For many of us business owners, when the kids go on summer break so do our businesses. With the kids going back to school, many of us get back on track. I know for myself, I do tend to have a busy schedule full of pet sitting and other errands, but I still make plenty of time to hang out with the family. With the kids going back to school, I go back into full business mode during the school year.
Whether the children are going to school part-time or full-time, you still need to have boundaries set. This includes your business hours, when the children are and aren't allowed in your office, what happens when the children are sick or on vacation, and so on. If everyone knows their roles and their boundaries, it is much easier to get through a hectic school year filled with after school and weekend activities and still be productive in your business.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Have you signed up for the Coaching Cafe yet?
Have you had a chance to check out what's being offered at the Errand Guru Coaching Cafe yet? If not, check it out at http://www.angelatyourservice.com/index_files/Page1171.htm. There are many exciting benefits to being a member, including two one-on-one coaching call in days, a Q&A call, a special topic or guest speaker call every month, a private forum, and many other benefits.
The first month is only $14.95 and each month thereafter is $29.95. We will be having some exciting guest speakers coming up in the next few months, but you will only have access to that information if you are a member of the Errand Guru Coaching Cafe.
The first month is only $14.95 and each month thereafter is $29.95. We will be having some exciting guest speakers coming up in the next few months, but you will only have access to that information if you are a member of the Errand Guru Coaching Cafe.
Don't miss our show on Wednesday!
Make sure that you join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET with our guest speaker Christine Saunders. She is the owner of The Spiraled Stem Floral Design. She will be discussing green trends in event planning.The Spiraled Stem incorporates environmentally sustainable flowers, products, materials, and practices into their studio and every project they do. Flowers are often an overlooked element of eco-friendly decor, and now they have made it easy for eco-conscious companies, event planners, individuals and brides to go green in every color.
If you run a business and want to find new ways to provide green services, then this is the segment for you. You can call in live at 646-478-4999 or listen online at www.blogtalkradio.com/errandgurutalk.
I'm back!
After being away for a few weeks, I am back with more information for you. Please make sure that if you haven't had a chance, check out previous blog posts and make any comments you would like regarding the posts. No comments means that I do not know if you like what I am talking about, if any of it makes sense, or whether you are even reading what I write.
Thanks!!!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!!!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Don't miss our show this Wednesday!!!
Join us Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 10:00 am PT/ 1:00 pm ET, with our special guest Maria Ross, as we Marketing on our Errand Guru Talk Radio Show. If you are unsure what the difference is between branding, marketing, and PR, then this is the segment for you.Maria Ross is the President and Chief Marketing Diva of Red Slice. Red Slice is a marketing and communications consultancy that works strategically with your marketing department or serves as a virtual marketing director to build fresh brands, create winning marketing strategies, and flawlessly execute programs.
You can listen live over the Internet or call in over the phone to listen at (646) 478-4999. We also have a live chat during the segment, so if you want to ask a question off the air, we would be happy to answer it for you.
You can visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/errandgurutalk to listen to any of our previous shows we have done.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Easy Office Organization
Easy Office Organization: How To Go From Overwhelmed And Frustrated To Organized And Stress-Free In 48 Hours Or Less. This is an exciting fixed-term membership program designed to teach you how to create the key administrative and online marketing systems in your solo service business. It will cover everything you need to know to achieve office organization success in a step-by-step, bite-sized format.Get a 'sneak peek' at this exciting new program, and sign up for the priority list at: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2492002.
Creating Small Business Websites That Grab Attention
Is your website giving you the results you want?Your website can be a wonderful marketing and educational tool. But what makes a small business owner's website great?
Learn the basics of what you should know to add polish and professionalism to your small business website, everything from the message you deliver to the psychology of the colors you use.
Whether you design your own site or hire someone to do it for you, this-information packed class is for you!
Join Karyn Greenstreet for a six week teleclass that begins July 17, 2008. The dates of the class are:
July 17
July 24
July 31
Aug 7
Aug 14
Aug 21
The cost of the class is $179 and is a great investment!
Click the link for more details and to register for this class. http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2490037
Monday, July 14, 2008
We're on for Tuesday, right?
Just wanted to remind you about Ali Brown's *FREE TELESEMINAR SERIES* that kicks off Tuesday, July 15. And this will be the LAST one of its kind.(In a hurry? Sign up here now: http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=805212 )
Why do I want to make sure you attend?
==> On these calls, Ali is going to reveal the EXACT steps she took to transform her original service-based business to an Internet-based business and skyrocketed her income to multiple 7- figures per year.
(And more importantly, how YOU can do the same.)
During these calls Ali will be sharing with us:
* NEW and easy ways to use EMAIL and the INTERNET to leverage your time, sell FOR you, and put your marketing and sales on autopilot. (You'll love seeing new leads, clients, and customers just drop in your lap.)
* How to STOP marketing one-to-one and START marketing one to thousands... or tens of thousands! (This leverage is your KEY to super-fast income growth.)
* BRAND NEW strategies and secrets Ali's uncovered to grow her business FASTER and attract wealth easier than ever before. (And believe me, your mindset is just as important as your marketing and sales.)
These calls are a sneak preview of Ali's LAST LIVE Online Success Blueprint Workshop, happening in November 2008. (It's already over halfway sold out!)
Take my word for it... you DON'T want to miss this FREE teleseminar series, which is also Ali's LAST free series on this topic ever.
So, won't you join me? The first call is on *Tuesday, July 15* and you can sign up and get the details here now: http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=805212
Ali already has over 2,000 people registered, so it's important you get in on this soon before she has to close it out due to limited space on her bridge lines.
You don't want to miss this for anything.
I'll see you on the calls!
Friday, July 11, 2008
How persistent are you?
My son has been asking me all day when I would take him to the store so that he could go shopping with a gift card he has. Of course I told him later each time he came to me. I had an excuse each time. I was busy with work the first time, I had phone calls the next time, he had to complete his chores before we could go, and on and on. Well, he did everything I had asked him to do and now I am out of excuses. Will I be taking him? Of course. He was persistent about going, never missing a beat.
Why can't we as business owners be persistent too? Just because someone tells you "No" the first time you talk to them doesn't mean that they don't want your services or products. Unless they have stated that they would call the police or threatened you with bodily harm because they really don't want what you have to offer, keep trying.
What you need to do is look over how the first interaction went and figure out what changes you need to make. Was your first contact with them a hard sell? Did you explain to them a summarized version of what they would get from forging a relationship with you? Did your speech sound canned? Did you fumble around with your words because you lacked confidence?
Now is the time to view your "No" prospects as your "Come back and tell me what you can really do to get the sale" prospects. We all faced with people wanting to sell us something. Whether it is the Burger King employee trying to upsell your purchase by asking "Would you like fries with that?" or the flyer you find attached to your door from a local landscaping company or the little girl down the street going door to door with her ice chest trying to sell drinks on a hot day, you need to learn from those that have sold you on their product.
What made you interested in buying from them? Was it the look of the marketing materials? Was it the tone of their voice? Was it the unique way that they told their story to you? Those that are successful are persistent. Look to them for guidance.
Why can't we as business owners be persistent too? Just because someone tells you "No" the first time you talk to them doesn't mean that they don't want your services or products. Unless they have stated that they would call the police or threatened you with bodily harm because they really don't want what you have to offer, keep trying.
What you need to do is look over how the first interaction went and figure out what changes you need to make. Was your first contact with them a hard sell? Did you explain to them a summarized version of what they would get from forging a relationship with you? Did your speech sound canned? Did you fumble around with your words because you lacked confidence?
Now is the time to view your "No" prospects as your "Come back and tell me what you can really do to get the sale" prospects. We all faced with people wanting to sell us something. Whether it is the Burger King employee trying to upsell your purchase by asking "Would you like fries with that?" or the flyer you find attached to your door from a local landscaping company or the little girl down the street going door to door with her ice chest trying to sell drinks on a hot day, you need to learn from those that have sold you on their product.
What made you interested in buying from them? Was it the look of the marketing materials? Was it the tone of their voice? Was it the unique way that they told their story to you? Those that are successful are persistent. Look to them for guidance.
Monday, July 07, 2008
What's your message saying?
As I was heading out to IHOP for breakfast this morning I drove by the local boat shop. They had a banner hanging on the chain link fence in front of their business that said, "You only have 18 summers with your kids. How many do you have left?"
When I first drove by it, I only was able to see the first statement, but it was so intriguing that I made a point of going past the shop after breakfast and stopping to read the rest of it. Why? The message spoke to me personally. I have three kids of my own and the oldest is going to be 16 in September, which means that I only have a few summers left before he heads out on his own. If I was in the market for a boat right now, I would have definitely stopped in to see what else they had to say. Who knows. I may have walked out with a boat.
Are your messages speaking to your customers? Many people are too broad and general with their messages and therefore they don't provoke emotion in their prospective clients getting them to want to purchases their products or services. When you are putting together your messages pretend as if the person you want to reach is right in front of you and you are having a conversation with them. Talk to them and them only and your message should come across loud and clear.
For example, I have two dogs and two birds right now, although my daughter and youngest son are hatching up a plan to go steal a sheep in the middle of the night and bring it home. I know all about what it is like to have to go somewhere and worry about what to do with the animals. My daughter's dog will be a year old in August and I am constantly screaming about something new he has eaten up in our house. The older dog leaves "presents" in the hallway for us all of the time.
If I was putting together a flyer for prospective clients and talking about pet sitting services or mid-day potty breaks, I might state, "Have you come home recently to find your favorite pair of shoes are now your dog's favorite toy? If you have to work all day, let Angel At Your Service come by to check on your dog and make sure that your favorite shoes are where they are supposed to be." Or I could use, "Do you find little deposits all over your house when you come back home after a long day at work? Angel At Your Service can provide mid-day potty breaks so that your pet can take care of things outside and leave your carpet clean on the inside."
Look at your target market and make sure that your message is saying the right thing.
When I first drove by it, I only was able to see the first statement, but it was so intriguing that I made a point of going past the shop after breakfast and stopping to read the rest of it. Why? The message spoke to me personally. I have three kids of my own and the oldest is going to be 16 in September, which means that I only have a few summers left before he heads out on his own. If I was in the market for a boat right now, I would have definitely stopped in to see what else they had to say. Who knows. I may have walked out with a boat.
Are your messages speaking to your customers? Many people are too broad and general with their messages and therefore they don't provoke emotion in their prospective clients getting them to want to purchases their products or services. When you are putting together your messages pretend as if the person you want to reach is right in front of you and you are having a conversation with them. Talk to them and them only and your message should come across loud and clear.
For example, I have two dogs and two birds right now, although my daughter and youngest son are hatching up a plan to go steal a sheep in the middle of the night and bring it home. I know all about what it is like to have to go somewhere and worry about what to do with the animals. My daughter's dog will be a year old in August and I am constantly screaming about something new he has eaten up in our house. The older dog leaves "presents" in the hallway for us all of the time.
If I was putting together a flyer for prospective clients and talking about pet sitting services or mid-day potty breaks, I might state, "Have you come home recently to find your favorite pair of shoes are now your dog's favorite toy? If you have to work all day, let Angel At Your Service come by to check on your dog and make sure that your favorite shoes are where they are supposed to be." Or I could use, "Do you find little deposits all over your house when you come back home after a long day at work? Angel At Your Service can provide mid-day potty breaks so that your pet can take care of things outside and leave your carpet clean on the inside."
Look at your target market and make sure that your message is saying the right thing.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Where do you come up with your pricing?
I was looking at a few pet sitting jobs that had been posted on SitterCity and could not believe some of the pricing that I saw. First, there was an ad from a person who was offering pet sitting/dog walking services. She wanted $50-$100 per visit. The second ad was from a woman who wanted someone to come to her home twice a day for $5-$15 per visit.
I started laughing out loud when I read both of those ads. Why?
The woman who placed the ad for pet sitting services lives about 7 miles from me. My gas to get there and back for each visit alone would cost more than she wanted to pay me. Basically my services would be for free. Why would I provide charity? I am in business and most people go into business to make money.
The woman who placed the ad to provide pet sitting/dog walking services was providing typical services that other pet sitters normally provide. She wasn't offering to cleaning a client's home and prune their bushes so that they spelled out "Welcome Home" when the client arrived back home. I understand the cost of gas has gone up, but please!
Both of these women did not price their pet sitting services right. The first woman's ad continues to stay up because she is underbidding what any respectable, professional pet sitter would ask for in return for their services. The second woman's ad will probably not get her too many clients because there was no real value for the price she was asking.
It is not that hard to go online and see what the going rates are for pet sitting services in your area. The woman who underbid will probably not find a licensed and bonded pet sitter, which she was asking for, for the price she is asking. She will probably have to settle for a neighborhood teenage kid or a relative to watch her animals while she is away. The woman who over quoted her price will find she was double, on the low end of her scale, to quadruple, on the high end of her scale, what others are asking and so her prospective clients will go elsewhere.
I have a pet sitting client who had sent me a confirmation email before his trip and had asked me if my rates had gone up because he wanted to cover the difference. I told him "Yes" and gave him the new rate. He had my check ready for my first visit along with a 20% tip. Why? Because he and his wife understand the true value of my services and are willing to pay my asking rate because his pets have been much happier staying at home instead of a kennel for the last couple of years that I have been pet sitting for them.
When you are putting together your pricing for your services, be reasonable, fair, and make sure that whatever services you are providing offer real value for your asking price.
I started laughing out loud when I read both of those ads. Why?
The woman who placed the ad for pet sitting services lives about 7 miles from me. My gas to get there and back for each visit alone would cost more than she wanted to pay me. Basically my services would be for free. Why would I provide charity? I am in business and most people go into business to make money.
The woman who placed the ad to provide pet sitting/dog walking services was providing typical services that other pet sitters normally provide. She wasn't offering to cleaning a client's home and prune their bushes so that they spelled out "Welcome Home" when the client arrived back home. I understand the cost of gas has gone up, but please!
Both of these women did not price their pet sitting services right. The first woman's ad continues to stay up because she is underbidding what any respectable, professional pet sitter would ask for in return for their services. The second woman's ad will probably not get her too many clients because there was no real value for the price she was asking.
It is not that hard to go online and see what the going rates are for pet sitting services in your area. The woman who underbid will probably not find a licensed and bonded pet sitter, which she was asking for, for the price she is asking. She will probably have to settle for a neighborhood teenage kid or a relative to watch her animals while she is away. The woman who over quoted her price will find she was double, on the low end of her scale, to quadruple, on the high end of her scale, what others are asking and so her prospective clients will go elsewhere.
I have a pet sitting client who had sent me a confirmation email before his trip and had asked me if my rates had gone up because he wanted to cover the difference. I told him "Yes" and gave him the new rate. He had my check ready for my first visit along with a 20% tip. Why? Because he and his wife understand the true value of my services and are willing to pay my asking rate because his pets have been much happier staying at home instead of a kennel for the last couple of years that I have been pet sitting for them.
When you are putting together your pricing for your services, be reasonable, fair, and make sure that whatever services you are providing offer real value for your asking price.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Queen's Last Sale Ever!
This is The Queen's LAST SALE EVER!
What do I mean?
Alicia M Forest, a.k.a. "The Multiple Streams Queen", is in the midst of some creative destruction at Client Abundance, and in doing so, she's having a major sale until June 29 in order to make 'space' for bigger and better things, including a brand-new website.
You see, her network of sites has grown out of control, so she figured it would be less work to simply demolish the entire thing and start over. This is truly a great example of "creative destruction" in order to grow.
Anyway, in the process, she'll be DISCONTINUING 9 products that will NOT be sold on the new website. (They're fine programs, but she said she just wants to focus on bigger fish.)
Topics include writing succcessful sales copy, hosting teleseminars, launching products, hiring an assistant, managing email lists, designing a niche, and more.
So Alicia's having a special CLOSE-OUT EVENT right now, which is only good through Sunday, June 29, 2008.
That means you only have a few days left to grab these products at 50% OFF -- before they disappear forever!
I already picked up a few products myself, and I highly advise you do so as well. You can see the quick list at http://tinyurl.com/4g78xp.
What do I mean?
Alicia M Forest, a.k.a. "The Multiple Streams Queen", is in the midst of some creative destruction at Client Abundance, and in doing so, she's having a major sale until June 29 in order to make 'space' for bigger and better things, including a brand-new website.
You see, her network of sites has grown out of control, so she figured it would be less work to simply demolish the entire thing and start over. This is truly a great example of "creative destruction" in order to grow.
Anyway, in the process, she'll be DISCONTINUING 9 products that will NOT be sold on the new website. (They're fine programs, but she said she just wants to focus on bigger fish.)
Topics include writing succcessful sales copy, hosting teleseminars, launching products, hiring an assistant, managing email lists, designing a niche, and more.
So Alicia's having a special CLOSE-OUT EVENT right now, which is only good through Sunday, June 29, 2008.
That means you only have a few days left to grab these products at 50% OFF -- before they disappear forever!
I already picked up a few products myself, and I highly advise you do so as well. You can see the quick list at http://tinyurl.com/4g78xp.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Do you practice what you preach?
In the errand and concierge industry we are always telling our customers to give up their to-do lists to us so that they can have more free time for themselves, but do we do the same?
When I was younger, I remember a conversation that my mom, sister, and I had. We were talking about how a person who smokes can't tell their child not to smoke, because they are not following their own advice. The child is not going to listen because they are thinking to themselves, "Why shouldn't I smoke? My dad (or mom) smokes. It's really OK to smoke."
The same thing is true with your clients. You can’t try to sell them on giving up their to-do list and enjoy life when you aren’t following that same advice. We all need time everyday to replenish our minds and bodies, even if it is a 20 minute nap, a nice, long bath, or 15 minutes to meditate.
Of course when you are first starting out there is not a lot of money to hire someone to be your right hand man to delegate everything to, but there are a few things you can do.
1. Hire a student to help around your office. Visit local colleges about offering an internship to some of their students. If you need help with your accounting, look for a student studying to be a CPA. Looking for help with your logo? Look to one of the graphic design students.
2. Barter or trade for your services. If you have a stay at home mom who is good at marketing and sales, offer free service to her in exchange for a brochure or sales kit. She gets her errands taken care of and you get some nice marketing materials.
3. Budget in for help. When you are putting together your start up budget, put together a staff budget for a part time VA or personal assistant. You can hire them by the hour or a package deal to handle some of the administrative tasks so you can spend your time networking and building relationships with potential clients.
Remember that there are leaders and followers. Lead by example.
When I was younger, I remember a conversation that my mom, sister, and I had. We were talking about how a person who smokes can't tell their child not to smoke, because they are not following their own advice. The child is not going to listen because they are thinking to themselves, "Why shouldn't I smoke? My dad (or mom) smokes. It's really OK to smoke."
The same thing is true with your clients. You can’t try to sell them on giving up their to-do list and enjoy life when you aren’t following that same advice. We all need time everyday to replenish our minds and bodies, even if it is a 20 minute nap, a nice, long bath, or 15 minutes to meditate.
Of course when you are first starting out there is not a lot of money to hire someone to be your right hand man to delegate everything to, but there are a few things you can do.
1. Hire a student to help around your office. Visit local colleges about offering an internship to some of their students. If you need help with your accounting, look for a student studying to be a CPA. Looking for help with your logo? Look to one of the graphic design students.
2. Barter or trade for your services. If you have a stay at home mom who is good at marketing and sales, offer free service to her in exchange for a brochure or sales kit. She gets her errands taken care of and you get some nice marketing materials.
3. Budget in for help. When you are putting together your start up budget, put together a staff budget for a part time VA or personal assistant. You can hire them by the hour or a package deal to handle some of the administrative tasks so you can spend your time networking and building relationships with potential clients.
Remember that there are leaders and followers. Lead by example.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Blog Squad Free Preview Call
The Blog Squad is giving you a chance to learn from their mistakes so you can make twice as much money in 2008, in half the time.
I've been learning a few tricks from them myself recently and I know they always over-deliver in their classes - even on their free calls.
You don't want to miss this free session on June 24: 5 Internet Marketing Traps That Can Derail Your Business
Presented by The Blog Squad, Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman, in partnership with Kathleen Gage, the Street Smarts Marketer
Tuesday, June 24 @ 6 p.m. ET
FREE!
Of course, you know there's a reason for the freebie: it's a preview call to introduce you to a 4-week, in-depth mentoring program starting July 1, 2008.
The best way to find out if they have something worthwhile to teach you is to attend the free class and sample their stuff...
Sort of like a pink spoon sample of good things to come.
Even if the course doesn't work for you, the free call will provide plenty of valuable information you can't afford not to know.
Find out what they are going to reveal on this free call and then register. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Click here to register
To your success!
I've been learning a few tricks from them myself recently and I know they always over-deliver in their classes - even on their free calls.
You don't want to miss this free session on June 24: 5 Internet Marketing Traps That Can Derail Your Business
Presented by The Blog Squad, Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman, in partnership with Kathleen Gage, the Street Smarts Marketer
Tuesday, June 24 @ 6 p.m. ET
FREE!
Of course, you know there's a reason for the freebie: it's a preview call to introduce you to a 4-week, in-depth mentoring program starting July 1, 2008.
The best way to find out if they have something worthwhile to teach you is to attend the free class and sample their stuff...
Sort of like a pink spoon sample of good things to come.
Even if the course doesn't work for you, the free call will provide plenty of valuable information you can't afford not to know.
Find out what they are going to reveal on this free call and then register. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Click here to register
To your success!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What do you think?
I try to write a blog that is fun, witty, and informative. All I hear over here are crickets chirping. Either I am boring you or you just don't have an opinion. I would love to hear your comments to any of my blog posts. Just click on the "comment" link at the end of any post that you want to and start to get off your chest whatever you have to say. I know it will make you feel much better when you are done.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Better Business Blogging Report
Ever wonder if you're getting the best results you can from your business blog? Wonder if your design is optimized? ...if you could do better?
My friends, The Blog Squad (Patsi Krakoff, Psy.D. and Denise Wakeman), say most business blogging professionals don't know what they really need to know to get better results from their blogging efforts.
They say, "Most bloggers leave their blog parked in the garage and only take it out for a drive on Sundays!"
They've been studying what works for business blogging since 2004. Now, The Blog Squad is giving away their free report, "Better Business Blogging: 4 New Concepts for Getting Spectacular Results!"
What can you learn from this report? Click here.
* How to get faster at blog posting so it doesn't eat up all your time
* How to come up with great blog content that "wows" your readers
* How the design of your blog creates trust with readers...or not!
* How to vastly improve the number of subscribers and readers through a blog outreach program
* How to get readers to take action that turns them into fans and customers
Download the Blog Squad's free report and learn what you need to do to take your blog to the next level.
Click here to get your copy of the free Better Business Blogging Report.
Don't miss this opportunity to improve your business blogging efforts and start getting even more spectacular results from your blog.
To your success!
Angel Wilder
My friends, The Blog Squad (Patsi Krakoff, Psy.D. and Denise Wakeman), say most business blogging professionals don't know what they really need to know to get better results from their blogging efforts.
They say, "Most bloggers leave their blog parked in the garage and only take it out for a drive on Sundays!"
They've been studying what works for business blogging since 2004. Now, The Blog Squad is giving away their free report, "Better Business Blogging: 4 New Concepts for Getting Spectacular Results!"
What can you learn from this report? Click here.
* How to get faster at blog posting so it doesn't eat up all your time
* How to come up with great blog content that "wows" your readers
* How the design of your blog creates trust with readers...or not!
* How to vastly improve the number of subscribers and readers through a blog outreach program
* How to get readers to take action that turns them into fans and customers
Download the Blog Squad's free report and learn what you need to do to take your blog to the next level.
Click here to get your copy of the free Better Business Blogging Report.
Don't miss this opportunity to improve your business blogging efforts and start getting even more spectacular results from your blog.
To your success!
Angel Wilder
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Delegating is not so easy!
I had almost given up on chores being done in my house. I was watching Supernanny the other night (OK, you caught me in a weak moment) and she put together a rotating chore list for the family's four kids to do. I thought that it might work with my family because I had been assigning specific chores to each of the kids. After a while, they gave up and always had an excuse why things could not get done. "He didn't do his chores so I am not doing mine." "I hate doing the kitchen because everyone just dumps their stuff everywhere." The pain and misery could go on and on.
I decided to create a chore list but switch off the chores so that each of the kids are doing a couple of different chores every day. For example, with vacuuming the living room, it rotates every other third day for the three kids and then I get Sundays to vacuum. I put together the chore list in Word and color coded everything and then printed out a copy for everyone that was to be taped to their bedroom doors. As I handed out the chore lists and explained the new system, I heard some grumblings at first. I was thinking to myself, "This is never going to work."
Guess what? It did. The kids were even helping each other out a bit. I almost fell over from a heart attack, but kept my composure. I will definitely have to keep you updated next week to let you know how the first full week went, but I have to say that I am hopeful that the new system will work out.
When I worked in Corporate America I was easily bored with my job because of the same menial tasks day in and day out. I always wanted to trade my job with someone else's just for a taste of something different. When it comes to your business, sometimes you just have to delegate the stuff you don't like to do or know how to do or just don't have time to do. If you have a group of tasks that can be delegated between a group of staff members, then set up your own rotating task list. Not only will it help keep your staff from that dreaded "I want to do something new" attitude, but it will help you to stay in balance should someone leave your business or get sick or go on vacation.
When there are no checks and balance, things can go wrong. In my college accounting class, my professor would relate stories all of the time about how someone embezzled money from the company because they were the only one doing the books. What if you were in a car accident and were taken to the hospital. Would you staff know how to complete a pet sit or put together invoices? If you are not training your staff how to run your business, you are setting yourself up for a disaster down the road.
Delegate for your own good!
I decided to create a chore list but switch off the chores so that each of the kids are doing a couple of different chores every day. For example, with vacuuming the living room, it rotates every other third day for the three kids and then I get Sundays to vacuum. I put together the chore list in Word and color coded everything and then printed out a copy for everyone that was to be taped to their bedroom doors. As I handed out the chore lists and explained the new system, I heard some grumblings at first. I was thinking to myself, "This is never going to work."
Guess what? It did. The kids were even helping each other out a bit. I almost fell over from a heart attack, but kept my composure. I will definitely have to keep you updated next week to let you know how the first full week went, but I have to say that I am hopeful that the new system will work out.
When I worked in Corporate America I was easily bored with my job because of the same menial tasks day in and day out. I always wanted to trade my job with someone else's just for a taste of something different. When it comes to your business, sometimes you just have to delegate the stuff you don't like to do or know how to do or just don't have time to do. If you have a group of tasks that can be delegated between a group of staff members, then set up your own rotating task list. Not only will it help keep your staff from that dreaded "I want to do something new" attitude, but it will help you to stay in balance should someone leave your business or get sick or go on vacation.
When there are no checks and balance, things can go wrong. In my college accounting class, my professor would relate stories all of the time about how someone embezzled money from the company because they were the only one doing the books. What if you were in a car accident and were taken to the hospital. Would you staff know how to complete a pet sit or put together invoices? If you are not training your staff how to run your business, you are setting yourself up for a disaster down the road.
Delegate for your own good!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Don't miss our show this Friday!!!!!!
Join us Friday, May 23, 2008, at 10:00 am PT/ 1:00 pm ET, with our special guest Julie Watson Smith as we discuss Aligning Family and Business for Effortless Success on our Errand Guru Talk Radio Show.You can listen live over the Internet or call in over the phone to listen at (646) 478-4999. We also have a live chat during the segment, so if you want to ask a question off the air, we would be happy to answer it for you.
You can visit www.blogtalkradio.com/errandgurutalk to listen to any of our previous shows we have done.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Are you sitting on your laurels?
There is a lot that can be learned about people by observing their habits. For those people who complain about how they just can't seem to get ahead, most of the time they are not taking any action to get ahead. You will find them in front of a TV or in front of their computer, doing nothing but passing the time. For those that are ahead of the game, you will find them reading books, attending seminars, networking with others, and looking for opportunities to grow.
For myself, you will probably catch me watching the evening news about once or twice a month and even then it is for only about 10 or 15 minutes. Why? Because if I really want to know what is going on the world I can call my mom to find out or check it out on the web. I can scan the local newspaper online for what I want to read and then I move on with my day.
I want to spend my time with my family, learn new things, and grow my business. I can't do that glued to the television. Knowledge is power and you can't have the power if you give it away to the networks. Now I am not saying that TV is bad for you, but as with all things in life, moderation is key. I watch Jeopardy every day of the week, because it stimulates my mind. I also watch Women's Murder Club because that is how I like to unwind on a Friday night.
They key to a successful family and business life is to take advantage of all that is around you. Set aside time to attend the concert series at your local park this summer or join a book club at your local library. By opening up your mind to new things you are also opening up new doors of opportunities for you.
For myself, you will probably catch me watching the evening news about once or twice a month and even then it is for only about 10 or 15 minutes. Why? Because if I really want to know what is going on the world I can call my mom to find out or check it out on the web. I can scan the local newspaper online for what I want to read and then I move on with my day.
I want to spend my time with my family, learn new things, and grow my business. I can't do that glued to the television. Knowledge is power and you can't have the power if you give it away to the networks. Now I am not saying that TV is bad for you, but as with all things in life, moderation is key. I watch Jeopardy every day of the week, because it stimulates my mind. I also watch Women's Murder Club because that is how I like to unwind on a Friday night.
They key to a successful family and business life is to take advantage of all that is around you. Set aside time to attend the concert series at your local park this summer or join a book club at your local library. By opening up your mind to new things you are also opening up new doors of opportunities for you.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
How are you handling your receipts?
Paper, paper everywhere. Everyone has a pile of papers in their home somewhere. I know mine keeps growing and growing, even though my intentions to rid myself of it are good. What about all of the receipts that people hoard. You know you don't want to lose your receipt so that you can easily return an item that is broken, doesn't fit, or that you just didn't like, but what if you can never find the receipt because it is lost in a pile of paper somewhere?
For those of us in the errand and concierge service industry, we handle receipts on a daily basis. Whether it is picking up groceries for a client or taking a car in for service or paying for dry cleaning, the receipts stack up. Instead of the clutter growing in your office or your client's home, why not use a service that will help you with the receipts. Someone sent me an email about a great service that I think many people are going to jump on the bandwagon for. It is called Shoeboxed and you can visit their website at www.shoeboxed.com. Many people are calling it the "Netflix for Receipts."
Think about it. If you charge, for example, $30 per hour and you waste 1/2 an hour of your time trying to dig up a receipt to send a copy to your client or because your accountant asked for it for a tax return, that's like flushing $15 down the toilet. Why? I would rather pay someone to take care of my receipts for me especially if the cost to pay them is cheaper than what I charge per hour and I can use that time to bill a client for running errands and still make money.
We are telling others to delegate their errands to us to make their lives easier and we should be doing the same. Outsourcing and delegate are two words that should definitely be in your vocabulary and used regularly. Instead of continually working in our business, we should be spending more time working on our business to help it grow.
For those of us in the errand and concierge service industry, we handle receipts on a daily basis. Whether it is picking up groceries for a client or taking a car in for service or paying for dry cleaning, the receipts stack up. Instead of the clutter growing in your office or your client's home, why not use a service that will help you with the receipts. Someone sent me an email about a great service that I think many people are going to jump on the bandwagon for. It is called Shoeboxed and you can visit their website at www.shoeboxed.com. Many people are calling it the "Netflix for Receipts."
Think about it. If you charge, for example, $30 per hour and you waste 1/2 an hour of your time trying to dig up a receipt to send a copy to your client or because your accountant asked for it for a tax return, that's like flushing $15 down the toilet. Why? I would rather pay someone to take care of my receipts for me especially if the cost to pay them is cheaper than what I charge per hour and I can use that time to bill a client for running errands and still make money.
We are telling others to delegate their errands to us to make their lives easier and we should be doing the same. Outsourcing and delegate are two words that should definitely be in your vocabulary and used regularly. Instead of continually working in our business, we should be spending more time working on our business to help it grow.
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