Posted by Marie on December 30, 2011
Previously:
The last three days have been pretty active. Today, let’s sit and dream a while.
Imagine your perfect business year. What happens? What are you doing? What is your company like? What does your company feel like?
Let’s wallow in that for a bit, shall we?
From that vision, can you draw three big-picture goals? A goal has three requirements that makes it different from a mere wish.
- A goal is measurable. You know if you have completed it or not.
- A goal is time specific. There are deadlines.
- A goal is achievable through incremental steps.
Stating good goals is harder than it seems but once you get there, you will have a prioritization plan for the year. Those goals can drive your decision-making. You’ll just keep asking, “Does this take me one step closer or one step farther away from my reaching my goal?” If the work is put in ahead of time, it’s amazing how easily the day-to-day, nitpicky details tend to fall into place.
Now picture yourself at the end of 2012 and feel the glow of your accomplishments. It can definitely be.
Happy year’s end, everyone! And all the best for the next one!
Posted by Marie on December 27, 2011
Are you back at work and surfing the ‘net right now? It doesn’t matter if you are employed or self-employed; this tends to be a slower week for everyone. It takes the most motivated of small business owners to keep pushing through this last week of the year.
But if you have to be at work, or at least want to feel like you are at work, how about being productive without really doing what you do?
For example, how often have you felt frustrated at losing something important at a critical time this past year? How many times have you wished that thing out of your way?
It’s no surprise that clutter makes us feel anxious and disorganization causes stress. So right now, while the phones are not ringing and your inbox isn’t refreshing constantly, why not take the the time to physically rearrange your space?
- If you haven’t used it in two years, then you don’t need it. This is true of everything from a color scanner to the pens in your cup. Put them in the donate pile.
- Fix your ergonomics by raising your monitor, getting a mouse that fits your hand, and upgrading or modifying your chair. A pillow behind your back or a box under your feet works wonders.
- File your paperwork. Yes, it must be done, and you can make a big dent in it all by doing a big chunk all at once. Take rests as you need and put on some fun music.
If you feel like you can do with a second pair of eyes, please give me a call. You can even send me a picture. I would be happy to send along some suggestions.
You will feel so much better with cleaned surface areas. A comfortable space allows for greater energy and optimism. Hey, 2012 is going to be a great year! Let’s prepare to meet it.
Tomorrow, clean up your tech.
Posted by Marie on September 15, 2011
As of today, Detour Services has been in business for three whole years! To commemorate this success and my own personal growth, I am taking on the title of Small Business Specialist and adding, on an official level, small business consulting to Detour’s offerings.
When I come on board, it is rare that the scope of my work remains only on the initial project. Usually, I become a sounding board and a discussion partner.
Running a small business can be an isolating endeavor. Oh, sure, the resources are out there, but the time to access them may not be. Trustworthy peers can also be hard to find.
In these instances, someone like me, a fellow small business owner and someone with experience in a wide variety of fields and tasks, can be so valuable. Why not give me a call to see what I can offer?
Posted by Marie on September 12, 2011
Being the boss may be great, but… Bosses miss things.
Make sure your staff is not afraid to point out mistakes and offer solutions. Every boss will do better with back-up and another working mind.
Capable assistance is an asset and the cultivation of this relationship is absolutely worth it. It may appear to be a waste of time and money to not simply do things your way, but over the long run, a team on your side will catch those huge problems before they occur.
Posted by Marie on May 31, 2011
It happens to the best of us. We resolve that expenses will get entered as they occur this year. This year, we’re going to stay on top of things.
And then one day we turn around… Man! Where did that pile of receipts and statements come from?
And perhaps the more important question is: How long will it take before the whole mess is cleared out?
Wouldn’t you love to drop it off somewhere, and it all comes back organized and in order? And perhaps someone could even put it into your company’s books for you?
Ah, but the dream is at hand. Why not give me a call at the Detour Services office? I am an Intuit certified QuickBooks User. Microsoft Excel is my favorite of the MS Office programs, and I really do enjoy putting things in order. I can help you keep your business resolutions.
