We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. -- Aristotle
Second Six Months of 2010
Yes, the year is marching on and the economy appears to be improving. As with the last two recessions, the old way to do things did change. Right now, the whole "social media" thing is growing and many of us are scratching our heads saying "Is this for me?" and "Will it waste my time?"
I'm one of the first to admit that I'm not an expert, but I do know that I've met new people and actually have closed some business because I had a presence on Linkedin. How did that happen? Just by being social. You know how to do it at a meeting - you make small talk, you ask about what others are interested in and you research people you'd like to meet. A good social person will remember and look for ways to help others - all that simple stuff we have been doing for years. Now it is just digital.
What I've learned so far:
1. Linkedin is very professional: this gives others a strong view of your talents AND you can GIVE and GET recommendations.
2. Facebook is informal and more personal: connecting with friends and family is a great way to start.
3. Twitter is something I'm still trying to figure out - just seems so ephemeral. Although tweets about tornado warnings are important in Northwest Ohio.
So, if you are going to venture in to social media:
1. Take a class and learn what parts will work for you and your business;
2. Plan how much time you will spend per week/day and stick to it.
3. Remember to treat your social media interactions like a live networking meeting - You wouldn't walk up to someone and say "Hi, my name is Linda and would you like to buy a washer machine today?" It doesn't work in person and it doesn't work online!
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Changing-Lanes-LLC/134429606419?ref=sgm
http://www.linkedin.com/in/changinglanes
How do you respond to recurring patterns?
Awakened entrepreneurs notice their reaction to the recurring patterns in their life and business. Is there something going on in your business and you think, “Why does that keep happening to me?” It could be product returns or clients that don’t take the next step with you. The conscious entrepreneur notices the pattern, seeks to understand it and then takes responsibility for making changes to correct the issue.
In contrast, the unaware entrepreneur makes excuses – they suffer from what Dr. David Schwartz calls “excusitis.” They blame things outside of themselves for the results they are getting. Their subconscious mental process may go something like this:
“I’m not doing as well as I think I could. What can I use as an excuse so I am not humiliated? Let’s see: the economy, my location, the irrationality of my customers, my age, bad luck.”
Each time the victim makes the excuse to someone, it becomes more and more embedded in their subconscious until they actually believe it. Don’t let that happen to you. Notice when you are making excuses and take any actions you can to change your situation.
Sustainable success comes to those who take responsibility for the detrimental recurring patterns in their business and take actions to positively affect their results.
Copyright 2010 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.momsoutsmartingobesity.com/
http://www.choosesuccessbook.com/
419-344-6613
