at home: it has to be easy, you need a container that is cleaned out often and does not smell. It takes a dedicated employee to keep it going. One place I know has a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and it is emptied nightly. Details on management of your urban compost pile can be found under "backyard composting", again from your favorite search engine. It is important to have a balance of food scraps and shredded paper to keep the smell down. Compost is like a good wine, the older it gets, the better it is for your plants.
We are exploring the idea of under the sink worm culture at work. Google "worms eat my garbage" for details.
If you would like to share your favorite recycling program, please send me an email and we will post them on the website - linda@changinglanes.biz.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Who are you BEING?
Have you noticed your state of BEING lately? Are you happy, healthy, financially free, and peaceful, or are you sad, depressed, financially strapped and angry? Have you even noticed your state of being?
Most people are so busy with the "doing" of their life that they don't even give their state of BEING a second thought. When you consciously choose your BEING, you give your life purpose and direction.
Choosing your BEING is just like incorporating a value into your life.
First, consciously choose the state of BEING you desire. For example, let's say you choose to be prosperous, abundant, successful or financially free; describe it in the way that feels right to you.
Second, determine why this is important to you. If you lived the rest of your life in the state of BEING prosperous what would that mean to you? Is there something about being financially free that you believe is significant to the quality of your life? If you don't have a compelling reason for your choice of BEING, it will be difficult for you consistently act upon your choice.
Which brings me to the third component of this process - consciously making choices based upon the state of BEING you've chosen. For example, if you want to be financially free, you might have to give up instant gratification spending decisions.
When you've chosen a state of BEING, you are motivated to take new and different actions from an entirely different state and you most likely won't even miss those impulse purchases. Before you know it, your new actions will be incorporated into your life in a way that will be so important to you that you won't be willing to give them up.
Spend some time consciously incorporating the state of BEING you desire and you'll find your life will unfold exactly as you desire.
Copyright 2010 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
Monday, February 01, 2010
Recycling and 10 "Don'ts" to Netwokring
Recycling - the Sault Way - Part 1
In 1972, I was the recycling captain of my apartment unit which amounted to taking sorted glass & newspapers monthly to a recycling station. Jim and Charla have made a commitment to the environment and have gone beyond just being a captain. Let me introduce you to the Queen of Recycling and the King of Composting who reside in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan. Charla Gordon (my sister-in-law) and Jim Lucas (my brother) are my heroes for recycling. In their quiet no nonsense way, they not only know what can be recycled, they practice it everywhere.
Q: How do you start recycling at work?
A: Charla - Recycling has to be a policy of your business, needs to be as easy as using the wastebasket, and it has to be encouraged from the top down. Some employees will have to be guided to learn that recycling is important and that it does not take any extra time.
Jim - Find a group or center that takes batteries, old computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. In our community Goodwill takes computers, printers and scanners.
Q. Even with a policy, how do you get everyone to participate?
A. Jim - Recycling has to be made convenient and it has to be visible for people to do it. If your business is not doing recycling at this time, take a few simple steps to get started. Set up your recycling areas in break rooms, offices, receiving areas and near the photocopy machine. Use totes, cardboard boxes or any other receptacles to collect recyclables.
Charla - When we were setting up recycling at the Nursery School, the parents were very willing to share their boxes with us. If you set up containers for cans/metal/glass, paperboard or cardboard, plastic, and paper that will probably cover material that most recycling centers take. The easier you make it, the more likely it will be followed. (Think lean - make the sorting part of the process especially if you live in an area where not everything is picked-up curbside - llf)
Q. How do you keep your staff motivated?
A: Jim - Find a motivated "believer" to put in charge of recycling - if your business is small enough one person can be in charge of taking totes to the recycling center - on your time, of course!
Next week - Thinking beyond the Recycling Center.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Jim Lucas - Composting King & Charla Gordon - Recycling Queen
Top 10 Ways to Lose Money in Networking Groups
#10 Sell Sell Sell every chance you get to every member of the group. Go for the transaction; never mind educating them and earning trust over time to gain access to the thousands of people in their network that may need your products and services.
# 9 Arrive late - They know that your time is far more important than theirs. Feel free to demonstrate just how busy you are by showing up late (or not at all) for other scheduled meetings with your fellow members. They will completely understand.
#8 Be absent - No need to show up. Your colleagues can just call you with referral information. It's not like you were gonna pass any referrals to them.
# 7 Don't invite guests - Just show up and meet the business professionals the other members successfully invite. Remember to sell to visitors too. As a matter of fact, include them in every mass email you send from now on...especially jokes and chain letters.
# 6 Air your grievances during open networking. Speaking negatively about your fellow members, their businesses and your networking organization will certainly inspire visitors to apply on the spot.
#5 Wing it. You can always think about what you're going to say while everyone else offers their 60 second presentations. You know all you need to know about them anyway.
#4 Schedule one to ones with everyone. You'll definitely increase your referrability by getting in front of as many people as possible and telling them everything you can about your favorite subject...YOU!
#3 Follow up is unnecessary. They trust you or they wouldn't have referred you. Right? It's not like they can offer you any advice on how to motivate a person from their network to purchase from you.
#2 Offer testimonials...that spotlight you. If you hadn't bought one of your fellow member's products or services they wouldn't have had the honor of selling to you. Go ahead. Toot your own horn!
And the #1 way to lose money in networking groups . . .
#1 Take that phone call or text message during a meeting. It's always impressive to see a business professional being ruled by their own office equipment and overbooked schedule. Show em' whose boss!
Copyright 2010 by Ivan Misner & Paula Frazier
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula's business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
"Helping people create Referrals For Life®"
In 1972, I was the recycling captain of my apartment unit which amounted to taking sorted glass & newspapers monthly to a recycling station. Jim and Charla have made a commitment to the environment and have gone beyond just being a captain. Let me introduce you to the Queen of Recycling and the King of Composting who reside in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan. Charla Gordon (my sister-in-law) and Jim Lucas (my brother) are my heroes for recycling. In their quiet no nonsense way, they not only know what can be recycled, they practice it everywhere.
Q: How do you start recycling at work?
A: Charla - Recycling has to be a policy of your business, needs to be as easy as using the wastebasket, and it has to be encouraged from the top down. Some employees will have to be guided to learn that recycling is important and that it does not take any extra time.
Jim - Find a group or center that takes batteries, old computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. In our community Goodwill takes computers, printers and scanners.
Q. Even with a policy, how do you get everyone to participate?
A. Jim - Recycling has to be made convenient and it has to be visible for people to do it. If your business is not doing recycling at this time, take a few simple steps to get started. Set up your recycling areas in break rooms, offices, receiving areas and near the photocopy machine. Use totes, cardboard boxes or any other receptacles to collect recyclables.
Charla - When we were setting up recycling at the Nursery School, the parents were very willing to share their boxes with us. If you set up containers for cans/metal/glass, paperboard or cardboard, plastic, and paper that will probably cover material that most recycling centers take. The easier you make it, the more likely it will be followed. (Think lean - make the sorting part of the process especially if you live in an area where not everything is picked-up curbside - llf)
Q. How do you keep your staff motivated?
A: Jim - Find a motivated "believer" to put in charge of recycling - if your business is small enough one person can be in charge of taking totes to the recycling center - on your time, of course!
Next week - Thinking beyond the Recycling Center.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Jim Lucas - Composting King & Charla Gordon - Recycling Queen
Top 10 Ways to Lose Money in Networking Groups
#10 Sell Sell Sell every chance you get to every member of the group. Go for the transaction; never mind educating them and earning trust over time to gain access to the thousands of people in their network that may need your products and services.
# 9 Arrive late - They know that your time is far more important than theirs. Feel free to demonstrate just how busy you are by showing up late (or not at all) for other scheduled meetings with your fellow members. They will completely understand.
#8 Be absent - No need to show up. Your colleagues can just call you with referral information. It's not like you were gonna pass any referrals to them.
# 7 Don't invite guests - Just show up and meet the business professionals the other members successfully invite. Remember to sell to visitors too. As a matter of fact, include them in every mass email you send from now on...especially jokes and chain letters.
# 6 Air your grievances during open networking. Speaking negatively about your fellow members, their businesses and your networking organization will certainly inspire visitors to apply on the spot.
#5 Wing it. You can always think about what you're going to say while everyone else offers their 60 second presentations. You know all you need to know about them anyway.
#4 Schedule one to ones with everyone. You'll definitely increase your referrability by getting in front of as many people as possible and telling them everything you can about your favorite subject...YOU!
#3 Follow up is unnecessary. They trust you or they wouldn't have referred you. Right? It's not like they can offer you any advice on how to motivate a person from their network to purchase from you.
#2 Offer testimonials...that spotlight you. If you hadn't bought one of your fellow member's products or services they wouldn't have had the honor of selling to you. Go ahead. Toot your own horn!
And the #1 way to lose money in networking groups . . .
#1 Take that phone call or text message during a meeting. It's always impressive to see a business professional being ruled by their own office equipment and overbooked schedule. Show em' whose boss!
Copyright 2010 by Ivan Misner & Paula Frazier
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula's business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
"Helping people create Referrals For Life®"
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