Goals are Great ...but remember to live in the 'now' !

As December starts with an Artic Blast the Smith family have been busy playing in the snow! I really enjoy this weather and get out snowboards and sledges as quickly as possible! These are special family moments and make all the work that we do during the year on the business worth while.

To be able to take my children down to school on the sledge and pick them up at the end of the day to go onto the snowy hill is definitely a benefit of a home based business. We also miss out on the long delays and traffic jams.

It is important to get the balance right when combining your day job with your part time business. Consistency is key to your success. Try to do something on the business and work towards your goals each day. Goals are great. Short term, medium and long term goals help you to remain focused on the business when things get busy. However it is also so important to live in the 'now' and have fun! Children grow up fast and these are special times with them. If your too busy planning for the future, however important that is, they will grow up and be gone before you realise it!

Give us a call to discuss any issues about starting a part time business and we will give you impartial advice on how to be successful and 'get the balance right'!

Enjoy the SNOW!

Mahalo

Jon and B'

Keeping solutions, simple.

Be Prepared - things can catch you out!

This happens every time we get to the seaside! Standing on the beach watching the waves when suddenly one comes in quickly and catches you out! As you set up your business and start to connect with people make sure that you are ready for the unexpected.

Quite often you can get so busy checking that everything is in place with your systems and that you have made regular contact with your new team members etc. when suddenly you get an email or phone call from someone you have not heard from for a while and it can take you by surprise.

Get out there, connect with people and surprises will happen, just make sure that you are ready for when they do.

The unexpected can bring other pleasant surprises too. As we are more regularly finding out, some things start to progress in the business without our direct input! These suprises may be the result of our efforts from months or even years ago. Either way, it's nice when it happens.

Here's to the unexpected!

Mahalo

Jon and B'

Keeping solutions, simple.

Setting Your Goals

Last weekend I did a very mad thing! I ran a half marathon dressed in a green morph suit. Historically for me the summer is usually a time to spend with the children, go surfing and sort out jobs on the house. Staying fit is not usually high on the agenda and being in charge of the school cross country team I usually start the new term in September struggling to keep up with the pupils.

I set myself a goal and told everyone about it.

I'd decided to run the race on the August Bank Holiday and train for it throughout the summer. As usual life got in the way and with one month to go I started training!

With the goal to complete the race in a respectable time firmly set, I trained each week and consistently built up the miles and effort. I remained focused and when the green suit arrived I barely had time to try it on before race day. Did I complete the course? - click the link at the bottom of post to find out!

It is vitally important that you set goals within your business. These can be both personal (what do I want to be able to achieve from my business etc.) and business (what level do I want to reach before Christmas etc.) goals. They can be short, medium and long term goals. The key is that you spend time writing them down, focusing on them and then telling people about them! This makes them real and you make yourself accountable.

Goals are dreams with a deadline!

Re-visit yours today and plan the next 90 days. Stay consistent, do a little activity every day and you too will reach the finish line!

Did Jon complete the course? - Click here to find out  http://tinyurl.com/2wme6dt

Mahalo

Jon and B'

Keeping solutions, simple.

Face Your Fears....what are yours?

What is your greatest fear within your business. Is it talking on the telephone, meeting new people, doing a presentation or holding a snake!?

When do these fears develop? Lets take the snake as an example. Last Sunday we had a stand at the 'Summer Declutter' event raising funds for the local children's hospice.

The stall opposite had a number of reptiles that the children could handle. Both Katie (see picture) and Lottie picked up and held the snakes without fear! They had no preconceived fear of the snakes and enjoyed watching them crawl over their hands and arms. Then it was the turn of the parents!

Belinda has a bit of a fear of snakes (unlike me of course) and put on a brave face in front of the children. Even though these snakes were only the babies of adult 7 foot snakes, they were still snakes. Having to hold the snakes in front of the children helped Belinda overcome her fear and by doing so instilled confidence into our children.

Where do these fears come from? Many people, especially when they are new to the business, have a fear of contacting people or talking on the phone. We often get feedback from our team saying that quite often the thought of doing the 'fear' is usually a lot worse than actually doing it. Once you have picked up the phone and started your conversation or introduced yourself at a networking meeting the fear subsides. If you are listening and asking questions that give you the opportunity to get to know more about the person you are talking to the conversation flows.

With practice you will develop confidence and learn to face your fears. That could also include holding a snake!

Mahalo

Jon and B'

Keeping solutions, simple.

Living In A Bubble... go on Burst It!

It was the extreme festival down near the beach last weekend. Rock climbing, street running and a skateboard competition on the halfpipe. Lots of active people all trying out new sports and activities.

Lottie wanted to try Zorbing, so we put her into a big plastic bubble. When we asked how it was afterwards she said it was fun and that although she could see out and see everything it was quiet in there and she could not really hear us.

How many times is your business like living in a bubble?

Sitting behind your computer screen waiting for your business to grow and happen. On-line skills are really important to establish yourself and provide a platform for people to know, like and trust you. But sometimes it is like living in a bubble.

It is also really important to get out and network and meet people face to face. Even when you do go out there might be lots of activity going on around you, just like when Lottie was in the Zorb, but can you hear what they are saying. What are their wants and needs? Are you listening to the people you are networking wth or just telling your own story.

One way of connecting face to face with active, positive people is via networking groups.

The newest kid on the block in the UK is 4networking.They have over 200 venues throughout the country and each fortnightly meeting is full of people looking to share ideas and connect.

For more details and to find your nearest venue visit - www.4networking.biz

Go on 'burst your bubble' and get out there talking to people!

Keeping solutions, simple

Mahalo