Be Militant With Your Time

We all have twenty-four hours in a day and seven days a week. Given that we are all equal on that level, how is it that some people seem to accomplish so much more than others? One important key is realizing our ability to pick and choose how and where we spend our time. Get over the "I don't have time" mentality - you DO have time. Lots of it. Embrace your freedom to allot your time wherever you choose to place it. Learning this simple concept will change the way you live your life ... and how you do business.

What Have You Done?

What have you done this week to improve yourself? If you haven't done anything to improve yourself, then don't expect your business to improve.

Have you researched effective networking techniques? Have you Googled social media strategies? Did you sign up for any seminars? Have you read any good books lately? Check out the book recommendations on my sidebar - they are a great place to start.

The greater your knowledge base becomes, the sounder your business practices will become. If you personally get on the road to excellence, your business will follow. It may seem counter-productive to take time out of your busy day to study up on business strategies and techniques, but the return on investment will be evident in a long-term way.

Remember this quote from Jim Rohn:

"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."

Summer Strategies

I've spent a lot of time in the past couple of weeks with various people, companies, and organizations that have dusted off the barbecue and welcomed everyone to share the good food, good company and good times. Events like these, especially with a sponsored charity to which the proceeds of the feast will go, are a great way to make an impact on the community and open your doors to the public. The weather in our fair city hasn't been ideal over the last little while, but let's face it: rain or shine, a good burger (or sausage) will bring out a smile. Especially one made from good old Alberta beef.

Have you considered ways that your business can have more impact on the community, and thereby up your profile in the public eye? Why not sponsor a streetside event that will draw crowds to the smell of great-tasting food? Have you updated your window display to cater to the fresh feel of a hot summer day, and followed it up with a little something that every person who walks through your door can take back out with them? Will your business be featured in the downtown events that will celebrate the upcoming national holiday and Whoop-Up Days? Will your float have something to offer spectators as it tours the streets during the parade? How many billboards have your unique name, brand and effective marketing message on them; and, are these strategically located to focus on your target market?

Summer is a time of rest and relaxation for a lot of people. Will your business be the one handing them a drink as they lounge in a poolside chair? Help make this summer the best summer yet for your community - offer them the best your business has to offer, and show it to them in value and rewards that they don't always have to pay for.