Welcome to 2012! "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." --Michael Jordan. January Theme: The 5 Priorities of Business: Principles - Prepare/Plan - Product - People - Profit. You are Your Values Business Principles are built on core values of you and your business.  Principles Defined: Fundamental, norms, rules, values that represent what is desirable and positive for an organization. Principles are basic, change rarely and govern your policies, goals and outcomes. Core Values Defined: The principles that internally guide an organizations conduct as well as its relationship with the external world. The core values your organization and its key people subscribe to define its character and the substance of your business, management, operations, products and services. To get started on your business principles, as an owner, you want to be clear what values you as an individual personally hold. When you are a customer, what makes you happy? What drives you crazy? When you are a subordinate, What is helpful? What leads to confusion? When you are with peers or friends, What do you expect others to believe about you? What will you not tolerate? When you are with your family, What are your dreams? What are your concerns? Defining your business principles starts with you and is the heart of who you are. Now, verbalizing these will lead to being able to develop and share yours with your team and build the principles your business will hold dear. Get your ideas flowing by checking out Samples: Zappos.com is more than create fun and a little weirdness Whole Foods Google Amazon believes in being frugal  IBM had a value jam last summer where they invited all their employees to share what they valued. Mystic Madness has set up a collection of 20 examples of idea starters for core values.  The principles that you live by in all parts of your life and business will be the values you share with your team. You may not achieve them 100% every day, but voicing them and giving life to them will enhance all you do in 2012! Linda Lucas Fayerweather www.ChangingLanes.biz  419-897-0528 linda@changinglanes.biz Consider working with a coach or a MasterMind Team to make 2012 the year of your dreams! Instilling Your Business Principles into Your Staff Getting your staff to care about your business core values or principles is a huge step towards success. Think of your business as an athletic team, every player must be running the same play and want to obtain the same goal. One bad player can throw an entire team astray. Think about what you want your team to do and how their skills can get your business to where it needs to be. Practice positive reinforcement: Are you giving positive reinforcement? Or just reprimanding them for little mistakes? If an employee makes a small mistake take her aside and talk about how to avoid the mistake in the future. You have to remember that your staff is human too and when under duress mistakes tend to happen more often. Share your Core Values to help employees build the your business principles: How are you getting there? How will your staff help you achieve these goals? Don't just tell your team what you want, help them understand and give input into your business values and principles Print your Core Values and POST them. Seeing the post everyday will remind you and  your players that they helped bring these principles to life and at the same time, give a sense of pride in their team. Tiffiny Fayerweather tiffiny.fayerweather@gmail.com Your Principles on the Internet Over the next few weeks I'll be talking about the core structure of a business broken down into the 5 P's, in order, Principles, Prepare/planning, Product, People, and Profit. If you miss one of these P's or don't give it enough time of day your business will have a difficult time succeeding. This week I'm talking about Principles, specifically how your Principles translate over to the Internet. Your Principles are your values, your standards, your fundamentals, your laws, your rules. They define you but more importantly they should be ingrained into your business and define your business and everything it stands for on every level. They should be well thought out come from your core, not forced, backed up by integrity, and never be compromised. Lastly your principles should serve your customers first then you. But how can your principles translate over to the Internet? Will it actually matter? Yes, it matters. It should actually matter even more. The Internet is not just a group of people doing things in a virtual world, making up web sites, selling goods/services, forums, and email. Yes, you can connect to people over the Internet but The Internet is a living creature. It is an abstract entity with feelings and is overly judgmental. If your principles are questionable, the Internet won't take mercy on you. It will chew you up no matter how big or small. The Internet is the gateway to the world and what you show the world better be good because it is out there FOREVER. It use to be if someone did you wrong who could you tell? Your friends and Family? Your neighbors? "Oh, don't shop there, they treated me terribly." You had no real voice and there was little recourse for the company who wronged you. Now, you can tell the world, NO, the Internet, and if the Internet cares it will back you up. For examples of this do a Google search for the following "Jeff Jarvis Dell Hell", "GoDaddy SOPA", or "Ocean Marketing Penny Arcade" In a day the Internet can make you rich. In an instant the Internet can ruin your life. Your values, your principles, and everything you and your business stands for will be tested constantly. If you don't have a clear message with what you stand for and the exhibit that message through your actions online and offline, there is no reason for anyone to trust you, no reason for anyone to want to do business with you, and no reason not to destroy you. But the Internet isn't all bad. It is actually a wonderful place that has changed the world for the better. It has given any one with a computer and an Internet connection access to the world. It has help companies be better and in some cases forced companies to be better. It has helped over throw dictatorships. It has help people stay connected. And so much more. All because the Internet acts like a watchful eye. That watchful eye wants to know where you stand. Does your business have good intentions? Does your business listen to its customers? What does your business do when faced with a bad review? How does your business stand up against your competitors? These are all questions your principles should answer. For my final thoughts, if your principles are tried and true the Internet can be a powerful ally and can help you achieve your goals and dreams you didn't even think were possible. But don't think for a second just because you can't see the people on the other end, it doesn't mean there aren't people and that they don't have a voice. -- Jeff Mendelsohn Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC www.liquidmechanix.com 419.297.3364

January Workshops! One Year Action Plan for Success Date: January 11, 2012 Details: One Year Action Plan for Success - Planning that works for you and your team On Location: Bowling Green State University at Levis Commons Day One - January 11 8:30-4:30 Day Two - January 25 8:30 - Noon Cost: $249 with online registration ($299 at the door) - Bring your partner for an extra $90. Registration Here Building a Thriving Business for Your Future Date: January 25, 2012 Details: Building a Thriving Business for Your Future - Learn the 7 Tips to build a business that will Thrive with or without you. On Location: Bowling Green State University Perrysburg Campus at Levis Commons Cost $69 (additional partners $20 each) January 25, Wednesday 1:30 - 5PM Registration Here

Backup and New Computer - Part 2

November is Technology Month at Changing Lanes

Back Up Options

Imagine you just had a wonderful weekend and sneak into the office to finish a project early Monday morning. You open the door and surprise, mayhem has beat you to work:

            a) Your office has burned to the ground; or

            b) Your office has been broken into and your computer work station is missing; or

            c) Your computer is dead, just won't come to life; or

            d) Your hard drive is missing or destroyed.  

While all of these are sound fictional, somewhere these happen to companies every day. Getting back to work will take time; keeping your data safe is one you can manage. 

When I talk about taxing issues, the IRS uses the words "exclusively and regularly" to allow business use of the home. The word regularly refers to more frequently than occasionally and that is what I often see people do - backup occasionally.  

Here are some ideas to keep your data safe and secure regularly:

1. CVD/CD/Blu-ray are a static method of storage and each DVD can hold about 8.5GB. This requires someone to sit and manage this by putting the discs in and out of the machine. Very good option for media (music, audible books) that doesn't change but you want to save. Just make sure you take the time to label the discs as this will save you time in the future.
2. Flash Drives have been available for a long time and both Sandisk and CES have ones that actually have a button and software that will allow you to auto back up. The 32GB is now averaging $50. Easy to configure and slips in your pocket for offsite storage. How to back up to a flash drive
3. Online file storage solutions are becoming more popular. Mozy and Dropbox are two places for individuals and small businesses. Dropbox starts with a 2-GB storage, free. To store up to 50GB, will cost you $9.99/month. Many ways to tweak this will help keep your data safe, offsite and up to date. Some restrictions on files and file size but very useful for most office files and a couple hundred photos. Others include Carbonite, Crashplan and Jungle disk. Online tools
4. External hard drives with backup software. LaCie and Seagate are popular external drives and supporting software like Acronis True Image, Time Machine or the Windows backup tool available on Windows machines are all affordable. On the External Drive, don't skimp on space - think lots of gigabytes (GB).
5. Network Attached Storage (NAS device) is a freestanding device separate from your computer and can be accessed by other computers in your office.  You will most likely want to have a professional set this up for your office.

If you have mission critical data, you would be best to talk to a professional to help you set up the system; monitor the system, and keep your data safe. Having a plan that fits your lifestyle is the key to regularly keeping mayhem out of your office.  

Linda Fayerweather MBA EA

419.897.0528

Linda@ChangingLanes.biz 

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Changing Lanes LLC 

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Right Computer for the Right Job - Part 2

Last week I shared a story about a client of mine who's outdated and slow computers for his front office staff were actually costing him over 25 hours a month of lost work time. But would upgrading to new computers actually cut down on lost time?
  

Yes, but only if you buy the right computer for the job. The problem with my client is that he bought very basic business computers. He didn't think about what those computers would be used for and at the time, it was all he could afford. Unfortunately the computers became obsolete faster than his growing business and ever since have been costing him money in the way of lost time.

 So how do you pick out the right computer? Before even looking at computers the first step is to write down exactly what you out of a computer. Let's use my client for example. He needs two types of computers. 1) One type for his data entry employees and 2) One type for his marketing employee.

 For the data entry computers, those are pretty straight forward. 

• Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7.
• A good CPU and enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest data entry/office software for at least the next three years.
• 19" monitor but preferably 21" or 22".
• Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive OR an eSata port.

Now lets look at the wish list for the marketing computer.Latest Operating System: In this case Windows 7.

• Dual Monitors to increase work space and productivity.
• Working with large file graphic design, needs to store and open large files.
• Will do some light video editing.
• A good CPU that can process graphics and video editing efficiently for at least the next three years.
• Enough Ram to run Windows 7 and the latest Graphic and Video Software with the ability to upgrade to more Ram.
• Enough USB ports for an external hard drive (for backups), mouse, keyboard, and flash drive.
• eStata port for external hard drive to store video.

As you can see the marketing computer has a few more requirements than the data entry computers. But how can we translate those requirements to an actual computer? Next week from these wish lists we will design a computer for a the data entry computers and the marketing computers.
 

Copyright 2011 Jeff Mendelsohn
Liquid Mechanix Studio, LLC
 www.liquidmechanix.com
419.297.3364 

Get Ready for 2011

Let's go on a trip. . .a trip to 2011! As a business owner, think of this as taking a vacation WITH your business. If I am going on vacation, I would first look in my past and answer some specific questions about that vacation. What was fun? What didn't exceed my expectations? Was the airline great? Was the hotel chain one I'd use again? Getting ready for 2011 with your business means looking back at 2010 and asking some thoughtful questions.

1. What worked great in 2010? What did you learn new about your business? What big WOW did you have? What inspired you about your business? Was there a book or author that really made you think about the future of your business?

2. What didn't work well in 2010? Were you less profitable because expenses were up? Or sales were down? or a combination of both? What customers were NOT profitable?

3. What is changing in your industry? What are your colleagues doing or not doing differently? What is new in your industry or on the horizon? Jack Welch noted that at GE, 50% of all product and service sales come from business that did not exist five years before -- how current are your offerings?

4. What is changing in your business? Are there opportunities in your local market, in your business? Are you maximizing all your internal potential?

If this sounds a lot like SWOT analysis, it is and should be done at least once a year - Make 2011 awesome by planning to NOT repeat what didn't work in 2010.

"Getting ready" is something that athletes understand because if you are not ready, life just rushes past you. To help business owners "get ready" and stay on track, Changing Lanes LLC is starting TODAY and on the First Monday of each month a business Chat on Facebook for those that choose to "Like" Changing Lanes LLC.

Noon to 1PM EST - First Monday - Join me today! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/Changinglanesllc  and "Like"

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
Consider working with a coach or a MasterMind Team to make 2011 the year of your dreams!

Dream Big, Take Small Steps
December is the perfect time to consider your goals for the next year. In between servicing your clients/customers, closing your books, and enjoying the holiday, take some time to contemplate the upcoming year.
• What do you want to accomplish?
• What do you want your business to look like next December?
• What one thing that you have control over could change or shift and make a huge impact on your business?

Once you've spent some time with these questions, begin to formulate your goals and intentions for 2011. Dream big! That reminds me of Les Brown's quote: "Reach for the moon; even if you miss, you'll be among the stars."

Many of us are afraid to dream big. Here's why and what to do about it:
1. Those big dreams bring up our doubts and insecurities. Many of our limiting thoughts, such as, "who am I?", "why would I think that's going to happen to me?" show up. That's just fear talking! Big dreams always us the opportunity to push through our fears and expand what we believe is possible.
2. We wonder HOW we could pull it off! Don't worry about the how. Instead create a plan. Take Linda's One Page Plan for Success workshop and you'll learn how to create projects with small action steps. Those small steps are all you need to focus on. As you complete those small steps, with the big dream in mind, you might be inspired with new actions to take. Repeat! Before you know it, the path to the big dream will begin to take shape.
3. We aren't totally committed to our goals. Sure, we've all heard that the truly successful people write out their goals and review them throughout the year, but that's not how some of us operate. Instead, we write out our goals and never think about them again. Or worse yet, we keep changing what we are dreaming about, so nothing ever gets accomplished! Are you passionate about your big dream? Are you excited when you think about accomplishing that this year? If so, then find a way to hold yourself accountable, all throughout the year, to take the necessary action steps, so you don't fall into bad habits like procrastination, analysis/paralysis or distraction (chasing after another dream). Some ways to stay accountable are to find some accountability partners, perhaps join a mastermind group or hire a coach, or create a way of holding yourself accountable using a tracking system.

Enjoy dreaming!

Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
419-344-6613



Business Planning for the Growing Business
Business Planning is not Just for Startups. In fact, most major corporations have a plan and it is written! It has Goals that are used to keep shareholders informed.

Join, Linda Fayerweather on December 15, 4-5PM on a live webinar for tips and tricks to get a plan in place for 2011. You will Learn:
• How to use a SWOT analysis to build a plan;
• What a plan must have - any plan - personal, business, marketing, strategic;
• Keys to a successful goal.

If you are interested - Like http://www.facebook.com/Changinglanesllc and check out the events for details - This is a free event.

What you Want and Personal Economy

"Look for ways to continually improve. If you’re not getting better, you’re probably getting worse.” --Karen Kerrigan

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What do you Really Want?
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This Saturday my Husband and I ventured into the shopping fray. We stopped and enjoyed a cup of strong coffee and talked about what we wanted to get others for gifts. We both agreed that giving required really thinking about the person and what they may or may not want or appreciate. From this conversation it is easy to start thinking about the things we want in our own lives.

Often we want something ABOUT what we want, rather than the object itself. For example, we can't all be ballet dancers, yet we could bring more beauty and grace into our life. Try this exercise from Dr. Phil McGraw:

1. What do you want in life?
2. What must you do to get it?
3. How will you feel when you get what you want?

Use the answer to 3. to start over, putting it as the next number 1.

EXAMPLE:
1. I want a red sports car.
2. I must save a lot of money to get one.
3. I will feel special when I’m driving in it. So, this answer becomes your new #
3 --> 1. I want to feel special.
2. I must set myself apart to get it.
3. I will feel exceptional. - What you want is

3 --> 1. I want to be exceptional.
2. I must be a master at what I do.
3. I will feel like I made a difference.

What you really want is not the car, but to make a difference. You can keep this up until real clarity
unfolds, or stop here and seek “What you must do” to make a difference. As you wind down 2009, think about what you want for your business in 2010. . . what you really want!
As you wind down 2009, think about what you want for your business in 2010. . . what you really want!


With a short work week ahead, feeling complete by Thrusday may require a plan. Try this Weekly Plan to get your thoughts together to acheive a restful holiday.

Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/

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Focus On Your Personal Economy (Energy)
====================================
You are in control of your choices! That’s hard to remember sometimes especially with the current state of the economy. What follows are 5 steps you can take over the coming weeks to jump-start your personal economy - your health, happiness and success and start the New Year with a bang!

Step #1
Make healthy food choices at each meal.
Instead of cutting things out of your diet, try the flipside of the equation and add fruits and/or vegetables to every meal you eat.

Step #2
Exercise daily!
Take at least 30 minutes every day to get your heart rate up a little and get moving! You pick – it could be walking, riding a bike, roller blading, running, dancing or even playing with your wii (they are cheaper than ever this year).

Step #3
Minimize negativity in your life.
Quit watching the news or listening to idle gossip! Be observant during the day and find ways to reduce the negatives wherever you can.

Step #4
Do what makes your heart sing!
Find some time every day to do something that is the answer to this question – “In my picture perfect life, I am …”

Step #5
Be thankful all day long.
Three times a day, morning, noon and night, say out-loud and with feeling behind it. “I am so very thankful for…” and then mention something very specific.

Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/

A Free Copy of Think And Grow Rich! The Best-Selling Success Book of All Time http://www.FreeTGRbook.com/ChangingLanes  Vic Johnson, wants to give you a free copy of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill! It is one of my personal favorites and one I give to college granulates. It is one of the few books I reread on a regular basis and still find new thoughts. Think and Grow Rich has been responsible for more self- made success stories than any book I know.