"The Calendar is a very arbitrary thing." ~C. C. Chapman
The 3 Words for 2011
Each year, Chris Brogan, a consultant and speaker to the Fortune 100, co-author of Trust Agents and a featured monthly columnist in Entrepreneur Magazine states his three words for the coming year.
The three words idea is designed so you can have something easy to reflect upon and point you in the direction your goals are driving you - much like a lighthouse or compass. As you know, goals are SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) and sometimes not as memorable as we would like - that is why we write them down! The way you use the two together will remind you of the path to achieve the goal and these simple words will help you get back on path.
For instance, one of my words is "implement" and this relates to several projects of 2010 that now need finished workbooks, scheduled webinars, and marketing activities - basically, I need to get busy implementing at many levels. If I get distracted by something "shiny and new" my word "implement" will remind me of my desired outcomes for 2011 related to product development. I keep my three words visible - on my monitor and in my planner.
Now, since a calendar is an arbitrary thing, I am throwing down the challenge to you:
What are your three words that will help you achieve your desired outcomes by 11-11-11? I know, November 11th is not the end of the year, but it is such a fun, auspicious number, I'm using it as my year end date!
What are the three words to drive your 2011 goals???
Copyright 2011 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA 2011 3 words - Implement-Lead-Relax
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
Consider working with a coach or a MasterMind Team to make 2011 the year of your dreams!
SEE BELOW: Two Workshops below to get your year off to a great start!
Accountability and Using Outlook to keep on track - short and free
Small Business Marketing Nuts and Bolts for 2011 - Day workshop in Northwest Ohio
How to Hire a Freelance Designer or Copywriter
Hiring a creative person is different than hiring a standard employee. Why? Because you're hiring that person's style rather than a skills list. Below is a quick list of things you should keep in mind when you're farming out your creative work:
1) Have a plan - what are you specifically looking to do? How quickly do you need it done? How much are you willing to pay? Do you want a seasoned professional or someone out of school?
2) Do your research - There are plenty of copywriters and designers out there - some in your town, some out of state/country, depending upon your budget. Know what the going rates are before you start making your inquiries and if possible get a referral from a reliable source.
3) Know the boundaries - Don't expect the freelancer to work in your office and follow your dress code, office lunch hours, etc. This person is not an employee. Today's technology allows us 24/7 access to email so save yourself some money by doing things electronically. (No face-to-face meetings for which you could be charged travel time in addition to meeting time.)
4) Check credentials - Do NOT buy creative services based on price. You'll be sorry you did. You'll rack up additional hours in "learning curves" if you're working with a newbie. Invite each prospective contractor into your office to review his or her portfolio. This way you'll "see" what they do. If you're outsourcing a brochure, make sure there are brochure materials in the portfolio. Ask the person what their role was in the creation of the piece. You'll want to work with someone who's taken the project from start-to-finish.
5) Put it in writing - Freelancers usually have their own contracts, if they don't here's a link to creating a simple contract that will ensure that you and the freelancer are on the same page before the project starts. http://advertising.about.com/library/graphics/contract.gif
Copyright 2011 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
http://www.marketinginabox.biz/
Small Business Marketing Nuts & Bolts
This One Day Seminar is designed to give you the tools to get your 2011 marketing plan on the fast track. You will learn how to:
• Create a Vision for your business
• Develop a Markeing Hourglass
• Use Social Media for Business
• Close more Sales
• Work your network and stay in touch with your clients and prospects.
Meet your Faculty: Patrick Giammarco, Allen Mireles, Todd Pillars, Jeff Winke, and Linda Fayerweather
Date: January 15 - 8:30AM - 2:30PM - Saturday
Location: Stautzenberger College, 1796 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee OH
Price: $97
Registion: http://ezregister.com/events/2152
Accountability with MS Outlook
Planning Needs Accountability. Making Planning successful means being accountable but how do you do that yourself. Short of paying a coach or having your spouse nag you, you can train your MS Outlook to remind you.
This short webinar will walk you through how to use Outlook to set and manage your monthly projects. You will see examples from both Outlook and Google Calendar.
When: Tuesday, January 11 - 4:30-5PM
Location: Webinar via Go To Meeting
Price: FREE
Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1165940359
